Bill Ackman Aims to Become Oldest Tennis Player to Earn ATP Points

Bill Ackman, the 59-year-old billionaire investor, is making a significant push in the tennis world. He aims to become the oldest tennis player to earn official ATP ranking points by winning at the Hall of Fame Open, scheduled to take place next week in Newport, Rhode Island. Ackman will be partnering with Olympic gold medalist and two-time doubles Grand Slam champion Jack Sock for this grass court event. Sock, who received a wild card entry, extended an invitation to Ackman to join him in the tournament. Ackman shared this exciting news on his social media platform, encouraging his 1.8 million followers to attend the event and cheer them on, or even boo him if that is their preference. He expressed confidence that a win would make him the oldest player in tennis history to secure ATP points at the age of 59.

The duo has the potential to earn up to 125 ranking points at the Challenger event, which is typically reserved for lower-ranked professionals. In contrast, Grand Slam winners can earn up to 2,000 points. Ackman's journey in tennis has been marked by his support for the sport, including investments in initiatives aimed at helping professional players explore business opportunities beyond the court. He is also a vocal supporter of the Professional Tennis Players Association, which has criticized the sport's governing bodies for allegedly operating a cartel that limits prize money.

Ackman's tennis aspirations were initially set to include an ATP tournament with Nick Kyrgios earlier this year. However, those plans were postponed due to a series of injuries sustained by the former Wimbledon finalist. Despite this setback, Ackman remains committed to his tennis endeavors, showcasing his passion for the sport and his determination to make history.