Querrey To Challenge Murray In LA

Second seeded Sam Querrey looked outplayed and down and out until he dug deep inside himself and simply refused to lose on Saturday. Janko Tipsarevic certainly had the better of the play through the first set and leading 5-1 in the second set tiebreaker, but Querrey turned the tide by winning both of the Serb’s two service points and then running off three more points to steal the set in the 6-7 (3), 7-6 (5), 6-4 victory.

Neither player was able to convert a break point until the first game of the third set when Tipsarevic gained the early advantage. Tipsarevic fought off five set points in the 11th game of the first set and missed a match point opportunity at 5-4 in the second set.

Querrey relied on his big serve to get out of trouble on numerous occasions. Even though the American lost the first game of the third set, he quickly got the match back on serve. However, he was forced to hold nine break point chances in the final set.

Meanwhile, Tipsarevic had answers for Querrey’s ground game and retrieved every drop shot the American attempted. After the match the Serb rued his missed opportunities saying, “I should never have lost this match.”

The 22-year old Querrey has shown his stamina and competitive spirit by going three sets against Tipsarevic, three sets with German Rainer Schuettler and three sets with South African Kevin Anderson. The match against Tipsarevic lasted two hours and 47 minutes.

When Andy Murray and Querrey square off on Sunday, the American will be seeking his fourth ATP title of the year. Murray captured six titles last year but has not won an event this season. Ever since the finals in Melbourne, Murray’s play and focus have been inconsistent.

Against the fourth seeded left-hander, Feliciano Lopez, Murray followed that pattern. The top seed opened with an easy 6-0 set by losing the second set 1-6 before claiming the victory with a 6-4 third set. It may be Murray’s lack of intensity that separates him from the game’s top two players.

There is no question that Nadal and Federer know how to finish matches. When it comes time to drop the anvil, Murray seems to lack the motivation. Murray is serving decisively and he is regarded as the one of the best returners in the game. If his return is working, it could be a quick day for Querrey.

However, if Murray is not focused Querrey will win the match. The American knows how to put opponents away. Murray holds a 4-0 career record against Querrey.

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