Sam Querrey overpowers injured Xavier Malisse in quarters – Farmers Classic 2012
Second seed, Sam Querrey, recorded a 6-2, 3-1 retirement victory against the Belgian star, Xavier Malisse, in straight sets at the Farmers Classic 2012 on Friday. He was leading 3-1 in the second set when the fifth seed was forced to retire from a right
knee injury in the quarter-finals at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 250 series event held in Los Angeles, United States.
The 2009 and 2010 champion, Querrey re-ignited his spark this season to secure a final four berth at this outdoor hard court event. Both tennis stars were facing each other for the third time and after registering this retirement victory in 36 minutes, the
American improved to a 3-0 lifetime in the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head series against Malisse.
"It feels great," Querrey stated in a post match press conference. "It was a little unfortunate for Xavier tonight, but I feel like I played well in the set-and-a-half we got done there."
Querrey got the early break en route to his 4-1 lead at the Los Angeles Tennis Center. He held his remaining serves with poise and cashed in another break chance in the last game, eventually sealing the deal with a 6-2 win.
The 57th ranked American kept momentum running towards the second set and held his serve in the opening game to take the initial lead. He cashed in the lone break chance to leap to a 3-1 lead before Malisse was forced to pull out from the tournament.
Overall, the 24-year-old clobbered a better first serve share of 69 per cent as opposed to his opponent’s 56 per cent and spectacularly marked 19 out of 20 points on it.
Querrey will face off his compatriot, Rajeev Ram, in the final four.
''I'll have to serve well and return well,'' Querrey said about his next match-up against his fellow American. ''He's got a great serve. He plays a little different, some serve and volley and a lot of backhand slices. I'll have to be patient and hopefully
return well off his serve.''
The world number 117 stunned third seeded Leonardo Mayer in straight sets to set up this battle.
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