24-year-old Jack Sock cruised past fourth seed Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open to schedule a clash against Roger Federer in the semi-final.
Sock, who won 6-3, 2-6, 6-2, served some thunderous shots towards the Japanese and was venomous with his forehand. He has now managed to reach the semi-finals of Master 1000 in his 28th appearance. Speaking after the victory, he said:
“I’ve given everybody their money’s worth, a three-setter every match so far,” the 24-year-old Sock said in an on-court interview.
The American will now be facing Roger Federer, who qualified for the round as his opponent, Nick Kyrgios, has to pull himself out due to sickness. Jack has been very clinical this year, having won the Delray Beach Open in Florida last month and at the Auckland Classic in January.
Talking about a head to head encounter against the Swiss maestro, the American has lost two previous matches against Federer, including a 6-3, 6-2 decision at Indian Wells in 2015. Talking about the same, Sock said:
“The last time I played him here I didn’t really go out on court thinking I had much of a chance,” said Sock. “He’s playing some good tennis, I’m playing some good tennis, so I’m really looking forward to a battle.”