Tim Smyczek outlasts Jack Sock to grab title – JSM Challenger 2012
In an all-American clash, Tim Smyczek bounced back to overpower his seventh seeded compatriot, Jack Sock, in a three-set thriller at the JSM Challenger of Champaign 2012 on Saturday. He clobbered a 2-6, 7-6(1), 7-5 victory against the world number 150 to
grab the title at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Challenger Tour event taking place in Champaign in Illinois, United States.
The Milwaukee native made a drastic entry at this hard court tournament. However, he re-structured and ultimately carved out the victory in two hours and 26 minutes against the world number 150. As a result, Smyczek comfortably captured the title and the
prize money. The contenders previously battled each other at the qualifying competition of Delray Beach International Tennis Championship and after bagging this match, Smyczek maintained his winning record against his fellow citizen.
The 20-year-old made a thunderous entry at these Illinois hard courts. He drew the first blood in the second game and jumped to a 3-0 lead. Sock held his composure and pocketed his remaining serves with poise. He availed another break chance in the last
game and clicked the opener with a 6-2 win. The younger American superbly fended off all four breakpoints he came across and marked both break chances to stay on the right path.
Smyczek rebounded in the following set. He got the desiderated break in the third game and climbed to a 3-1 lead. Apart from levelling the scores in the eighth game, the higher ranked American cruised to a 3-0 lead before closing out the equaliser with a
7-6(1) success. He brushed off three out of four breakpoints he came across and converted the lone break chance to his advantage.
Ranked 130th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Smyczek maintained his intensity in the final set. He swiftly kept his entire serves and got the breakthrough in the last game, eventually clinching the decider with a 7-5 score
line. He blocked the only breakpoint he came across and cashed one out of four break opportunities to steal the show.
The 24-year-old lost only a single set en route to the final showdown. He triumphed over Rhyne Williams in straight sets to reach the final round.
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