Jack Sock (17 ATP) and the 13th seed in Miami has pulled out another compelling Tennis performance against his fellow countryman Jared Donaldson (95 ATP) in the tournament's 4th round. At 24 years of age, Sock might be ready to step into the big stage of men's tennis. In 2017, his overall tennis display has been following a positive trend as won 2 of his 3 ATP singles titles in this season. His first success of the season came at the end of a prodigious run in Auckland, New Zealand, a warm-up event before the Australian Open. At Delray Beach Open he reached the final.
Due to Raonic's withdrawal due to an injury, he was handed the men's singles title. His hard outdoor season brought in another great run at Indian Wells where Jock reached the semis before being ousted by Roger Federer, the eventual winner.
Jack Sock will face Rafael Nadal
The no. 1 American is in Miami quarterfinals. He did push himself over the edge as he reached this stage without dropping a single set. Rafael Nadal, Spain's no. 1 is will be his opponent to fight against for a spot in the semis. Nadal is hungry for success, especially in Miami where he never prevailed. Their head to head numbers is rather thin having only two encounters over the past years. Both took place back in 2015, each time having Nadal as the winner.
On the bottom of the draw, Nadal and Sock both see the great opportunity ahead. The winner of this clash will play against either Kei Nishikori or Fabio Fognini for a place in the final act. Nadal, who is a four times runner-up in Miami, could see one of the last barrier being broken, while for Sock is just another step in his quest to reach top 10.
Sock has to bear the American flag
The American no. 1 in men's tennis, Jack Sock is probably aware of the burden he must bear. Unlike the women's tennis, the male's circuit is no longer populated with prominent American players. It's been a while since the United States had a dominant male athlete in this sports. Andy Roddick and James Blake were the last ones of this kind. So, Jack Sock has some big shoes to fill.
