Farmers Classic Semifinals Set

Written by: Staff on 27th July 2012

Farmers Classic Semifinals Set |

Los Angeles, CA – Two Americans square off in the men’s semifinals at the Farmers Classic as Sam Querrey takes on Rajeev Ram for a final berth. The other semi features a lonely qualifier and Aussie Marinko Matosevic. A surprise to all, qualifer Ricardas Berankis dismissed #4 seed Nicolas Mahut 6-4 6-4 in the quarterfinals in an impressive showing of power and determination. The young Lithuanian is traveling alone without a coach and had to win three rounds of qualifying matches before putting together more wins over Phau, Andreev, and now Mahut. After his matches, Berankis spends his time by the stringer’s room, cooling down his body and talking on the phone with his distant support groups. Marinko Matosevic came through against Michael Russell 6-2, 6-3 as he adds to his year with another good showing at an ATP 250 event.

Sam Querrey is a man on a mission. He’s hired a new trainer to look after his body and all week Sam has been gearing up his body pre-match and post-match more than any other player in the draw. His strong serving numbers and blistering forehands are two of the biggest weapons in the draw and he’s moving well. His opponent Thursday night was Xavier Malisse and it was unfortunate to see the great champion nursing his left patella tendon. With his movement hobbled, Malisse was forced to retire after going down a break in the second set. The attendees of the night session knew how big a match up this was and their reserved and respectful nature produced a great night atmosphere at Straus Stadium. Querrey’s fan group, the Samurais, chanted their cheers and provided quite humorous motivational sayings for their big man during change overs. The usual and customary gong that they bang after Sam hits an ace or a winner adds even more humor to the situation. The fans that did not get enough of Querrey were rewarded when he reappeared on court with partner Steve Johnson as they won their doubles quarterfinal match against Adil Shamasdin and Raven Klaasen 7-6(5), 6-4. Brad Gilbert was also spotted at the Querrey v Malisse match but he was not in Querrey’s camp. Querrey and Gilbert are an unofficial team that began working together in March at the Indian Wells Masters.

Rajeev Ram managed to claw his way to a 7-6(3), 6-3 win over #3 seed Leonardo Mayer. Ram has been protecting his serve well all week by following it to net and knocking off volleys or changing the pace and drawing errors. Mayer struggled to find the court, committing too many unforced errors on big points. Saturday’s matches begin at 1pm Pacific time with Matosevic vs Berankis.