Shanghai Rolex Masters, China

[6] Milos Raonic (CAN) vs. [25] Jack Sock (USA)

Sock won their very first meeting in 2013 and since then Raonic has dominated the American winning the last eight encounters until today.  Things looked to be going smoothly for a ninth consecutive victory for Raonic as Sock appeared disengaged in the first set and quickly lost it at love. Frankly, after the first set I did not give my countryman much chance of winning this match as Sock has not impressed me with his ability to consistently fight through difficult periods.  Despite his many weapons, Sock often frustrates his fans by his often casual approach; thus, I was surprised when he actually got engaged in the second set and made it a match.

Unfortunately, Raonic like everyone watching knew that Sock is too talented to lose a set so badly and not come out fighting hard in the next.  Unless you are impaired, no player likes losing a set at love and is usually very dangerous in the subsequent set.  Not feeling a hundred percent confident, Raonic had a slip in concentration early in set two and that was all Sock needed.  He quickly got the break and held on to win the set.  The third set was a battle as neither player wanted to concede defeat.  Sock wanted to avoid another loss to Raonic and Raonic wanted to continue his dominance over the American. Confidence is such an important weapon in the arsenal of all tennis players; it often is the deciding factor whether you win or lose a close match.  Despite the one-sidedness of their head-to-head, Raonic’s shaky confidence showed at a critical moment in the tiebreak and once again Sock took advantage to win the match 0-6, 6-4, 7-6(8).

SOURCE OF IMAGE USED: Creative Commons