ASB CLASSIC—AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
No. 4 seed Jack Sock captured his second career title by defeating Joao Sousa 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday. Needing nearly two hours to claim his victory, Sock hit 13 aces and won 80 percent of his first serve points. Gaining a 2-1 head-to-head lead over Sousa in their career matches, Sock will now head into the Australian Open full of confidence.
Sousa, who was aiming to win his third career title, fell to 2-8 in career finals.
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APIA INTERNATIONAL SYDNEY—SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
No. 6 seed Gilles Muller claimed his maiden ATP World Tour title at age 33 on Saturday in Sydney, Australia when he dismissed Dan Evans 7-6(5), 6-2 in one hour and 29 minutes. Using his big serve to great effect, Muller slammed 12 aces, won 87 percent of his first serve points and broke serve on two of seven occasions. Improving to 2-0 against Evans in lifetime meetings, Muller had previously lost all five of his final appearances.
Evans, who was looking for his first-ever Tour title, is currently ranked No. 51 in the world.
Both Muller and Evans will now shift there attention to the Australian Open, which begins Monday in Melbourne.
