Jack Sock claims first ATP title with win over Sam Querrey
Monday 13 April 2015 13:26, UK
Jack Sock captured his first ATP Tour title on Sunday, holding off eighth-seeded Sam Querrey 7-6 7-6 in an all-American final in Houston.
The 22-year-old Sock had knocked off three seeded players on his way to the first final of his career, and he is projected to break into the top 40 in the world rankings with a jump from his current 46th to 36th on Monday.
Although he was playing for his first singles title, Sock isn't a stranger to the game's big stages as he teamed with Canada's Vasek Pospisil to win the Wimbledon men's doubles title last year.
He was slowed late in 2014 by a pelvic injury that required surgery in December, but is making up for lost time after launching his 2015 campaign in March.
Sock shrugged off a rain delay of more than two hours that disrupted the first set, saving three set points in the tiebreaker to pocket the first frame.
After an exchange of breaks the second set also went to a tiebreaker, with Sock sealing the win after one hour and 45 minutes when Querrey fired a service return long.
"It feels incredible," Sock said. "It feels surreal. It feels incredible, and to have friends and family here to share it with me feels even better.
"I feel I competed well and took care of my serve very well. On this surface against these players and the tough field that it was, to only get broken a handful of times is not easy."
Querrey said: "Jack's tough. He has a big forehand and on heavy clay like that, he's a tough guy to beat. That's my first final in a long time, so I'm feeling good."
It was the first time since 2003, when Andre Agassi defeated Andy Roddick, that two Americans faced each other in the Houston final.
