Jack Sock is ready. Ready to shock the world. He won his second career ATP singles title last week in Auckland defeating Joao Sousa in three sets. And the 24 year old ranked 23 in the world looked nothing short of devastating in his first round win last night vs Pierre Hugues Hebert dominating the Frenchman in straight sets with an explosive and electrifying display. Sock has the power as we all know but he’s moving extremely well and light-footed. Sock will play the young Russian Karen Khachanov next and then in all probability Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the third round and then most likely a fourth round showdown with his good buddy Nick Kyrgios who he just crushed 62 62 in Hopman Cup. If Sock can punch his way to the second week he’s on the draw side with Andy and Wawrinka but the way Sock is playing right now and if he really can put it all together and believe — anything can happen. It’s just a gut feeling I have right now: Jack Sock is looking like an extraordinary tennis titan right now and he’s ready to Sock the World.
Sock is playing his third Aussie Open
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« Previous 1 2Doogie · January 18, 2017 at 11:31 am
Great tournament so far: My highlights: Stan – Klizan (Klizan was 4:3 up with break in 5th) , Kyrgios today, Opeilka great match and result!
I am really looking forward to:
Zverev Alex vs Rafa, Sock vs Tsonga, Berdych – Federer, Edmund – Busta should be fun. I rate Edmund high and want to see him vs Nole.
@Zverev: You will see a lot different Zverev against Rafa then in his match vs Haase of Tiafoe. He loves to play blockbuster matches and raises his game in these kind of matches. His mentality is made for a superstar.
Scoop Malinowski · January 18, 2017 at 11:45 am
Zverev will be especially inspired after blowing that match point volley vs Rafa at IW last year – I see Zverev beating Rafa tonight – The Australian Open is always a fantastic event even for us watching it on TV – it gets better and better every year – Bouchard has to be taken seriously again it looks like she is ready to do very big things this year – I will say it right now: Bouchard to win the title –
Doogie · January 18, 2017 at 12:56 pm
@scoop:
Let us not forget Zverev has to play Tiafoe today. Should be fun too but cannot see Tiafoe to win it.
U lean wide out of window with your Genie bet – I go with Pliskova. WTA is always a mystery even for us experts :))
@fantasy game:
I really hope Fritz is not destroying u – I fear my Bellucci pick. He does not seem to be in any form at all :((
Hartt · January 18, 2017 at 2:03 pm
Scoop, Bouchard winning the tourney is a bold prediction.She admitted that she has been battling nerves and the heavy legs that can go along with them. But at least she is winning the fight. Her ranking will be high enough that she will have entry to tourneys without a WC (or playing qualies), so that is a huge first step.
I am not so sure she is ready to win a tourney yet but expect to see a steady climb up the rankings this season and perhaps 1 good run in a Slam.
Andrew Miller · January 18, 2017 at 3:36 pm
Bouchard trained with Gil Reyes and got mentored by Graf and Agassi. She should be good for a career rescuing run this quarter of some sort.
I like Tiafoe. This is a marbles match, a clash of the youth titans. Bragging rights.
I can’t put anyone above a surging Rafa. T
Pouille beat him and where is he now?
As for young players like Fritz here’s my advice: PLAY DOUBLES! He needs the practice and any confidence boost that comes with the territory. Sock did it – is anyone doubting Sock’s bonafides now? Even with a suck backhand he is advancing.
catherine bell · January 18, 2017 at 3:49 pm
Andrew –
Simona had the Reyes/Graf/Agassi mentoring and training – didn’t do her much good 🙂
Andrew Miller · January 18, 2017 at 3:59 pm
Simona, I have no idea what to say. She could do worse than hanging out with Cirstea or trying to bring home the fed cup and getting out of the slam or bust track she’s on.
Scoop Malinowski · January 18, 2017 at 6:41 pm
I like what I see from Bouchard so far – and going to see Graf and Agassi is a very smart move and surely it will pay dividends – Bouchard has rejuvenated her army which has been mia for a while – I think Bouchard is on the verge of something special and can ride this wave for a deep and a possible upset win next week –
Andrew Miller · January 18, 2017 at 7:26 pm
Who’s upset is Monica Puente – from a golden Rio run to slumptowm.
catherine bell · January 19, 2017 at 2:47 am
Andrew –
Simona doesn’t listen – you can see her face shutting down.
I wonder if she listens to Nadia 🙂 N was supposedly advising her at one point.
Cirstea had Cahill coaching briefly once I believe ?
She said he helped her but then she’s not Simona – less talent but more sense possibly.
Hartt · January 19, 2017 at 3:56 am
Cahill coached Cirstea when they were part of the Adidas program. I still remember at Rogers Cup, when Cirstea was becoming unhinged, Cahill pointed to a young girl in the stands and asked Cirstea where that girl would like to be. Of course where Cirstea was, on the court. Cirstea calmed down and went on to make the final, only to meet Serena who creamed her.
catherine bell · January 19, 2017 at 4:10 am
Hartt –
Just as I said – Cirstea less talent, more sense.
Simona would’ve blocked out that one.