Jack Sock grew up looking up to Andy Roddick.
The former world No. 1 believes Sock has the ability to grow into a top player.
Roddick, who beat the teenage Sock in straight sets in their lone meeting at the 2011 U.S. Open, believes American tennis is on the rise and suggests Sock can reach the top of the game.
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The 32-year-old Roddick announced today he is temporarily coming out of retirement to partner good friend and former high school roomate Mardy Fish in doubles at next month's BB&T Atlanta Open. Roddick said Sock has taken charge of his career and showed it with his Roland Garros opening-round win over 11th-ranked Grigor Dimitrov en route to his first Grand Slam fourth round appearance.
"I love the way that Jack has taken ownership over his ability. It seems like there's a sense of belief," said Roddick In a conference call with the media to promote his appearance in Atlanta. "Getting that first-round draw at the French Open against Grigor Dimitrov, going out and beating him in straight sets I thought was a huge mental step that now should pay itself forward. Now it's just a matter of playing like he did at Roland Garros and doing that every week. That's how you become one of the best players in the world. He certainly has the tools."
Looking at the landscape of American tennis, including junior world No. 1 Taylor Fritz, who reached the Roland Garros junior final, falling to compatriot Tommy Paul in the final, Roddick says the future is exciting.
"I think probably for the first time in a while, we can say we're cumulatively as a tennis community in the States, there seems to be some really legitimate, authentic excitement," Roddick said. "Not just around one or two guys, but around a handful, five or six. That's the recipe."
The former American No. 1 will get a first-hand glimpse of the future when he faces 17-year-old Frances Tiafoe, who won a wild card into Roland Garros and is currently ranked No. 286, in an exhibition match at the Atlanta Open.
Once the world's most intimidating server, Roddick said the thought of facing Tiafoe is scary.
"I'm playing against Frances Tiafoe, which literally scares the shit out of me," Roddick said. "Trust me, I went worse than, Oh,God! I'm excited to see it. The easiest way to kind of know what you're dealing with is to see it firsthand. I'm excited about it.
"These guys are good. I'm pumped about it. I think there is some sense of optimism. Let's not compare them to the long shadow of American tennis; let's let them make their own way."