Andy Roddick: Jack Sock is Full of Piss and Vinegar

Andy Roddick will meet a fellow Nebraskan, Jack Sock, in his second match at the US Open Friday. The 18-year-old Sock is among the new hopes for American tennis, and Roddick is looking forward the challenge.

“He’s full of piss and vinegar. He’s from Nebraska. Sounds a little like an 18-year-old I knew once upon a time,” Roddick said after a four-set win last night over another American, Michael Russell.

“I was joking with someone today,” Roddick added. “I said, I think we’re the only two teenagers to play tennis in Nebraska in the last 30 years and we’re both in the US Open. Maybe we’re missing something. Maybe we need the corn fed boys.”

Roddick also sees the similarities in their games.

“You know, it’s fun to watch the kids, I mentioned before, when it’s all there, it’s all ahead of them, they have this incredible journey ahead of them,” Roddick said. “He’s excited. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain at this point. Even he kind of has the half take up with the serve. He’s got the flailing elbow on the forehand and the backhand. I was watching his match today and I was kind of laughing a little bit.”

Sock just won his first career Grand Slam match beating Marc Gicquel Wednesday.

“I wouldn’t say we’re really good friends,” Sock said. “I say hi, talk a little bit. It helps that, I mean, we’re both from Nebraska. I met him when I was really young at a Husker football game. I’ve met him here and there since. Spent a little time with him, practiced with him a couple times. But other than that, we’re just pretty much friends.”