by Andrew Eichenholz
The duo of Jack Sock and Nick Kyrgios playing together in Rome may seem like many different things: fresh faces, big forehands, energy galore. But, if they should continue their strong performance at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, something peculiar will come out of it.
Sock, who did not play the Australian Open this year due to injury, can take over the No. 3 spot in the ATP World Tour doubles rankings, right behind Bob and Mike Bryan.
What? Yes, one of the up-and-coming talents on the singles circuit has carved himself a niche in the doubles world. As much as he may not have the hands at net that the Bryans, Daniel Nestor or Leander Paes have, he does possess one thing that few other in the world do, period: the Jack Sock forehand.
Not far behind Rafael Nadal in terms of spin, there are very few players in the world who have a more dangerous shot in their arsenal as Sock does with his forehand. Throw that onto the doubles court with a more than respectable serve, and it is not a fun day at the office for those on the other side of the net.
It all started at Wimbledon last year, when Sock partnered Canadian Vasek Pospisil for the very first time. Saying the two clicked early on is an understatement.
They won Wimbledon. After beating the Bryan brothers in a five-set final, Sock summed up their success in a press conference.
“We had a lot of fun. People could see that. I think that’s part of why we did well,” Sock said. “We really enjoyed being out there, enjoyed the moment. “
Sock having fun has been more than evident this year. As his brother Eric struggled with illness early on in the season, Jack has looked looser on the court, admitting that there is more to life than just results on the tennis court.
“Since he’s been out of the hospital I have written, For you, Eric, on my shoes,” Sock said in a press conference after his opening round match at Indian Wells, in March. “It’s just a good reminder out there that obviously this is, you know, my career and my living and everything, but kind of puts in a different perspective and you’re kind of playing for more.”
Sock only has played three tournaments with Pospisil since his return to the tour from injury, and the results have shown the effects of his more relaxed attitude. The pair won Indian Wells before falling short in the finals in Miami, where they lost to the Bryans. Pospisil turned his ankle last week in their doubles match in Madrid, creating the new Sock-Kyrgios tandem, at least for this tournament, in Rome.
While Sock may not be focused on the doubles court, it cannot hurt. His overall level of play has transferred to the singles court as well.
Sock is 11-4 so far this season in that department, with Roger Federer and two top-20 Frenchman also taking the American down.
Again, it may not mean the world, but if Sock should go on to win the Rome title with Kyrgios and earn the three next to his name in the doubles rankings, one can only think that it will give him more confidence to continue moving his way up the rungs of the sport.
