WATCH: Sock pleased with hot shot in Montreal

There were a few big smiles from Jack Sock as he edged out first-round opponent Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-6 (4), 6-3. It was highlighted by a behind-the-back shot that entertained the Montreal crowd.

Perhaps Sock needed a few theatrics after nearly losing his head when Herbert lined a shot directly at him when he was at the net late in the first-set tiebreaker. Herbert was apologetic as Sock reacted by wrapping up the set.

There was plenty of interest in how Sock would perform after he voiced frustrations at Washington's Citi Open last weekend. Sock, who had upset Milos Raonic, fell to Kevin Anderson in the semifinals. He complained about the court conditions in no uncertain terms.

Whether or not Sock returns to D.C., it all seemed like a footnote as the US Open Series continues on at the Rogers Cup.

He'll also be more preoccupied with seeing if his hot shot makes the Sports Center Top 10.

Follow Jeremy on Twitter: @JeremyEckstein1

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