HOUSTON: American Jack Sock won his first ATP singles title defeating compatriot Sam Querrey 7-6 (11-9) 7-6 (7-2) in the final of the US Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston on Sunday.

The 22-year-old Sock, playing in his first ATP final, saved three set points in the first set tie-break which came after a two hour rain delay when Querry was up 5-4.

There was still little to choose in the second set between Sock ranked 46th in the world and Querrey, four places above him in the rankings.

Querrey broke to go 4-3 up but Sock broke right back and came out comfortably on top in the second tie-break to secure the win in one hour and 45 minutes.

It was the first time since 2003, when Andre Agassi defeated Andy Roddick, that two Americans faced each other in the Houston final.

“It’s never easy playing friends — [we] Americans are pretty close,” Sock said on the court after being presented with the trophy. “It was a great match. I hope we play many more in the future.”

KERBER RALLIES PAST KEYS

CHARLESTON: Angelique Kerber ended her WTA dry spell with a gritty three-set victory over rising US talent Madison Keys on Sunday for the Family Circle Cup crown.

Kerber, a former world number five, battled back from 4-1 down in the third set to defeat 20-year-old Keys 6-2, 4-6, 7-5.

The 27-year-old German withstood 49 winners from Keys, belting a modest 17 winners herself but keeping mistakes to a minimum with just 21 unforced errors.

“I feel great,” said Kerber, who broke Keys for a 6-5 lead in the final set, and polished off the win by holding her serve at love. “Madison is a great player and she played very well today.”

Kerber denied Keys a second WTA crown in as many finals appearances. In her only prior title match, Keys surprised Kerber in the final at Eastbourne last year.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2015

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