World No.26 Jack Sock recovered from a first set hammering to defeat third seed Kevin Anderson 1-6, 6-4, 6-4.
The American suffered back-to-back breaks during the first set to allow the world No.12 to cruise to take the opener after only 29 minutes of action. It was a routine opening set for Anderson, who produced seven aces and won 80% of his service points (16/20).
After dropping the opening set, Sock was still under attack from Anderson during the early stages of the second set. During the fifth game the third seed had a chance to break to extend his lead to a set and a break before Sock successfully saved it. Anderson’s inability to convert that breakpoint went back to haunt him at the end of the middle set. Trailing 4-5, the South African was leading 40-0 in his service game before Sock clawed his way back to 40-40 with the help of some Anderson unforced errors. The decline in Anderson’s form occurred at the worst time as sock ease to his first set point. After failing to convert the first, he was triumphant on his second thanks to another costly error from the third seed.
Sock wins, once again does the dab pic.twitter.com/SfneqZl8ZS
— Ricky Dimon (@Dimonator) January 14, 2016
After taking the match into a decider, a rejuvenated Sock was outstanding in his service games throughout the third set. The American won 92% of his first service points and 100% of his second. In contrast Anderson posted an almost impressive first serve percentage (87%) but only claimed 50% of his second. As nine games went according to serve, Anderson was forced to serve to stay in the match. Identical to the second set, the world No.12 came undone at the worst possible moment to allow Sock to take advantage. The American failed on his first attempt to take the match before he was handed another opportunity thanks to an unforced error from his opponent. It was second time lucky for the American after a sharp return forced Anderson to hit the ball out.
After his triumph over Anderson, Sock shared an unusual celebration with the crowd. Usually when a player is triumphant they might give away their racket or sweatband. On the other hand, the American has instead decided to give out socks to fans to coincide with his surname.
“We were talking about it in warm-up today,” Sock said.
“Jo (Jo-Wilfred Tsonga) has got his thing, a few people have their own things. I think with such a unique name that I have, we figured I might start a new tradition and give a sock away if I win.”
If the 23-year-old wants to give away more socks in Auckland, he will have to overcome top seed David Ferrer in the semifinals. Ferrer spent 83 minutes on the court during his 6-3, 6-4, win over Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol. The world No.8 fended off four break points and won 72% of his service points.
The top seed will play in the last four in Auckland for the fifth consecutive year. Shortly after clinching his quarterfinal win, the Spaniard said that he is improving every day.
“It was a good, I am playing well and better than the first day,” The top seed said.
“I hope I’m improving every day with my game and now I’m in the semifinal.”
The world No.8 also spoke about how he maintains his advantage in matches against players with big weapons such as a fast serve.
“Being consistent is my game and it’s very important for me,” he said.
“To be focussed on every point and try to play aggressive with my forehand. But most important is my concentration on the match and trying to be focussed point by point.”
The other semifinal will be between second seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and eighth seed Roberto Bautista Agut. Tsonga endured a two close sets before edging out Fabio Fognini 7-5, 7-6(4). Meanwhile Bautista Agut required an hour and 43 minutes to overcome former champion John Isner (7-5,2-6,6-3).
