Jack Sock sets up Roger Federer semi-final at Indian Wells after beating Kei Nishikori
Saturday 18 March 2017 17:07, UK
American Jack Sock will play Roger Federer for a spot in the Indian Wells final after battling past Kei Nishikori in three sets.
Sock is getting quite the workout with all four of his matches going the distance as the 24-year-old notched his biggest singles victory with a 6-3 2-6 6-2 win over world No 5 Nishikori.
"The doubters in the past can't really say much anymore," said Sock. "I actually feel almost stronger as the tournament has gone on."
He will need to keep up his strength for his semi-final against four-time Indian Wells champion Federer. He lost to Federer in straight sets in the fourth round of the 2015 tournament.
"When I played him here last and I played him in Basel a couple years ago, I don't think I went on the court giving myself a ton of chances of winning. That's changed, for sure," Sock added.
Live ATP Masters Tennis
"I am playing confident tennis as well. If I go out there and play the right tennis and play the right strategy, I can give myself a shot.
"The mental side of it is probably the biggest difference so far this year. The matches I have been winning this year, especially this tournament, I probably wouldn't have been winning year and a half, two years ago."
Federer advanced when Nick Kyrgios withdrew with what the Australian suspected was food poisoning.
Kyrgios beat No. 2 Novak Djokovic in the fourth round, while Federer routed rival Rafael Nadal.
"I'm playing great tennis and I didn't expect it because I'm still on the comeback," said Federer, who won his record 18th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January after being sidelined by various injuries for much of 2016.
Federer, a four-time winner at Indian Wells, also advanced via a walkover in the quarter-finals in 2008.
Sky Customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!
Non-subscribers can grab a NOW TV Sky Sports Day Pass for just £6.99 or Sky Sports Week Pass for £10.99. No contract. You can enjoy access to all seven Sky Sports channels and watch on a TV with a NOW TV Box or on a range of devices.
