Jack Sock started a new tradition on Thursday, one that the 23-year-old hopes will become a regular occurrence as he carves out a successful tennis career.
The American overcame fourth-seed and world number 12 Kevin Anderson 1-6 6-4 6-4 to reach his first Auckland Classic semi-final, which he celebrated by taking off a shoe and giving one of his socks to a fan.
"We were talking about it in warm-up today," Sock told reporters in Auckland.
"Jo (Jo-Wilfred Tsonga) has got his thing, a few people have their own things.
"I think with such a unique name that I have, we figured I might start a new tradition and give a sock away if I win."
The American started poorly against the tall South African, who blasted seven aces in a dominant opening set in which he raced through his service games and broke the 26th-ranked Sock in the fourth and sixth games.
Sock settled in the second set and improved his return as Anderson lost range and accuracy, tying up the quarter-final on his second break and set point opportunity in the 10th game.
Anderson served better in the decider but Sock eked out another break, again in the 10th game, to seal the contest in 98 minutes.
"I thought he came out firing and did not miss many first serves, which against a guy like that, it was crucial for me he misses a few," Sock added.
"I was able to get some balls in near the end and scrap out some points. I'm looking forward to playing in the semis."
Sock will next face four-times champion David Ferrer after the Spaniard completed a 6-3 6-4 win over the CzechRepublic's Lukas Rosol.
The 33-year-old Ferrer, who was granted a wild card and took the top seeding, was at his retrieving best on Thursday, forcing Rosol to continually play an extra shot, while he converted three of his four break point opportunities.
"I have to play well to beat him," Ferrer said.
"I tried to serve good and be aggressive with my forehand. The important thing is I am in the semi-finals playing good tennis."
Twice champion John Isner is playing Roberto Bautista Agut in the third quarter-final while French second seed Tsonga will meet Italy's Fabio Fognini in the late match.
Image: USA's Jack Sock
Photograph: Phil Walter/Getty Images
