Serena Williams was not the only player moved to tears on an emotional Friday at the BNP Paribas Open. Although Williams’ return to Indian Wells following a 13-year hiatus dominated the headlines, Jack Sock’s plight of the last few months cannot be overlooked.
Sock had been expecting to return from a hip injury in Memphis and Delray Beach. But the mental strain of a far more serious matter forced the American to change plans.
One morning in January, Sock’s brother–Eric–woke up with what was thought to be a sore throat. Eric was soon diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and just like that his life was in jeopardy. Eric required life support for a whole week and was “one day away from dying” according to Jack. Despite the odds, the elder Sock brother made a drastic and complete recovery.
Thus the door was opened for Jack to mentally and physically resume his tennis career. That’s what he did at the Indian Wells Masters on Friday, when Sock survived a roller-coaster affair with Yen-Hsun Lu to prevail 6-7(4), 6-2, 7-5 and reach the second round.
Dedicating this tournament to his bother, Sock cried his way through an on-court interview before speaking to the press.
“Since he’s been out of the hospital I have written, ‘For you, Eric’ on my shoes,” Sock explained. “It’s just a good reminder out there that obviously this is my career and my living and everything, but (it) kind of puts in a different perspective and you’re kind of playing for more.”
“When you’re out there and you get frustrated missing a ball or whatever it is, you can kind of think (of what) he’s been through–almost not making it to a miraculous recovery. (It) kind of puts things in perspective. Just go out there and enjoy it, and you can play a little more free.”
As for Eric, who attended the press conference, he continues to regain strength as days go by.
“He’s feeling better now,” Jack assured. “He’s a warrior to get through that. It didn’t look promising there for a little bit and he was able to battle through. Now he’s able to kind of get back to some of the things he likes to do; play a little tennis, play a little golf.
“It’s kind of just starting back at the beginning now strength‑wise and everything, getting it all back. When you’re in ICU for three weeks and on a ventilator for a week you lose a lot.”
For the Sock brothers, just being out there–on the tennis court or simply in life–is winning.
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