The Delray Beach Open ended in bad spirits as the final between Canadian, Milos Raonic and American, Jack Sock was canceled due to a withdrawal from Raonic. Though the Canadian showed no signs of injury in his semi-final victory of Juan Martin Del Potro, the hamstring problem was serious enough that it forced him to withdraw from the Mexican Open next week. Coming into the final match, Sock had played controlled yet aggressive Tennis which resulted in victories over players such as Steve Johnson and Donald Young. A new found love and commitment to the game has allowed Sock to reach a career high ranking of number eighteen in the world.
Sock’s improved fitness has propelled him to succeed
One of the biggest criticisms of Jack Sock has been his lack of fitness. After retiring from the US Open in 2015 due to heat stroke, the American received a very rude wake up call. In men’s tennis, physical strength and endurance is incredibly important. On any given day, a player could see themselves engaged in a five hour battle. Sock has taken advice from American players of the past, like Andy Roddick, and invested in his career by hiring a new trainer, physiotherapist and nutritionist. Each of these team members play a major role in the development of a tennis player and can add a much needed edge to that players game. Sock has seen the fruits of his labor pay off by winning two of three career titles in the first two months of the season.
With his favored clay court season yet to come, the American could make a real push towards the top 10, if he continues at his current pace.
He is now the top American male player
For almost a five years, pundits and fans alike have been trying to look for the next big name in American men’s tennis. As long as the Williams sisters are competing, American women’s tennis will continue to shine.
With the retirement of Andy Roddick, the top American became the big serving John Isner. He held onto that spot for long time but as his game began to stagnant, Jack Sock saw an opening and has now established himself as the alpha male. One thing that separates Sock form Isner is the movement. Sock is one of the quickest players on tour and uses his mobility to shrink the court for his opponents.
Isner is heavily dependent on his serve while Sock can win from the baseline or at the net. A winner of two doubles major titles, Sock makes a strong case for being the best volleyer in the men’s top twenty. Sock’s next tournament is in Acapulco, where he comes up against a field that features Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Though he has yet to defeat either player, on the slower hardcourts of the tournament in Mexico, he will have chances to do some damage. This is a crucial time of the year for Sock and one that he should view with the utmost enthusiasm.
