Jack Sock Withdraws From Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships Due To Ankle Injury

The Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, one of the marquee events on the professional pickleball circuit, will proceed without one of its most high-profile competitors. Jack Sock, the former tennis star turned pickleball pro, has withdrawn from the tournament due to an ankle injury.

Sock, who has made headlines since transitioning from tennis to pickleball, was slated to compete in three events — men’s singles, men’s doubles with Eric Roddy, and mixed doubles alongside Phoenix Flames teammate Genie Bouchard. With his withdrawal, a lucky loser from Monday’s qualifying rounds will take his place in the main draw.

Source: Selkirk Sport

A Missed Opportunity For Sock

The 32-year-old’s exit comes as a significant setback, particularly after his recent runner-up finish at the Red Rock Open. In that event, Sock delivered standout performances, defeating top-ranked players Federico Staksrud and Connor Garnett before falling to Hunter Johnson in the singles final. The Red Rock Open had been a promising display of Sock’s rapid progression in the sport, underscoring his potential to make a substantial impact on the pro circuit.

However, the ankle injury now delays his momentum and leaves a void in the Veolia Atlanta lineup, as Sock’s explosive playing style and well-documented rivalry with other top contenders had generated considerable anticipation.

Implications For The Phoenix Flames

Sock’s withdrawal also affects his Phoenix Flames teammate Genie Bouchard, who was set to partner with him in mixed doubles. With Sock out, Bouchard will need to recalibrate her strategy, potentially teaming up with another partner or focusing solely on her singles campaign.

For Eric Roddy, who was scheduled to join Sock in men’s doubles, the adjustment could prove challenging, as the duo had been refining their synergy in preparation for Atlanta.

Next Steps For Sock

Despite the setback, Sock is expected to make a return to competition at Major League Pickleball (MLP) Phoenix, scheduled for May 29 to June 1. The event will provide another high-stakes platform for Sock to showcase his skills and continue his push to establish himself as a serious contender in the pro pickleball landscape.

In the meantime, fans and fellow competitors will be closely monitoring his recovery, eager to see how he rebounds from the injury and whether he can reclaim the form that made him a standout at Red Rock.

Impact On The Veolia Atlanta Field

Sock’s absence opens up the field for other emerging talents and experienced pros to capitalize on the opportunity. With a lucky loser from the qualifying rounds stepping in, the dynamics of both the singles and doubles draws will undoubtedly shift.

For the tournament’s organizers and fans, Sock’s withdrawal is undoubtedly a disappointment, as his presence promised electrifying matchups and heightened visibility for the event. Yet, with several top players still in the mix, the Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships remain poised to deliver compelling competition and drama on the court.

Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament progresses and Sock’s recovery timeline becomes clearer.