Sam Querrey hits a big ball, but Lukasz Kubot hit a bigger one today at the Australian Open. With a small but vocal group of supporters cheering each of his 75 winners, the Pole scored a sizable upset by defeating No. 18 Sam Querrey 5-7, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 8-6.
Kubot fought two physical problems Monday: His own ailments, in the later stages of this contest, and his opponent, the 6'6" American. Querrey rode his first serve throughout the match, his height giving the shot even more bite. But Kubot returned about as well as he could have, and when it became a test of ground strokes, he was the superior player. Kubot flexed his muscles with his sleeveless shirt and his speedy forehand, which moved through the court.
As far as Querrey goes, the loss is a tough one to take. He'll face more questions about his inability to come through in the biggest tournaments, hardly an enjoyable way to start his season. The concerns surrounding Querrey were once about his physical limitations—he was tall, but could he move? Did he have the strength to hunker down in the heat of battle? I think he's shown that he does, having won four tournaments last season. But does he believe that he can be a Top 10-caliber player? Is there a mental hurdle that appears at the Masters and the majors? Those questions should linger with Sam until Indian Wells.
—Ed McGrogan