Say hello to our 2016 #USClay champion: Juan Monaco! pic.twitter.com/7w8ZJyqI1C
— US Men’s Clay Court (@mensclaycourt) April 10, 2016
(April 10, 2016) Juan Monaco rallied past an ailing defending champion Jack Sock 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to win his second U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship on Sunday. The Argentine also won the tournament in 2012. Just nine months ago, Monaco had wrist surgery, and back on the tour for only two months and now holding a trophy.
“I didn’t expect this so fast,” Monaco said during the trophy presentation. “No words to describe this moment.”
“It’s amazing, amazing to hold the trophy again in only my fourth tournament back, after three years” said the 32-year-old. He last won a tournament in 2013. “It’s almost like a dream come true for it to happen so fast. The hard work really paid off.”
“Today was a quick movie of my life.”
This is Monaco’s ninth career ATP World Tour title.
The 23-year-old American Sock suffered from problems with his right arm and cramps, which was evident in the final set.
“I felt great all week. I’m not exactly sure what happened with my body,” Sock said after the match. “Last night, I didn’t feel great. I was sweating in a very air-conditioned room, so maybe possibly coming down with something. But that doesn’t take away from battle and fight today. It came down to the wire. I tried my best and put it all out there.”