Jack Sock's doubles prowess is powered by a confounding jolt reminiscent of Rafael Nadal.
Sock solidified his status as the world's most dynamic doubles player partnering Mike Bryan to successive Grand Slam doubles championships at Wimbledon and the US Open.
Laver Cup: View From Nosebleed Seats
The three-time Grand Slam doubles champion joined forced with Kevin Anderson to defuse second-ranked Roger Federer and third-ranked Novak Djokovic, 6-7, 6-3, 10-6, putting Team World on the board in Laver Cup last night.
Asked to explain his doubles success, Sock said there's a singular reason.
Facing Sock's twisting topspin forehand is like facing a right-handed version of Rafael Nadal's confounding topspin forehand.
"I don't play the most conventional doubles, that's for sure," Sock said. "I play a little bit of singles out there. Plus I'm fairly comfortable at the net. I don't mind being up there, being active, trying to finish points."
At his best blasting his high-bounding forehand from the baseline, Sock said volleying his dipping drives is like being "on the other side of Rafa." Nadal and Sock are routinely ranked one-two in forehand RPMs.
"I kind of stay back and play a little bit of singles, hit a lot of forehands which makes some guys uncomfortable," Sock said. "They don't see that sort of ball with RPMs and the spin. It's a little bit tougher to volley, I'd say. It's kind of like being on the other side of Rafa when you're at the net. The ball is dipping quick and moving around a lot.
"It makes it a little bit uncomfortable for the guys that only play doubles all the time. But I don't know. Honestly I just have a lot of fun out there and I play loose, which helps me to play better. I try and incorporate that in singles a little bit, but for now it's working on the doubles court."
Photo credit: Christopher Levy