Farmers Classic 2012: Sam Querry's Momentum Will Lead to Victory in LA

Sam Querrey needs just two more victories to win the 2012 Farmers Classic, and he has everything working in his favor right now.

The tournament is taking place in Los Angeles, while many of the top athletes are competing in London. The absence of all the big names opens the door for Querrey to win an ATP tournament.

The 24-year-old is ranked No. 57 in the world and has been playing excellent tennis in his home state.

Querrey earned a first-round bye after getting the second seed at the tournament, and then went on to justify his high rank. He easily handled Igor Sijsling in consecutive sets, both by a score of 6-2.

Next, he took a commanding lead against fifth-seeded Xavier Malisse, before the Belgian retired the match due to injury.

This sets up a semifinal match with Rajeev Ram, a relatively unknown American who pulled off a surprising victory over Leonardo Mayer, the No. 3 seed in the tournament. Ram’s magic has likely run out, and he will not be able to make a pattern out of upsetting favored opponents.

Querrey is comfortable right now, and it has kept him in excellent form since he opened play in L.A. 

"I just love playing at home in front of my family and friends," Querrey said, via Yahoo Sports. 

If all goes according to plan, Querrey will move past Ram and meet the winner of Ricardas Berankis vs. Marinko Matosevic in the finals. Matosevic is the sixth-seeded player in the tournament, and Berankis reached the semis by upsetting Nicolas Mahut.

Both players have been impressive thus far, but neither has built as much momentum as Querrey.

His confidence surely swelled after getting a high seed, and his play reflected that swagger. He essentially has a home-court advantage, and the crowd’s cheers have fueled his victories.

Querrey is the highest-seeded player left, and he is playing the best tennis. None of the four remaining players will be able to stop him.