Nicolas Almagro halts Jack Sock in the third round – US Open 2012
Spanish star, Nicolas Almagro, got the better of the local wild card entrant, Jack Sock, with a breadstick at the US Open 2012 on Saturday. He nudged up a 7-6(3), 6-7(4), 7-6(2), 6-1 victory against the 19-year-old to secure a spot in the round of 16 at
this final of the four Grand Slam events held in Queens in New York City, United States.
Seeded 11th in this event, Almagro required four sets to outmuscle the local star in their first encounter. After securing the victory in three hours and 10 minutes, the Spaniard convincingly advanced into the fourth round at the USTA Billie Jean
King National Tennis Center.
The Spanish number three assertively entered the Grandstand Stadium at this major hard court event. He easily plucked his entire serves without encountering any trouble. Regardless of failing to seek the coveted break, Almagro cruised to a 5-1 lead in the
tie-breaker before bagging the opener with a 7-6(3) success in 51 minutes.
Sock, conqueror of last year’s mixed doubles event at the Flushing Meadows, rebounded in the follow-up set. He smashed 18 winners and convincingly held his entire serves. Despite failing to get a break of serve, the American prevailed in the tie-breaker
and clinched the set with a 7-6(4) score line in another 51 minutes.
Ranked 12th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Almagro re-focused in the third set. He drew the first blood in the fourth game and jumped to a 4-1 lead. In spite of losing his edge in the seventh game, the Spaniard stayed calm
and took the set to another tie-breaker. He dominated in it and eventually sealed the set with a 7-6(2) win.
Almagro perfected his way in the proceeding set and got the critical break in the opening game to take the initial lead. After Sock held his serve in the third game, the Spaniard pocketed the last four games and subsequently bagged the set with a breadstick.
Summing up the youngster’s performance, Sock fired 56 winners including 17 aces. However, he spilled 52 unforced errors which cost him the match.
"I feel good about my game, my physicality and overall professionalism and mental [state]," the world No. 243 reflected after bowing out to Almagro. "Everything in my game, how I'm hitting the ball, everything feels better now and definitely closer to the
next level."
Next up for Almagro is the sixth seed, Tomas Berdych, in the round of 16.
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