Jack Sock produced a famous comeback, rallying from a two-set deficit to stun Marin Cilic 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 and give the United States a 1-0 lead in their Davis Cup quarterfinal tie.
Cilic gives up early break lead only to regain it late to take the set
After three relatively routine games to start the match, Cilic was able to gain the first break after Sock wasted a 40-15 lead. Cilic fired a forehand down the line for a 3-1 lead. Sock would come up with a response after trailing 4-1. He broke Cilic when the Croat dumped a forehand into the net and after a hold to consolidate getting the set back on serve, it appeared a tiebreak was on the cards at 4-4. Cilic would dig out another break, this time rallying from 30-15 down on Sock's serve, the American's forehand finding the net and Cilic wrapped it up 6-4.
Five breaks feature in the second set, Cilic emerges with a two-set lead
Both players serve disappeared to start the second set with four consecutive breaks. The first set of breaks were traded on errors, Cilic netting a forehand, Sock missing a backhand and it was 2-2. Finally, winners earned breaks, Sock with a beautiful forehand, Cilic responding with a magnificent backhand. Cilic would close the set strong, breaking again when Sock made yet another error after almost digging out of 0-40. The Croat led 5-3 and slammed the door on the set, holding to 15 to take it 6-3 and assume a commanding two sets to none lead.
Sock takes the third set over weary Cilic to stay alive
Once again, Sock was able to break, this time in the fourth game for a 3-1 advantage. Unlike the previous two sets, he made the edge stand and at 5-2, Cilic called for the trainer for what was an apparent headache. Shortly after the six-minute delay, Sock was able to close out the set 6-3, firing an ace on set point to cut Cilic's lead in half, the Croat now ahead two sets to one.
Sock takes tense fourth set to force a decider
After staying in the match, Sock continued to pile the pressure on with easy service holds, dropping just two points on his first four service games. Cilic was also holding comfortably, but he suffered a blip at 4-4, Sock breaking to continue his fightback. Now with the lead, the American served out the set to take it 6-4 and force a fifth and deciding set, the pressure squarely on Cilic now.
Fifth set
Cilic made a bright start to the fifth set with an immediate break, a deft volley giving him a quick 2-0 lead. Sock would respond in the fifth game with outstanding defense, forcing Cilic to pull the trigger early on a forehand, which sailed well long to get the set back on serve at 3-2 Cilic. Sock's surge continued at 4-4, breaking Cilic, setting it up with a beautiful volley at 30-30 then forcing a high backhand volley miss from Cilic to take a 5-4 lead. One final test awaited Sock, falling behind 15-40, the American resolute in saving three break points to close out the set 6-4 and complete a memorable comeback to give the Americans a valuable opening point.
