LOS ANGELES - Sam Querrey, the two-time defending champion, will return to Farmers Classic, presented by Mercedes-Benz, July 25-31 at the Los Angeles Tennis Center on the campus of UCLA.

Querrey joins 2008 champion Juan Martin del Potro in the field for the 2011 event.  

"To have the champions from our last three years is great for tennis and the Farmers Classic," said Tournament Director Bob Kramer. "With Sam's local ties and vocal fanbase here, he always brings a lot of energy to the tournament. Sam and Juan Martin are great champions, and we are eager for them both to return to UCLA."

Last year, Querrey defeated Andy Murray for the title in a battle of the tournament's top two seeds. It was one of four titles Querrey won on the season. He owns six titles in his career and has appeared in 11 finals.   

Querrey, who grew up in Thousand Oaks and still has a home in Santa Monica, is looking to join very elite company in 2011. He is one of just six players to have ever defended their title in the 84-year history of the tournament, and is looking to join Hall of Famers Fred Perry (1932-34) and Don Budge (1935-37) as the only players to three-peat.

In addition to the 2008 Los Angeles title, del Potro was the 2009 US Open champion. He's won two titles in 2011, bringing his career total to nine. del Potro has been ranked as high as No. 4 on the ATP World Tour during his career. 

Once again the Farmers Classic, presented by Mercedes-Benz, will benefit the Southern California Tennis Association. In 2010, the tournament and associated special events raised more than $500,000 for the SCTA and other charities. 

Season tickets and mini-plan tickets for the 85th annual Farmers Classic presented by Mercedes-Benz are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.FarmersClassic.com/Tickets or call (310) 824 -1010 ext. 251.

MEDIA NOTE The credential application for the 2011 event is now posted online. Please note the deadline of July 1 for the applications. APPLY HERE 

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CONTACTS:
Pete Holtermann: [email protected] or 312-218-3442
Bob Kramer: [email protected] or 310-824-1010, ext 230