LONDON: A month ago Jack Sock had no idea that he could even qualify for the ATP Finals. Now he finds himself in the semifinals of the season-ending tournament after defeating Alexander Zverev 6-4, 1-6,6-4, in a decisive play-off at The O2 Arena.
The logistics of the encounter were simple. Whoever wins gets $191,000 in prize money, 200 bonus ranking points and a place in their first ATP Finals semifinal. With everything to play for it was inevitable that the encounter would be a roller coaster clash. Featuring Zverev and Sock at their best and worst. Eventually, it was Sock and his mighty forehand that prevailed as he hit five aces and 24 winners to secure one of the most significant wins of his career.
“That was a roller coaster match, he played well in the second, I didn’t have the hottest start in the third but I kept in there and kept fighting.” Said Sock.
From the onset, it was an emotional occasion for both players. Not even two games had occurred in the match before Sock was slammed with a code violation for ball abuse. Despite his visible frustrations, the American regained his composure to trouble the world No.3. Firing a forehand winner down the line to break for a 4-3 lead. Zverev kept fighting, but his inability to convert all of his six break point opportunities cost him the first set. Enabling a more balanced Sock to clinch the lead with a breathtaking forehand drop shot.
Sock’s achievement is comparable to a fairy tale and in all fairy tales, there is always a disruption. That occurred in the second set when a refreshed Zverev hit back with interest. Illustrating play that has taken him to five ATP titles this season. In what was a German Masterclass, he raced through the second set without facing any stern resistance from a faltering Sock.
The roller coaster encounter continued into the decider with dreams mounting and then being dashed. Sock, who was docked a point for ball abuse early on, was first as he race to 4-1, before Zverev clawed his way back to level 4-4. Causing an eruption of jubilation within the O2 Arena.
“Sometimes you have to let it [the frustration] out, blow it off and keep playing”. The American commented about his point penalty.
With all to play for, Zverev buckled at the worst possible moment – serving serving to stay in the match. Sock’s relentless play drew admiration from many as he sealed the win with the help of an error from his opponent. Leaving the American in disbelief about what he has achieved.
“I choked. It’s quite easy.” Zverev admitted. “I won the second set 6-1. I was 1-0 with a break. He got a point penalty. I was down 1-4 within 10 minutes where I didn’t put many balls in the court.”
“When I got back at 4-5, that’s one of the worst games I think I played all year.”
Sock, who was ranked 24th in the world on October 30th, has become the first American to reach the last four of the tournament since Andy Roddick in 2006. He will take on Grigor Dimitrov in Saturday’s semifinal. A player who has defeated three out of four times on the tour in the past.
“He has played some incredible tennis, had an amazing 2017, I will have to play some of my best tennis to win. We have played each other numerous times before, know each other well and it should be a fun match.” Sock concluded.
