Jack Sock is one victory away from a successful title defense in Houston. Standing in his way on Sunday is another former champion, Juan Monaco. The Argentine triumphed at this event in 2012.
Jack Sock and Juan Monaco will be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers when the two former champions clash in the final of the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship on Sunday.
This is Monaco’s third title match since 2013 and his first in more than a year, mainly because he missed much of 2015 with a wrist injury. The 32-year-old Argentine had been out since last August before returning on the Golden Swing in February. Monaco’s comeback had been slow going until his arrival in Houston, where is obviously comfortable having triumphed in 2012. So far this week the world No. 148 has defeated Gerald Melzer, Benoit Paire, Sam Querrey, and Feliciano Lopez. He has knocked out three consecutive seeded opponents in straight sets.
Monaco will be the underdog once again with Sock on the other side of the net. The 23-year-old American, whose only ATP title has come at this tournament last season, is back in the final following straight-set victories over Matthew Barton, Marcos Baghdatis, and No. 1 seed and good friend John Isner.
“He loves the clay,” Sock said of Monaco. “He likes it here; he’s a past champion, as well. He’s another good friend of mine. I’m looking forward to teeing it up with him.”
Sock won’t be putting on a green jacket after he tees it up on Sunday, but he will likely lift the trophy in Houston yet again. Monaco may be feeling more pressure even though he is not expected to win, because the veteran has not captured a title since 2013 and who knows how many more chances he will have at this point in his career. The surface gives Monaco a chance, but Sock’s serve and forehand will ultimately be too much.
Pick: Sock in 3
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