At the 2025 Newport Open, an unexpected pairing captured headlines when 59-year-old billionaire Bill Ackman took to the court alongside American tennis player Jack Sock. The match, which drew significant spectator interest and media attention, highlighted the curiosity surrounding Ackman’s participation in a professional event.
Originally, Ackman had intended to join forces with Australian star Nick Kyrgios, who was gearing up to make his comeback. Unfortunately, Kyrgios faced setbacks in his recovery from injury, ultimately opting to withdraw from the entire grass-court season. The decision left the door open for Sock, who stepped in to partner with Ackman in their first-round match against Bernard Tomic and Omar Jasika.
The match, held at the iconic International Tennis Hall of Fame, ended with a score of 1-6, 5-7, reflecting a competitive yet uneven contest. Despite the loss, Ackman and Sock managed to win six games, demonstrating a spirit of participation rather than outright competition. Observers noted that Tomic and Jasika appeared to hold back for portions of the match, leading to questions about the seriousness of their efforts on the court.
Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick did not shy away from expressing his strong opinions regarding the event. In a recent episode of his podcast, Roddick criticized the decision to allow Ackman to compete, stating that it undermines the integrity of an event held at such a revered venue. He claimed that the match resembled a scenario where the players were not fully engaged, suggesting that the level of play didn’t reflect the expectations of top-tier tennis.
Roddick voiced his concerns clearly, questioning the appropriateness of awarding a wildcard to a player who he felt did not meet the competitive standards of the tournament. He emphasized the importance of preserving excellence within the sport and called for a review of the match, urging fans to analyze the footage themselves.
Roddick passionately remarked, “There was exactly one person on that court trying as hard as they could. … This was a disaster. It was beneath the Hall of Fame.” His insistence on accountability in the sport highlighted a broader concern regarding the integrity of tennis matches, especially in contexts that bring together both professional players and non-professionals.
With Roddick’s remarks echoing in the tennis community, the Newport Open and its management could find themselves facing scrutiny over their decision-making processes surrounding player participation. While Ackman’s aspirations to play were commendable, the conversation surrounding the match has sparked a necessary dialogue about what constitutes competitive integrity within the sport.
