Billionaire Bill Ackman, 59, to Compete in Newport Challenger Doubles

Amidst Wimbledon, this is one of the most unusual tennis stories of the week.

The Newport tournament, held at the Hall of Fame grounds, has been downgraded this year to a Challenger 125 event. As a result, it was moved up a week from its usual spot on the calendar.

While the tournament will feature some familiar names like Adrian Mannarino and Christopher Eubanks, the doubles draw is getting extra attention. That’s because American billionaire Bill Ackman, 59, will compete alongside Jack Sock, a former world No. 8 who recently transitioned to pickleball.

The duo received a wild card and will face the Australian pair of Omar Jasika and Bernard Tomic in the first round. Speaking to Front Office Sports, Ackman shared his thoughts ahead of his professional circuit debut:

“I’ve never met Jack Sock. I assume I’ll play the deuce side because Jack prefers the ad side. When my serve is on, it’s good. I’ll be at my peak next week (laughs).

I’m going to try to have fun. We’ll do our best to win and put on a show. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience—unless we win.”

The right-handed billionaire, who uses a one-handed backhand, is set to play his match with Sock on Tuesday. If they win, he could become one of the oldest players in history to earn ATP points (25 points are awarded to the winners).