Querrey claims Farmers Classic title
American Sam Querrey beat out Brit Andy Murray to claim the Farmers Classic title in Los Angeles. Querrey came away victorious on Sunday with a score of 5-7, 7-6 (2), 6-3.
“In the second and third sets I played great, some of the best tennis I’ve played,” the American said. “It was easier today with everyone behind me.”
Querrey won the Farmers Classic last year and defending the title in his hometown of Los Angeles, the American got enthusiastic support from the crowd. His victory at the Farmers Classic was even sweeter, since this was the first time that Querrey was able to beat Murray in their five career face-offs. Murray is currently ranked in the world’s top five players, while Querrey is ranked number 20 and was seeded as the No. 2 player in the tournament behind Murray who entered the tournament as a wild card.
Twice the charmer
By defending his title, Querrey became only the second player to win the Farmers Classic twice since 2001, when Andre Agassi came away with a repeat win.
While Querrey enjoyed the spotlight, Murray was less than pleased with yet another loss following a strong showing throughout the tournament.
Querrey serves big for match
Querrey faced a challenge in the match with Murray since the Brit had won each time during their five previous matches. Querrey employed an aggressive strategy, hammering out the serves, and coming back from being down a set to win the match.
Querrey now has a total of four titles for the season, only one behind recent Wimbledon 2010 title winner and world No. 1 Rafael Nadal.
“I wasn’t going to give it to him,” Querrey spoke of his match against Murray. “I was going to make him come up with a shot to beat me.”
Murray in a flurry
Murray had not planned to appear at the Farmers Classic, yet came into the tournament as the top seed after being given the chance to replace Novak Djokovic. After his impressive showing on grass court at Wimbledon, Murray was happy for the opportunity to polish his game on the Los Angeles hard court in anticipation of the upcoming US Open 2010.
Djokovic’s withdrawal opened up the perfect opportunity for Murray, yet despite his winning record against Querrey, he was unable to pull through, losing the match amidst a flurry of somewhat aggressive outbursts.
The Brit attributed his loss to fatigue. “I’ve got to be happy getting to the final and having chances to win,” he said. “I didn’t play my best tennis. Just tired.”
At one point in the third set of the match, Murray’s foreheand went into the net, causing an angry reaction from the Brit, who fisted his racket right into the strings, coming away with bloody knuckles.
There was a break opportunity for Murray in the final game, yet he failed to capitalize on it, letting Querrey’s forehand winner level it at deuce. Striking an unforced error on yet another backhand, Murray let it slide at match point, throwing the title victory right into Querrey’s hands.
Querrey preps for US Open
Querrey was visibly exhilarated after his win over Murray, since he was not only able to beat the Brit for the first time in his career, but simultaneously came away with another Farmers Classic win, a welcome title defense for the American, especially in his hometown.
“To beat a top ten guy, I think that’s the highest ranked guy I’ve ever beat and this is the first time that I actually got to defend a title because the Vegas tournament went away so it was a little extra pressure but I’m very proud of myself.” Querrey commented.
Querrey is now on track to continue training on hard court in the lead up to the US Open 2010 Grand Slam, which he has previously graced with a fourth round appearance back in 2008.
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