Alexander Zverev grateful for Jack Sock retirement – ‘I’d have been planning my holiday’

Alexander Zverev is relieved that the challenge presented by opponent Jack Sock was short-lived as he moves on to the fourth round.

Despite his world number 184 ranking, Sock provided a glimpse of his former self by claiming the opening set 6-3 against the world number four.

But, hampered by a thigh injury, the American was eventually overcome by Zverev in sets two and three before conceding the match in the fourth set, unable to continue.

“I would have been planning my holiday in the South of France if Jack (Sock) continued the way he played in the opening set,” Zverev admitted following the match.

“It’s difficult to sometimes play someone who was not at 100%. I think everybody saw that Jack was really struggling physically and…you have to keep your focus.

“I mean at the end of the day we’re all competitors, and we have to bring the match to the end.”

Sock made good on his wildcard, entertaining the New York crowd with wins over Yoshihito Nishioka and 31st seed Alexander Bublik in the first two rounds.

The run means that Sock will rise to 162 in the world, his highest since May 2019, as he continues his battle to return to the top of the game.

“I’m very sorry for Jack,” Zverev added. “To be honest, I know how he feels a little bit because I have a brother as well who was struggling with injuries throughout his whole career and once he’s playing that level of tennis to get injured again is a very tough feeling.

“So to be honest, I feel very sorry for him. I hope it’s nothing serious, and I hope he’ll be back on tour very soon.”

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