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Sam Querrey

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Sam Querrey has set his sights on performing well in Grand Slams in 2010 after recovering from a freak injury that came perilously close to ending his tennis career.

The American fell through a glass table after practice at the Thailand Open to cut short a season that had seen him reach five ATP tour finals, win the US Open Series and reach a career-best 22nd in the world rankings.

“Fortunately, my ranking is still high, so I’ll be seeded at the Australian Open,” he said. “Most of the matches I play now because of my ranking I’m expected to win. I’m not really the new guy.

“I really want to focus more next year on the Slams.”

“This whole week I’ve never once got upset or mad on the court – I’m just happy to be playing”

Now ranked No.25 in the world, the 22-year-old will certainly take more time pondering a place to sit in future, after his choice of seat on September 28 left him with 25 stitches and cuts to 30% of two different muscles in his forearm.

Describing the incident as the ‘Worst day ever’ on twitter, Querrey has returned to full-time practice and the injury appears to have left no lasting effects, other than the raw, three-inch scar burning brightly on the inside of his right arm.

Recalling the unpleasant episode, Querrey told the Associated Press; “I fell through it [the table]. When I got up, there was a piece of glass in my arm. Blood was gushing out. I ran down to the trainer. The doctor came and we got the ambulance and went to the hospital.”

Fearing the worst, Querrey’s mind tuned to the shocking thought of never again picking up a racket.

“I was actually more nervous when I got home and I finally took the splint off after two weeks,” he said. “If my wrist moved in the slightest way, it would send shooting pain down my arm. I didn’t know if I was going to get better.”

Now, back with racket in hand, Querrey is counting his blessings and grateful to be on the court.

“It kind of makes you appreciate some things a little more,” he said. “This whole last week I’ve never once got upset or mad on the court. I’m just happy to be playing.”

“My shoulder takes a while to warm it up and get that motion going,” he said. “Other than that I feel no difference in any part of my game.”

An email from Roger Federer wishing him well provided Querrey some light relief during his recovery. “That was the greatest,” he said, smiling. “I was so happy. It made my day. It was almost worth it.”