Billionaire set to team up with two-time Wimbledon champion and make ATP debut

A billionaire hedge fund manager is set to make his ATP debut alongside a two-time Wimbledon champion, creating potential intrigue for punters. With Ackman’s limited experience and Sock’s recent retirement from professional tennis, betting on their opening match could yield unexpected results, especially against seasoned Australian players.

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman will team up with two-time Wimbledon champion Jack Sock to make his ATP debut at the Hall of Fame Open. Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management with a net worth of nearly £7bn, is set for a dramatic change from finance to tennis.

Ackman and Sock will face Australian duo Omar Jasika and Bernard Tomic in their opening match on Wednesday. Ackman stated that he has not yet introduced himself to Sock, but is willing to play on the "deuce side" to accommodate his partner.

If they win their opening match, they will each earn 25 ranking points and prize money of $2,030 (£1,496), which Ackman plans to give to Sock. A dedicated tennis fan, Ackman has previously hit balls with Roger Federer and Stefanos Tsitsipas. He has also secured a doubles win over Noah Rubin, a former Wimbledon junior singles champion.

Rubin noted Ackman's capacity for handling pressure and mentioned he was surprised by Ackman's powerful serve. Ackman expressed that when his serve is on, it’s good. He is looking forward to having fun and doing everything possible to win in this "once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Sock is coming out of retirement to compete alongside Ackman after stepping back from professional tennis in 2023. He now plays pickleball and was granted a wildcard to participate in the Hall of Fame Open upon request. A spokesperson for the International Tennis Hall of Fame confirmed the support for Sock’s wildcard request.

Bill Ackman is set to play in the Hall of Fame open alongside a Wimbledon champion.

Express