This 59-Year-Old Billionaire Is About to Make Tennis History (And I'm Still Struggling to Beat My Neighbor)

By Lewis Barnett 8 July, 2025 6 mins read 189 Views

Listen. I've been covering sports for fifteen years, and I thought I'd seen everything.

Then Bill Ackman—yes, the hedge fund guy worth £6.75 billion—decides he's going to make his professional tennis debut at 59. Tomorrow. At the Hall of Fame Open in Newport, Rhode Island. Partnering with Jack Sock, who's won Wimbledon doubles twice and generally makes the rest of us look like we're playing with pool noodles.

I mean, what the hell? Here I am, can't even return my 12-year-old nephew's serve consistently, and this billionaire is stepping onto an ATP Challenger court like it's just another Tuesday.

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The Wildest Career Pivot Since... Ever?

Ackman runs Pershing Square Capital Management—you know, the kind of place where they probably spend more on lunch than most people make in a year. But apparently, between managing billions and doing whatever billionaires do (yacht shopping? I don't know), he's been perfecting his backhand.

The guy's played exhibition matches with Roger Federer and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Which is like saying you've had casual dinners with Gordon Ramsay and then deciding to compete on MasterChef. The confidence is... honestly, kind of inspiring?

Ackman posted on X: "I am playing the best tennis of my life and Jack is one of the greatest doubles players ever." Then he added this gem: "If we win, I am pretty sure I will be the oldest person in tennis history at 59 to win ATP points."

Plot Twist: He's Wrong (But Close)

Sorry Bill. Gardnar Mulloy held an ATP doubles ranking at 64, so you're not quite making that particular history book.

But honestly? Still impressive as hell.

The Nick Kyrgios Connection That Almost Was

Here's where it gets interesting. Originally, Ackman was supposed to partner with Nick Kyrgios—because of course he was. The Australian tennis maverick suggested they team up, which would have been absolute chaos on court. I would have paid good money to watch that press conference.

But Kyrgios got injured (shocking, I know), leaving Ackman partnerless. Enter Jack Sock, who had officially stepped back from tennis to focus on pickleball. Yeah, pickleball. The sport that's somehow taking over every country club in America.

The kicker? Sock and Ackman only met last week. LAST WEEK. They're going into an ATP event having known each other for seven days. I've had longer relationships with takeout delivery drivers.

Jack Sock: The Comeback Kid

Let's talk about Sock for a second. This guy peaked at No. 8 in singles, won three Grand Slam doubles titles (including those two Wimbledon crowns), and grabbed Olympic gold in mixed doubles at Rio 2016. His last ATP event was the US Open in August 2023, and now he's back because a billionaire needed a partner.

It was actually Sock who requested the wildcard entry for them. Nike's sponsoring the whole thing, which makes sense—they probably see the marketing gold mine here.

The Money Doesn't Matter (To One of Them)

If they beat their first-round opponents—Australian duo Omar Jasika and Bernard Tomic—they'll each earn 25 ATP ranking points and almost £1,500 in prize money.

Ackman says the cash would go to Sock, which is probably the most billionaire thing ever. "Oh, this pocket change? You keep it."

Tomic, by the way, once reached No. 17 in singles rankings, so this isn't exactly a gimme match. Though honestly, at this point, I'm not betting against the guy who's made a career out of impossible wins in the financial world.

Tomorrow's match is going to be absolutely wild. A 59-year-old billionaire and a former top-10 player who just came out of pickleball retirement, taking on seasoned pros in an actual ATP event.

And here I thought my weekend tennis league was competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of fitness for tennis players to do?

Tennis is physically demanding and requires a mixture of aerobic endurance, strength and power. Fitness training for tennis players often encompasses cardiovascular exercises to improve endurance, plyometric and explosive exercises for speed and power, weight training for strength, as well as agility drills to enhance footwork and on-court movement. In order to build the coordination and endurance necessary for the physical demands placed on tennis players, core stability exercises as well as balance training are crucial.

How can a tennis athlete balance intense training and school?

Balancing academic responsibilities and intense training schedules is a significant challenge for aspiring tennis players. Time management, prioritization skills and sometimes creative scheduling are required. Online schooling programs and flexible academic schedules can help young athletes manage their training and travelling schedules. Support from parents, coaches and educational establishments is essential to ensure that players can achieve their goals while maintaining their education.

What role do mental and emotional aspects play in tennis training?

Mental and psychological preparation is just as important as physical preparation in tennis. Players must learn to manage stress, maintain focus, and handle the emotional highs and lows of competition. Techniques such as visualization, goal-setting, and mental rehearsals are common practices. Working with a sports psychologist can help players build resilience, develop coping strategies for pressure situations, and elevate their mental game to match their physical prowess on the court.

How important is it for you to compete at junior tournaments if you want a career as a professional tennis player?

A junior tournament is a key step to a successful tennis career. These tournaments offer young athletes the opportunity to prove their abilities against their peers and gain valuable match-experience. They can also learn to deal with the psychological demands that come with competitive play. Junior tournaments provide a good stepping stone for players to move up to higher levels of competition. They also have an impact on their ranking, their visibility in front of coaches and sponsors, as well as the overall development they make as athletes.

What age should a young player start training in order to be a professional footballer?

While there is no set age to begin training for professional tennis, starting at a young age does provide an advantage. Most professional tennis players start training between the age of 4 and 7 years old. Early development helps players build a strong foundation in terms of technique, skills and coordination. But it's also important to maintain a balance between training and childhood development, to encourage a love of the sport without burnout or injury.

Statistics

Studies show that superior agility and speed among tennis players can reduce their reaction time by up to 30%, which is crucial during high-level matches.
Persistent mental training and sports psychology can help reduce performance anxiety by up to 60%, according to sports psychologists working with elite athletes.
Approximately 70% of a professional tennis player's training time is devoted to developing technique and on-court strategies.
Research indicates that junior tennis players who compete in international tournaments gain significant psychological advantage and experience, with participation leading to a 50% better transition into professional rankings.
Engaging in structured video analysis sessions has been shown to improve a player's tactical decision-making by approximately 35%.

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How To

How to Plan Your Nutrition for Tennis Training

Planning your nutrition for tennis training is critical to support your energy levels and recovery. Your diet should be rich in complex carbohydrates for sustained energy; integrate foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Include foods like chicken, fish and legumes to help repair muscles. Nuts, seeds and avocados are rich in healthy fats that contribute to your overall health. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, with an increased intake before, during, and after practice. Prioritize post-training recovery with a balanced meal or snack within 30 minutes of completing your session to replenish glycogen stores and promote muscle recovery.

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