This was a highly anticipated match between two contrasting playing styles players: Ben Johns, the established number one seed, and Jack Sock, a newcomer to the pro scene with a more aggressive style. They both played the semis-final match on Thursday, at Humana Championship Court. The winner of the game qualifies for the men’s singles final in the Championship Sunday gold medal match.
Match Breakdown: The game went to three sets
Set: 1
- In the first set, Sock took an early lead (8-3), but Johns clawed his way back and won 11-8 by employing a more patient strategy and capitalizing on well-timed forehand drives.
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Set: 2
- Sock responded in kind in the second game. Finding his rhythm and unleashing his powerful forehand shots, he dominated Johns, winning 11-5 and forcing a deciding third game. This set the stage for a dramatic finale.
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Set: 3
- The deciding third set was all Johns. He built a commanding lead (8-2) and never looked back, ultimately winning the set and the match. Johns’ ability to control the pace and gain net positioning (“kitchen”) proved crucial.
“He’s (Jack Sock) capable of hitting winners, so you need to acknowledge that,” Ben Johns said while talking to Pickleball TV. “Moreover, you must tighten up your serve and ensure you score effectively to prevent him from taking control, as he did in Game 2.”
Ben Johns maintained momentum and reached his second singles final of 2024.