NEWPORT– Rajeev Ram upset fellow American Sam Querrey to win the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.  Ram lost the first set in a tie break, but came back to win the next 2 7-5, 6-3 to capture his first ATP title.  Ram says it’s a big deal to get his first title.

This was the first all American final since Taylor Dent beat James Black in 2002.  Ram was not even supposed to be in this tournament.  He was a lucky loser inserted into the draw when Mardy Fish dropped out to replace Andy Roddick in the Davis Cup.

Ram served and volleyed throughout the match, while Querrey stayed back and relied on his serve and big forehand.  Querrey broke the tournament record with 80 aces this week, but his serving was not quite as sharp today, only getting in 56% of his first serves.  Querrey’s serve had only been broken once this week, but this afternoon Ram broke 4 times.  Querrey had opportunities of his own, but on break point chances, Ram came up with big first serves, quickly wiping away any opening.

Ram entered the week ranked 181 and he is the lowest ranked player to win an ATP event this year.  With the victory, he will improve to a projected 111^th in the world.

Fun Fact:  The chair umpire for this match was Lars Graff, the same man who called the epic Wimbledon Final between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick last week.

-Becs