MADRID: The sense of disappointment was evident on Jack Sock’s face as he walked in to discuss his unexpected loss at the Madrid Open.
The American 14th seed fell 6-4, 0-6, 7-6(4), to French veteran Nicolas Mahut in the second round. It was fair to say that it was a tough day at the office for Sock. The first set saw him drop serve whilst trailing 4-5 before he produced an impressive 26-minute bagel in the second to level the match. Still, the inconsistency in his game cost eventually cost him the match as Mahut proved to be the better player in the decider.
“It was pretty bad on my part.” Sock told ubitennis.net. “He (Mahut) played pretty well. He came up with some good shots at the end to win. It’s disappointing on my end, tennis wise.”
“I’m just looking forward to getting to Rome and hopefully winning a match.” He later added.
Sock’s dismay with his loss is understandable given his season. The 24-year-old has already claimed two titles on the tour, peaking at a ranking high of 14th last month. He is currently the highest ranked American player on the men’s tour and the only one in the top-20.
“I felt good, going in today. Obviously today was not like the rest of the year I had.” He said about his preparation for the European clay.
The Madrid defeat was a sharp contrast to that of twelve months ago at the same venue. Facing Juan Martin del Potro in a late-night epic, he prevailed in three sets to reach the third round (losing to Portugal’s Joao Sousa). This time round, Sock’s love affair for the European clay is nowhere in sight.
“I usually like it, but right now I don’t. I want to go home.” He briefly joked. “I wish I could go back to America, but I have a few weeks here (in Europe).”
Today at the Caja Magica is one to forget for Sock and his team. The morale levels of the continent may currently be low, but there is little time to threat. The Rome Masters will get underway next week.
“I got to regroup and hopefully get it going next week.” He said.
The Madrid experience is not fully over for Sock. He is also playing in the doubles draw alongside Nick Kyrgios.
