Retired American tennis star Jack Sock to make return at Newport doubles event alongside hedge fund billionaire

After hanging up his racket in 2023, former World No.8 Jack Sock will be making a comeback to the tennis court at an ATP Challenger event in Newport, Rhode Island, where he will be competing in the doubles event.

The 32-year old enjoyed a successful career on the ATP Tour, winning four singles titles and 17 doubles titles. Sock broke into the top 10 in both events, reaching World No.8 in singles and a career-high of World No.2 in doubles. However, injuries towards the end of his career prompted the Lincoln native to eventually call an end to his tennis career.

Sock to make comeback in Newport, teams with billionaire

After saying goodbye to tennis, Sock turned to pickleball, where he enjoyed varying levels of success. Nonetheless, the American will be making a return to the world of tennis, as he has been granted a wildcard entry to the doubles event at an ATP Challenger event in Newport, Rhode Island.

However, another interesting facet to the story is Sock's doubles partner, who will be none other than hedge fund magnate and billionaire, Bill Ackman. The 59-year old has a history with tennis, having financed the early career of American tennis star Frances Tiafoe.

"If we win, I’m pretty sure I’ll become the oldest person in tennis history, at 59, to earn ATP points,” wrote Ackman on Twitter.

Although Ackman is undoubtedly excited to make his debut on the ATP Tour, his statement is inaccurate. In 1978,Gardnar Mulloy, at age 64, played a Grand Prix tournament (the major circuit at the time) at the California Club in North Miami, where he worked as a tennis coach. Mulloy faced 23-year old John Whitlinger, winning a game off the much younger man. Although Mulloy lost, he earned points just by participating, which was the norm during that period.

Sock and Ackman will face controversial Australian tennis player Bernard Tomic, who will be teaming with compatriot Omar Jasika on Tuesday, July 8. Tomic won his first ATP match in over four years at the Mallorca Championships two weeks ago.