Monaco Wins Another Houston Title

After Juan Monaco had wrist surgery in August, it took him six months to return to the ATP World Tour. It’s taken him only two months to return to hoisting trophies.

Monaco won his second Houston title on Sunday, overcoming his own late nerves and some early firepower from American Jack Sock to win 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 during the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship final.

The win gives Monaco nine career titles, including eight on clay and his first overall since May 2013 (Dusseldorf). He previously won Houston in 2012. “I didn’t expect this so fast,” Monaco said on court after the match. “No words to describe this moment.”

Sock was trying to win back-to-back titles for the first time, and the American breezed through the first set, winning 65 per cent of his service points to claim the opener in about 30 minutes. It was his 17th consecutive set won in Houston, dating back to his first-round match last year. But after the first set, Monaco received treatment on his lower back, and the injury timeout seemed to rattle Sock, who lost 10 of the next 14 games.

Down in the second set, Sock received treatment on his right arm. And when he fell behind 4-1 in the third, he received treatment on his right shoulder. But the American stormed back to win four consecutive games, erase a double-break deficit and lead the third set, 5-4. “I was playing a little more aggressive,” Sock said. “I think I got caught up in his style of tennis for a set and a half. He likes to just make a lot of balls, make the points long. I can do that but I’m more of an aggressive player.”

By the end of the match, though, Sock was struggling to walk. He was squatting in between points and visibly limping. Facing a break point at 5-all in the third, Sock double-faulted to give Monaco a final break. (In total, there were nine service breaks.) “I’m not sure exactly what happened with my body. Last night I didn’t feel great, was sweating even in a very air-conditioned room. So maybe coming down with something,” Sock said. “But it doesn’t take away from his battle and his fight today.”

Sock will receive 150 Emirates ATP Rankings points and $48,260.

Monaco was steady throughout the match, landing 83 per cent of his first serves and consistently putting balls in play. The Argentine broke Sock five times and limited the American to two aces.

The 32 year old will receive $91,630 in prize money and 250 Emirates ATP Rankings points. He’s expected to climb in the Emirates ATP Rankings from No. 148 to No. 90. He said after the match that he’s been a fighter for his entire career and will always plays until the last ball.

“Today was a quick movie of my life,” Monaco said.