Jack Sock needs a strong performance in Houston

Jack Sock has become a headline name in men’s singles tennis. He is, however, off to a slow start on the 2018 ATP World Tour.

Houston could be a time to turn things around for American tennis star Jack Sock. He has seen himself slide in the rankings since the start of the 2018 ATP World Tour. Back in January, Sock entered the year as the world No. 8 in men’s singles tennis. After his strong finish to 2017, he found himself in the ATP Top 10 and appeared primed to make his mark on the sport.

Slow going for Sock so far has made for a 3-6 singles match record as he heads into play at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships. He has seen success at the event in the past though.

Sock is the former champion at the tournament in Houston. Defeating Sam Querrey in 2015, he rose to the occasion to earn his first title at the event. Now, with four ATP singles titles to his name, Sock is among the best in men’s singles tennis. His recent slide in the rankings though make him an outside contender in Houston. Ahead of him are fellow countrymen Querrey and John Isner. The veteran Isner is the top seed and is coming off of a title-win at the Miami Open. All three American stars have seen slow starts to the year so far on the 2018 ATP World Tour. It’s Isner, however, who finds himself in the ATP Top 10 and as the top seed this week. He is the favorite heading into the action but others such as Sock pose a threat.

Jack Sock has plenty to play for in the coming weeks. Houston provides an opportunity at redemption on the 2018 ATP World Tour.

In 2016, Sock finished runner-up at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships. That run, along with his title-run in 2015, make him someone to watch this week. Last year, another American took the title at the event in Steve Johnson. He is off to a fine start already, defeating Ernesto Escobedo in the round of 32. Johnson is the sixth seed in Houston and takes on rising star Frances Tiafoe next at the tournament. Look for that match to provide an interesting contender in whoever emerges on top. Tiafoe saw his first career ATP singles title earlier this year. He is just 20-years-old and represents the younger end of a rising generation of American men’s tennis stars.

Next: Can John Isner Win In Houston?

Look for Jack Sock to come out strong in Houston this week. He is in need of a solid tournament run, especially as we enter the middle months of the tour. The young American is the current world No. 16 in men’s singles and aims to break back into the ATP Top 10 soon.

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