WATCH | Jack Sock shows immense awareness and persistence to outfox Marin Cilic
Jack Sock had to be at his very best on Tuesday when he faced Marin Cilic in a do-or-die game after losing the opener to Roger Federer. And the American made his intentions very clear when in the third set tie-breaker, he pulled off a brilliant point at the net showing off tremendous athleticism.
Jack Sock’s dream of ending 2017 on a good note had taken a major hit last week when he lost to title
Sock had revealed earlier that his coach had nicknamed him ‘Showtime’ because he always loved playing in front of the people, and the showman was at his peak at London’s O2 Arena on Tuesday. The incident took place in the tie-breaker of the final set with Cilic leading 4-3. The fierce rally ensued with Cilic’s serve that was returned comfortably by Sock, who looked determined to get things going after coming back from a first set loss.
It was during the fourth exchange when Cilic’s backhand shot hit the tape on the net and the ball fell into Sock’s court well short of the American, who was standing at the baseline. But, the Nebraska man showed brilliant persistence and athleticism to reach the ball that needed a full stretch and sliced the dropping ball with a backhand slice with impeccable pace and placement. Cilic, who was advancing towards the net anticipating such a shot was left stunned by Sock, whose shot fell wide and behind him before taking a backspin.
The two hours and 37 minutes match finally went to Sock who won 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (4), leaving a game against Zverev at his hands to qualify for the semis.