Jack Sock ousts Alex Bogdanovic to enter title-round – JSM Challenger 2012
Local rising star, Jack Sock, triumphed over the British contender, Alex Bogdanovic, in straight sets at the JSM Challenger of Champaign 2012 on Friday. He registered a 6-4, 6-3 success against the Belgrade native to power into the final showdown at this
ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Challenger Tour event taking place in Champaign, United States.
Seeded seventh in this event, Sock showed superb tennis skills to trash the left-handed Brit in their third meeting. After earning the fame in one hour and 12 minutes, the American avenged his loss at the Tulsa Challenger last season and progressed into
the final round with conviction.
Sock made a strong entry at this hard court tournament. He drew the first blood in the fourth game and jumped to a 4-1 lead. Apart from squandering his chance of serving out the set in the ninth game, the American remained focused and quickly pocketed the
opener with a 6-4 success after capitalising on another break opportunity. He dusted away two out of three breakpoints he came across and cashed both break chances to move a step closer towards his goal.
Ranked 165th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Sock lost his path towards the proceeding set. He suffered the first blow in the third game and trailed at 1-2. However, the American unleashed his skills and reeled off following
four games to leap to a 5-2 lead. He slid his serve once again and clicked the set with a 6-3 win. Sock failed to ward off the lone breakpoint he faced and converted two out of three break chances to his advantage.
The 20-year-old struck nine aces and prevailed throughout the clash. He produced a lower first serve share of 60 per cent as compared to his rival’s 71 per cent and impressively marked 29 out of 34 points on it.
Next in line for Sock is his sixth seeded compatriot, Tim Smyczek. The higher seed overpowered Rhyne Williams in straight sets to set up this duel. He lost his serve once but broke his rival’s serve three times, eventually formulating a 7-5, 6-3 success.
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