Dudi Sela Knocks Off Querrey in Atlanta; Sock Powers Into Quarterfinals

July 24, 2014 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff

Fresh off his win over the hometown favorite Donald Young on Monday, Israel’s Dudi Sela knocked off another American, Sam Querrey, in the second-round of the BB&T Atlanta Open on Wednesday.

Sela defeated Querrey fairly easily, coasting to the 6-2, 6-4, straight set win in just over an hour. He used an excellent return game to combat the powerful serve of Querrey, breaking the American four times while only surrendering one break point of his own.

Querrey, the second-highest ranked American behind John Isner, ripped eight aces compared to none for Sela, but also double-faulted five times throughout the match. He was also inconsistent with his serve accuracy, only getting his first serve in 52 percent of the time.

“I couldn’t get anything right,” said Querrey. “It was pretty bad all the way around. I’ve just had days where I get up and nothing’s working. Today was one of them.”

Sela said his strategy was to sit on the baseline and engage in long rallies to try and neutralize the big serve of Querrey.

“I tried to play a lot of long rallies, keep the ball in play,” said Sela, the 94th ranked player in the world. “I played one terrible game and he didn’t play his best, but I’m happy.”

Up next for Sela will be Canadian Vasek Pospisil, who rolled past Ukrainian Illya Marchenko 7-5, 6-3 on Wednesday.

American Jack Sock also cruised into the quarterfinals on Wednesday, knocking off qualifier Michael Venus 6-4, 6-2. The 21-year old Sock fought off 10 aces from Venus, and picked up three break-points while saving both of his to control the match.

“Obviously the summer is going pretty well so far,” said Sock, who went back to the courts after his match to work on his serve. “I won some matches at the French. Wimbledon was a great showing for me. Newport, winning three matches and two matches here so far, so confidence is probably the highest it has ever been.”

Sock will meet Lukas Lacko in their quarterfinal matchup. Lacko came from behind to knock off sixth-seeded Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan 5-7, 6-1, 6-4.

There are still four open spots left in the quarterfinals in Atlanta, as four players will clinch spots in the final eight today. Top-seeded American John Isner headlines the day’s matches as he takes on fellow American Robby Ginepri.


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Centercourt
USTA NTC

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