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
[polldaddy poll=9380323]
who ya got?
Go Jack!
Vamos Sock!
#GodsCountry
I’m thinking Jack in three. I could see him winning easier though. He hasn’t lost a set this week and he could very well continue that trend. Juan has only lost a set so he will be confident here too and I’ll give him a set for that but I think sock will be too good with his serve and forehand dictating play. Sock in 3
Monaco has been playing much better of late. He’s definitely showing great signs that’s he’s overcome his major injuries. Nevertheless, his game is predicated on pace, counter punching, and foot speed. Like Ricky said, Sock is just going to keep pushing the pace with his Serve and Forehand. Monaco will need to counter punch well the whole match. Nevertheless, I see Sock ultimately having too much firepower for old Argentine.
Sock in 2 with one tiebreaker
Sock will need to get his first serve working today and tidy up his UEs. Monaco won’t let him off so easily the way Isner did last night.
Sock in 3
Sock looks pretty close to retiring. Would be surprised if he finishes the match. Would be SHOCKED if he managed a win lol
Well I’ll definitely hand it to him. He climbed back and made it 5-5 when he was down a double break 4-1 and calling for medical attention. Let’s see if he can manage to get this win…
Pico won ? ! Woohoo!!!
Bummer. Props for not retiring when he had the chance and stuck through it. Great win for Monaco! I seriously wrote him off after last season haha
Bizarre ending but Pico earned the win the hard way. So happy for him.
that was interesting!
Sock needs to get in shape.