With Jack Sock in Atlanta

One of the top American players and World No. 16, Jack Sock, was in Atlanta for two days this week helping get people and media fired up for the 2018 BB&T Atlanta Open.

An honor to help Jack get around and meet the media.

Jack Sock Talks Nebraska Cornhusker Football

Tennis pro Jack Sock fielded questions from the media about his upcoming tennis schedule and he also talked Nebraska Cornhusker Football. 

The Nebraska native attended a game this year and out of the blue gives Nebraska Head Coach Bo Pelini a "vote of confidence."  I'm sure that is comforting to Pelini.

BTW - Jack was wearing a black Nebraska pullover and underneath, a Nebraska tee.

Hear Jack talk 'Husker football here:

Jack Sock in action in Atlanta

Pictures From 2011 USTA Australian Open Wildcard Playoffs: Day 2

Saturday’s Semifinal Scores

WOMEN

No. 5 Gail Brodsky ( Brooklyn , N.Y. ) def. No. 1 Coco Vandeweghe ( Newport Beach , Calif. ), 6-3, 3-6, 9-7

No. 6 Madison Keys ( Boca Raton , Fla. ) def. No. 2 Alison Riske ( McMurray , Pa. ), 3-6, 6-4, 6-1

MEN

No. 4 Robby Ginepri ( Kennesaw , Ga. ) def. No. 8 Rhyne Williams ( Knoxville , Tenn. ), 7-5, 6-2

No. 2 Jesse Levine ( Boca Raton , Fla. ) def. No. 3 Denis Kudla ( Arlington , Va. ), 7-5, 6-2

This sets up a couple good finals on Sunday.  While I'm surprised with the women's matchup of Keys and Brodsky, I'm not as shocked with the men's.

It's a good story in the men's final as Georgia native Robby Ginepri will be trying to win this important event on home soil and Jesse Levine, who was playing futures events a few months ago to move his ranking up play each other.  Both players are coming back from bad injuries and both appear to be playing well and are in great shape. 

They will be tested tomorrow as the finals are 3 of 5 sets.

My women's recap is here:

http://www.examiner.com/women-s-tennis-in-national/madison-keys-gail-brodsky-set-up-unlikely-final-wildcard-playoff

Here are some pictures from Saturday.

Madison Keys moves into the finalsAlison RiskeMadison Keys showed maturity beyone her years in her semiFriends, Alison Riske and Madison KeysGail Brodsky also advanced to the finalsJack Sock stopped by the media room to talk tennis and Nebraska footballThe finals begin Sunday at 1pm.

Pictures From the Men's Action - 2011 USTA Australian Open Wildcard Playoffs: Day 1

Friday’s Quarterfinal Scores

MEN

No. 8 Rhyne Williams ( Knoxville , Tenn. ) def. No. 1 Bobby Reynolds ( Acworth , Ga. ), 4-6, 6-4, 10-8

No. 2 Jesse Levine ( Boca Raton , Fla. ) def. No. 7 Daniel Kosakowski ( Downey , Calif. ), 6-2, 6-4

No. 3 Denis Kudla ( Arlington , Va. ) def. No. 6 Jack Sock ( Lincoln , Neb. ), 3-6, 7-6 (4), 5-4, ret.

No. 4 Robby Ginepri ( Kennesaw , Ga. ) def. No. 5 Steve Johnson ( Orange , Calif. ), 7-6 (4), 6-0

Denis KudlaJack SockBobby ReynoldsRhyne Williams

U.S. Open Match to Watch: Day 5

Two Americans will do battle under the lights.

Jack Sock vs. Andy Roddick

It may not be the best match on Friday's docket, but fans of American tennis, do miss this one!

Forgive Andy Roddick if he feels he is looking in the mirror heading into this match with the 18-year old , Sock.

Sock was born in Nebraska, same as Roddick, Sock possesses a big serve and a driving forehand, similar to Roddick's.  Sock is getting a chance to play a big match on the Stadium Court at the U.S. Open, much like Roddick did when he was younger.

Both players will be on top of their games, but Roddick has too much experience for his younger opponent.  The experience Sock will take from this match will be invaluable to him as he starts his pro career. 

Pull up a seat, get some popcorn and enjoy watching the present and future of American men's tennis.

Prediction: Roddick in 3