Shock exit for defending champion

As two of the top seeds tumbled out of the ASB Classic at the first hurdle, leave it to the tournament’s ‘Mr Reliable’ to show them how it’s done.

A day that began as one of the biggest in the event’s history was rocked by back-to-back upsets as defending champion and No 1 seed Jack Sock was sent packing in straight sets, quickly followed by third seed Sam Querrey.

There was no problems for fan favourite David Ferrer, though.

The Spaniard, 35, continued his pursuit for a record fifth title with a clinical 6-2 6-2 dismantling of last year’s runner-up Joao Sousa.

It was typical of the performances we have come to expect from Ferrer in Auckland, as he extended his record in the City of Sails to an impressive 30-8, resulting in titles in 2007 and threestraight between 2011-2013.

"Today, everything was perfect," said Ferrer, who beat wildcard Wu Yibing in the first round. "I played really good, serving, returning.

"Today with Joao, we have a similar game and I can play with more time to play on the baseline. So I was more comfortable with my game."

On the opposite side of the draw to Sock and Querrey, unfortunately for seventh-seeded Ferrer their surprise departures will not help him unless he reaches another final.

Sock’s display was particularly disappointing as he crashed to a 6-3 6-3 defeat to little-known