The first American in the latest generation of male tennis athletes has officially won his maiden title on the ATP World Tour. Ina battle of fellow countrymen, Jack Sock defeated his older counterpart Sam Querrey in a generational battle that signaled the transition to a new era of players from the United States.

The youngster, who is already a doubles Grand Slam champion, defeated Querrey in straight sets to lift the Houston title at the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship final. He won the match 7-6(9), 7-6(2) to earn the victory in 1 hour and 45 minutes.

“It feels incredible,” said Sock. “Clay is my favourite surface. It feels surreal. It feels incredible, and to have friends and family here to share it with me feels even better.”

After being sidelined for the past few moths with a torn pelvic muscle that required surgery, Sock returned to the tour in emphatic fashion, as he won the doubles title in Indian Wells, reached the final in Miami and now won his maiden ATP World Tour title.

Article Continues Below Ad

“I feel I competed well and took care of my serve very well,” said Sock. “On this surface against these players and the tough field that it was, to only get broken a handful of times is not easy.”

Sock takes home $88,800 in prize money and 250 Emirates ATP Rankings points, while Querrey took home $46,750 and 150 ranking points.

“Jack’s tough,” said Querrey. “He has a big forehand and on heavy clay like that, he’s a tough guy to beat… that’s my first final in a long time, so I’m feeling good.”