Good vibes for qualifier Ball after losing LA Open final

LOS ANGELES: Little-known Australian qualifier Carsten Ball reflected on the positives after his fairytale run at the LA Open ended at the last hurdle on Sunday with defeat by American Sam Querrey.

"I take away a lot of confidence," left-hander Ball told reporters after losing to the heavily fancied sixth seed 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 in the tournament final at the LA Tennis Center.

"It's been a good breakout week. I'd never won a round in an ATP tournament before but hopefully this is a start and I can keep up my confidence and keep playing well.