ST. GEORGE, UT - Jack Sock had never been to Utah before this week’s Selkirk Red Rock Open, but there’s a good chance he’ll want to return soon based on how well he played on Thursday.

The former tennis icon is into his first singles final after an 11-1, 13-11 victory over Christian Alshon in the semifinals.

Sock’s athleticism and anticipation at the kitchen line were on full display throughout the match, and he was able to keep Alshon from getting into a rhythm on serve.

The No. 11 seed did have to save two game points to stay alive in Game 2, but he held his nerve well enough to avoid going to a third game.

With another milestone achieved in his brief pickleball career, Sock remains focused on keeping the fun in the sport at all costs. 

“I’m blessed to have a second career in something I love doing,” he said. “Now that I’m playing pickleball, I want to try and keep a smile on my face. Whenever I do that, I actually play better.”

In Sunday’s final, Sock will take on No. 1 seed Federico Staksrud, who made his ninth consecutive singles final after beating Tyson McGuffin earlier on Thursday.

The two have faced off twice before, with Staksrud winning both meetings in two games.