American prospect Ryan Sweeting reached his first ATP Tour final by defeating Ivo Karlovic in straight sets at the US Men's Clay Court Championships in Houston.

23025 - Wildcard Sweeting reaches first ATP Tour final

Wildcard entrant Sweeting, the world No. 93, boosted the home following - who were stunned by the early exit of American No. 1 Mardy Fish - after triumphing 7-6(3) 3-6 in 98 minutes on court.

In a battle between two ferocious servers, Karlovic hammered down ten more aces than his opponent - but it was Sweeting who had the edge in the groundstroke battles, allowing him to clinch the one break of the match.

His opponent will be Kei Nishikori, who recovered from a break down in the second set to win 6-3 7-5 against Pablo Cuevas.

Top seed Albert Montanes was stunned at the semi-final stage of the Grand Prix Hassan II, losing 6-4 6-4 to Pablo Andujar. Andujar, the world No. 69, showed remarkable resilience on his way to an unlikely victory, saving 13 of 16 break points.

He will play Potito Starace, who beat Victor Hanescu 6-1 6-7(3) 7-6(2), in the final.