JACK SOCK'S FIRST MEETING AGAINST ROGER FEDERER

Young American faces the mighty Roger Federer for first time. 

By Jawad Bisharat

Jack Sock is having a great BNP Paribas Open coming off an impressive 3 set win over #16 in the world Bautista Agut. Jack is playing some of the best tennis of his career but does he have a chance today against the mighty Roger Federer?

I say he has a better chance than most think. Wait, I didn't say he would win, I said he has a better chance than most may believe.

Lets break down the match-up. 

Jack Sock was shown to generate more spin or revolutions per minute on the ball then Rafael Nadal (forehands). Over 3100 RPM compared to Nadal's approx. 3000 RPM. This is incredibly difficult to accomplish, as you can imagine, and Sock needs to implore this pace onto Federer today in a big way.

What has Nadal done to Federer over the past 10 years to consistently beat him? Yes, hit high to the backhand and take control of the rallies. Roger's best results against Nadal have always been on a fast court or indoors, where the ball doesn't kick as much. Indian Wells has slow, gritty courts which works in  Sock's favor. Although, the high temperature and low humidity does speed things up a bit.

Jack will attempt to use Nadal like tactics against Feder today except for one little difference. Jack is right handed, so it will be much more difficult for him to consistently find the Federer's backhand. Jack needs avoid getting sucked into forehand to forehand rallies, which he will lose the majority of the time. He must find a way to frustrate Federer by not only playing to his backhand but use his power and pace to take the match the Federer.

Here is my struggle however, Jack plays a little like Andy Roddick. We all know the results Andy had against Federer. As Andy put it one time "How can you call it a rivalry if the same person always wins??"

Federer drove Roddick crazy by slicing short in the service box to his backhand. This forced Andy approach with a backhand and come to net where Roddick was most uncomfortable and vulnerable.

Look for Federer to use the same tactics today against Jack Sock as he did Roddick. Both player who have similiar styles and would prefer to stay on the baseline.

Final word. If Jack is to have a chance today then the serve will have to be near perfect. Serve over 70% first serve and he may find himself with winning opportunities.