Sock in the City

Andrew Robinson

It’s nothing new for the Springfield Lasers to have the top American male on its roster as John Isner joined the Lasers the last two seasons, but this summer the team’s addition of Jack Sock hits closer to home.

Sock, who was born in Lincoln, Neb., and grew up training and currently resides in the Kansas City area will join the Lasers as a marquee player on July 21.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for Sock who is sure to be welcomed by a large crowd of hometown supporters. Sock grew up on the USTA Missouri Valley junior circuit and was fortunate enough to win his first USTA National Championship at age 11 at the Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield where the Lasers play its matches.

For Paul Nahon, general manager of the Lasers, Sock’s homecoming has been long in the works. Nahon and the Lasers have wanted Sock to be a part of WorldTeam Tennis for several seasons, but logistically it never seemed to work out.

Then this year, Sock was willing to play in the league, and the Lasers traded with the New York Empire in the marquee draft to be in a position to pick up Sock. “From the standpoint of him being a former USTA Missouri Valley player, it’s very exciting to have the top American player returning to Springfield,” Nahon said.

Nahon hopes the Lasers’ match on July 21 will be just the beginning of a big tennis weekend in the Ozarks. Nahon and Cooper Tennis Complex plan to host a WorldTeam Tennis recreation event drawing players from across the Midwest. Nahon said the plan is to include a general admission ticket for the Lasers’ Friday night match as part of the registration fee for the tournament.

A few other notable names will also make stops in Springfield including Sloane Stephens with the Philadelphia Freedoms and former tour player Mardy Fish will stop in Springfield with the New York Empire. Ryan Harrison, who has played very well in 2017, is also expected to play in Springfield.

The Lasers have six home dates on the schedule this season beginning Sunday, July 16 and Nahon is confident it will be a successful season.

“We want people to get down here and see there’s some great tennis we provide,” Nahon said. “Of course we’ll still have the music, food and entertainment prior to matches.”

2017 Lasers Roster & Home Schedule

July 16: Washington July 20: Philadelphia (Sloane Stephens visits) July 21: San Diego (Jack Sock) July 27: San Diego July 28: Washington July 30: Philadelphia Aug. 2: New York (Mardy Fish visits)

2017 Lasers Roster: Coach: JL De Jager Marquee player: Jack Sock Jean-Julien Rojer Daria Kasatkina Benjamin Becker Michaella Krajicek

To purchase tickets, visit Springfieldlasers.com