Jack Sock’s awful 2018 singles season continues as he was stunned by compatriot Taylor Fritz 7-6(6) 6-2 in the second round of Lyon.
The opening set was a tight affair as ten break point opportunities were created by both players combined as Sock was looking to win his third match on the clay this season. Most of the opportunities were created by Fritz as he looked to be the aggressor especially with his forehand. After saving two set points the world number 15 forced a nervy first set tiebreak.
The tiebreak resulted in the server gaining most of the momentum however in the crucial moments the world number 70 secured the important mini-break to grab the first set 7-6(6) in just over an hour. Unfortunately for Sock, his bad 2018 form continued as the second set was dominated by Fritz in 34 minutes. The third seed was ineffective on his first serve as he suffered his 10th loss of the season.
It was a poor loss from Sock, who’s chances of reaching the ATP finals for a second year in a row get slimmer with each passing tournament. However it is a good win for Fritz, who will now play Dusan Lajovic in the quarter-finals after the Serbian defeated qualifier, Filip Horansky 6-4 7-5.
Cameron Norrie Enters Top 100
In other results it was good news for Britain’s Cameron Norrie, who will enter the world’s top 100 for the first time after beating Maximillian Marterer 6-1 6-4. The Brit converted three of his six break point opportunities as he reached the quarter-finals in Lyon, on his preferred surface.
The current world number 102 heads into Roland Garros with some much needed momentum and will now play world number 10, John Isner in the last eight. The American defeated Radu Albot 7-6(3) 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals after serving down 22 aces in his 2nd round match. The win was Isner’s 13th win of the season.
