Sock, Querrey Push Through in Miami

March 26, 2015 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Sock_Crop
Photo credit: Adam Wolfthal

Jack Sock continued his excellent, but late, start to 2015 in the opening round of the Miami Open on Wednesday. The Kansas City, Mo. native defeated Japan’s Go Soeda 6-4, 6-3 to advance into the second-round. Sock is playing for more than just himself or wins, he is playing for his brother Eric, who is battling Lemierre Syndrome.

“I’m coming out playing for a little bit more than myself, a little more than tennis in general,” said Sock. “I’m coming out inspired by my brother…because he’s gone through more than most people have in their lives. He was 24 hours away from dying. It took a lot of guts for him to get through that.”

Eric Sock is a former player himself, starring at the University of Nebraska during his playing days. Two years Jack’s senior, Eric underwent surgery last week and is now recovering.

“It’s a one-in-a-million infection,” said Sock. “Doctors that we trust in Kansas City said they’d never seen it in their careers and likely will never see it again. It’s that rare.”

The younger Sock is recovering from a surgery himself after undergoing a procedure in December to repair a torn right pelvis.

He returned two weeks ago in Indian Wells, reaching the round of 16 before falling to Roger Federer.

In the Miami second-round, Sock will take on 21st seeded Italian Fabio Fognini.

Sock’s compatriot Sam Querrey defeated Victor Estrella Burgos of the Dominican Republic 6-4, 6-3 to advance. Querrey used his powerful serve to fire 16 aces and allow just one break point, which he saved.

He will play big-serving 15th seed Kevin Anderson of South Africa next.

Americans Tim Smyczek, Austin Krajicek and Donald Young all advanced on Wednesday as well.

Smyczek fought back from a set down to beat Spain’s Adrian Menendez-Maceiras 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 while Krajicek took out Denis Istomin 6-4, 6-4.

Young led Yen-Hsun Lu 5-1 before the Chinese Taipei native was forced to retire with an injury.


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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