Jack Sock reaches Auckland final

American Jack Sock is one step away from his second career title after cruising past fellow American Steve Johnson and into the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland.

The fourth-seeded Sock, who was the runner-up finisher in Auckland last year, will take on Portugal's Joao Sousa in the final. The unseeded Sousa knocked off No. 8 seed Marcos Baghdatis 6-1, 7-5 in the semifinal on the other side of the bracket.

"It wasn't easy. Stevie is such a good player and had such a good year last year," Sock, who did not have his serve broken by Johnson, told reporters. "I was able to fortunately get a couple of breaks and that was enough.

"I enjoy being out here, playing in front of big crowds and being on big stages. Obviously, I want to win, but either way, I've played a lot of matches this week and my confidence is high."

Sousa, 27, is aiming for his third career title and first since Valencia in 2015. He took the first five games in the first set from Baghdatis and won the tight second set with an ace on his third match point -- his third ace of the match.

"I think the hard work has paid off. I had a really good preseason and I feel great," Sousa said. "I've been playing better and better as this tournament goes on, moving really well. I look forward to tomorrow's final."