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‘Those Who Can, Play Tennis. Those Who Can’t..’- 30-Year-Old American Star’s Appalling Career Decision Triggers Merciless Reactions from Fans

Published 08/27/2023, 3:00 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Jack Sock has struggled to reach even the third round of a singles tournament this year. He has played 14 years of professional tennis and has won over 17 titles. However, Sock’s numbers were usually better in doubles than in the singles category. The former Top 10 professional felt it was time for him to bid farewell to the sport after the US Open. But he won’t play any singles matches.

Flushing Meadows has witnessed multiple goodbyes over the years, and two players are set to pack their kits this year, too. However, the ATP doubles champion has announced a new career path, and Twitter has been set ablaze by the news.

Jack Sock receives a mind-numbing response over his novel career move

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When the Olympic medalist confirmed his retirement, he also revealed that he would play pickleball full-time. Earlier, Sock managed his time between tennis and pickleball, but now he has clarified his priorities. The PPA tour also confirmed that the American had been officially signed as a full-time pickleball professional. Noted journalist Jose Morgado posted the news on his Twitter account, sharing Pickleball’s official declaration with the caption: “Jack Sock, who received a doubles wild card to the #USOpen, looks like will switch to Pickleball…”

However, this particular move to pickleball has ignited furious and unfavorable reactions from tennis enthusiasts. The community did not spare Sock for his choice and slammed him and his career. One user expressed that the ATP professional is in for the Pickleball only for money.

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Another user tweeted that Sock had stooped to a lower standard. He said, “Jesus what a fall off lol”.

A hardcore tennis fan made his perspective clear, saying, “Those who can, play tennis. Those who can’t, play Pickleball.”

A particularly keen Roger Federer fan found the American’s career choice of switching sports hilarious.

 

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Yet another Twitter user reported his shock at processing how two American professionals announced their retirements days apart. They said, “First Isner, now Sock. What a week!”

A disgruntled tennis fan declared Sock’s choice to give up on tennis and switch to Pickleball, “a shame”.

Again, another user opined that money might be the reason for Sock’s career switch: “I mean, ok? must be the cash”.

A tennis fan went into shock as the official declaration was out, exclaiming, “To what now?”

Another fan took a dig at Pickleball, comparing the game to a similar sport: “Pickleball will die when they discover Padel.”

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A sports fan expressed disappointment over the current happenings in American tennis: “It’s a sad state of affairs in US Tennis”.

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Pickleball is a rising game in the US, and sports fans are still adapting. So when Sock revealed his decision, fans felt that the American was leaving tennis for Pickleball, a game that many hardcore fans think is inferior to tennis. Nevertheless, the decision was made. Sock will make his final appearance with a compatriot and another retiring player, John Isner. The Sock-Isner doubles team fetched good numbers in the past, and they look to do the same in their last tournament and the last Slam of the year.

WATCH THIS STORY: ‘What A Class Act’ – Serena Williams Sends Love As Roger Federer Hangs His Tennis Racket

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Written by:

Krishna Priya

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Vadlamani Krishna Priya is a tennis writer at Essentially Sports. Pursuing her passion for storytelling, she has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. Helped by her cousin who introduced her to the rules and regulations of the game during her childhood, Roger Federer matches became Priya's gateway to the world of tennis.
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Edited by:

Mitali Dey