Top seed Jack Sock, Lincoln, Neb., had no trouble advancing to the 18s semifinals, defeating Alexios Halebian (8), Glendale, Calif., 6-1, 6-1. Sock has lost just 12 games in five matches. ”I hadn’t played many points before this tournament and not many matches, either,” said Sock, who turned pro just before the Nationals. “I played a couple Challengers this summer, didn’t do that great. Didn’t play my best tennis. “For me, I think I’m a match player. I think I show up better and play a lot better in match situations. Practices, I go out, obviously, I try to work on things and I work hard, but that’s not where my best tennis is. ”I think I play my best tennis on match days. For me, it’s just kinda getting into the tournament, even if I take time off or I’m not “tournament-ready” as some people say, I still think I play pretty well in matches and I’ll always show up pretty well for matches.” Sock will face Marcos Giron (4), Thousand Oaks, Calif, in Saturday’s semis. Giron defeated Dennis Novikov (5), Boca Raton, Fla., 6-0, 7-6(5). “In the second set, he started making a lot more first serves.,” Giron said. “I held my first game of the second, then his first service game, there were a lot of deuces. I had quite a few break points. “Games like that are so important, just for the momentum. He ended up holding, then I got broken right back. I got it back, which was important. I’m happy with the way I played today. “I think I’m playing well right now, I really feel like if I play my game and play well, I can make it all the way, but it’s gonna be tough.” The other semifinal will feature Mac Styslinger (9), Birmingham, Ala., going against Mitchell Frank (2), Annandale, Va. Both won quarterfinals matches on Thursday.

Source: USTA Nationals Staff