Sam Querrey backed up his 2009 title at the Farmers Classic, winning the event for the second year in a row at the expense of top-seed Andy Murray 5-7, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3.
The victory in just under two and a half hours marked the fourth ATP trophy this season for the local Californian, who thrilled his home crowd with his fighting upset of the world number four.
Querrey, 20th, came to the court having never won a set against Murray in four previous meetings. He put that right as he saved a match point with the top seed up a set and leading 5-4.
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Murray’s backhand wide at that crucial juncture gave new life to Querrey, who increased his level to slowly turn the tide through a winning tiebreaker for a set apiece after losing the opener on a double-fault. Querrey secured the title with a late break in the third.
The winner fired a modest nine aces and broke his frustrated opponent twice. Murray cracked a racket in a third set bout of frustration as well as bloodying his knuckles as he scraped them across his strings during a particularly depressing stage near the end.
“I know Andy was planning to take the week off and train, but I’m glad he came here to rescue the event,” said Querrey.
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“It was a huge help that a top ten guy came here. I had four really tough matches this week, very emotional. It feels great to win it again, it’s a big moment for me.” Murray now stands without a trophy this season, his last coming in Valencia in November. He was playing his first final since losing at the Australian Open against Roger Federer.
“I have to congratulate Sam, he came through a week of three-set matches,” said Murray, who kept his disappointment in check. “Even if it was his home tournament, I still had my support, this was my first time here and I mainly enjoyed it.”