Sam Querrey defeated fellow American Mardy Fish 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 to win the grass title at Queen’s club, his third trophy of the season.
“The conditions were pretty tough out there, the windiest day of the week so far,” said Querrey. “I just tried to stay level-headed and keep my composure, and fortunately I got through it.
“I really wanted to focus on my service games the whole week, which I did a great job of. I was more worried about my attitude and the way I played rather than how far I got in the tournament.
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Querrey took the opening set in a tiebreaker after producing back-to-back love games against his mate with whom he shares a part-time coach.
After taking the lead after 42 minutes, Querrey put his firepower on display with a love game comprised of four aces which took less than 30 seconds to complete at the start of the second set.
“I was serving downwind, I had that bit of help,” said Querrey.
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“It never happens but I’ll take it.” Querrey broke Fish for a 3-2 lead in the second set on the way to pounding out the win on the second of three match points as Fish mishandled a volley return at the net.
“I’m not sure what just happened,” said Florida’s Fish. “I thought I was taking care of serve well — and here we are.” ” Querrey’s victory was his 25th this season against 13 losses. He stands 1-1 with Fish after losing to his friend in Los Angeles in 2007.
“I’m playing great on the grass, and now I’ve got a week to practice and regroup,” said the winner. “Then I’m looking forward to Wimbledon next Monday.” Both finalists will take next week off from tournament play, training privately at Wimbledon with the Grand Slam starting June 21.