Tennis: Querrey wins third Los Angeles Open title

Sam Querrey of the US hits a backhand return against Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania in the final of the Farmer Classic Tennis tournament at UCLA in Los Angeles on July 29, 2012 in California. Querrey defeated Berankis 6-0, 6-2 to win the tournament. AFP/FREDERIC J. BROWN

LOS ANGELES – Sam Querrey won his opening nine games en route to his third title at the Los Angeles Open on Sunday as the second seed crushed qualifier Ricardas Berankis 6-0, 6-2.

Querrey claimed his 13th straight victory at the UCLA campus venue as he joined Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors and Andre Agassi as a three-time winner on the hardcourts.

“It feels pretty good to be mentioned with those guys, they all did some pretty amazing things,” said Querrey.

Querrey lifted trophies here in 2009 and 2010, missing 2011 as he recovered from elbow surgery.

The American, ranked 57th overall, will gain an estimated 20 places on the world rankings as a result of his title – the seventh of his ATP Tour career.

Berankis, first player from Lithuania to play in an ATP final, was overwhelmed for the first set and a half before winning his first game for 1-3 with a drop shot.

Querrey also set a tournament record with the least games lost in a final. The previous best was just three losses by Jimmy Connors in 1982 here.

“I feel like I always play well here,” said Querrey.

“I grew up playing in this area and I’m comfortable on this court. It all came together for me this week – especially today.”

Berankis, ranked 141 in the world is a former world junior champion. He appeared to be heading for what would have been the first 6-0, 6-0 loss in a final in ATP Tour history before he found his game in the second set.

Querrey finished with eight aces, 17 winners and broke the European five times. Berankis committed 19 unforced errors in the biggest match of his career.

Querrey took full advantage of his opponent’s rookie status, “He was a bit nervous, but I just focussed on my game, my serve and my forehand.

“When I was up 6-0, 3-0, I knew that I would not just cruise for three more games. I knew there would be some tough moments. I got through some tight points with my serve and won them.”

“I’d not seen him play too much but I knew what to expect from his game. I just focussed on me and let him see if he could beat my game.”

The big hitter hopes to carry his momentum forward into next week’s Washington event.

“I just want to keep this up and keep playing well this summer. I want to keep it going. I’m gonna try to continue and ride the train and play well through the US Open. I want to be seeded there.”

“I’d also love to get back into the top 20. My goal is to stay injury-free, and I’m feeling great right now.”