Former world No. 8 Jack Sock could come out of retirement to team up with Nick Kyrgios at the Miami Open. The 32-year-old American retired from professional tennis after the 2023 US Open to focus on pickleball, but he may unexpectedly return to the tennis courts in 2025.
The former doubles world No. 2 had a strong run on the PPA Tour, reaching the top 10 just a year after starting to compete. The talented American has recently been on the Nothing Major Podcast, commenting on the current state of tennis with his former colleagues Sam Querrey, John Isner, and Steve Johnson.
In the latest episode, Miami Open Tournament Director James Blake was a guest, and Sock took the opportunity to speculate about a return to the court, asking directly if he could secure a potential wildcard in Miami, which will take place in mid-March 2024.
"I have a competing player question. Nick Kyrgios and myself might be asking for a wild card into doubles of your event here in a few months. That would be something you would consider, or should I not even...?" asked the 3-time doubles Grand Slam champion.
Blake was quickly surprised and expressed interest in a potential invitation. "No way! You getting back on the tennis court? I can always give the diplomatic answer, 'It will be considered.' You guys, I think you have a pretty good chance, you guys could sell some tickets,” he said. "I mean, it's not like [John] Isner and [Hubert] Hurkacz were selling as many, but you guys could sell some tickets,” added the former world No. 4, joking.
Sock has already teamed up with Kyrgios in the past. They debuted as a pair in 2015 and played together in at least one tournament in seven of the following eight seasons, even winning the 2018 Lyon Open title and having successful partnerships at the Laver Cup.
"I accept it, coming from the guy who just had the crazy career at Wimbledon, one of the most talented players in the world as we know. Probably the most talented player in the world," Sock said in 2022 about his colleague. "Nick and I complement each other very well on the court. Inside and outside the court we have a great time, we’ve been friends for a long time off the court, starting with video games and here we are."
Jack Sock is planning on returning to professional tennis to play doubles with Nick Kyrgios at the 2025 Miami Open 👀 pic.twitter.com/cs4oDJn7ja
— TennisONE App (@TennisONEApp) December 10, 2024