Ryan Fu and James Ignatowich are moving on to the Round of 16 at the 2025 PPA Tour: Veolia North Carolina Open, after opponent Jack Sock retired due to a back injury during their men’s doubles match in Cary, North Carolina.
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Sock Injured, Forced to Retire After Two Games
The match began competitively, with Jack Sock and Eric Roddy taking the first game 11-7. However, momentum shifted in the second game as Fu and Ignatowich responded strongly, winning 11-5.
During the second game, Sock showed visible discomfort and reduced movement, prompting a medical timeout before the third and deciding game. Though he briefly returned, Sock played just one point before retiring, handing the win to Fu and Ignatowich.
Tough Next Match Ahead for Fu and Ignatowich
With the win, Ryan Fu and James Ignatowich will now face the tournament’s No. 3 seeds, Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu, in the next round. The match will determine who advances to the quarterfinals of the Veolia North Carolina Open.
Tournament Update from Cary
Held at Cary Tennis Park from April 1 to April 6, 2025, the PPA Tour: Veolia North Carolina Open has been full of standout performances and unfortunate injuries. The event features amateur and professional brackets and includes some of pickleball’s biggest names.
Despite the early exit, Jack Sock’s participation drew attention, as he is one of the sport’s most recognizable crossover athletes from professional tennis.
What Happens Next
Fu and Ignatowich will need to be sharp as they prepare for a higher-seeded challenge against Alshon and Daescu. The match offers them a chance to continue their run at one of the PPA Tour’s premier stops. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if Sock’s injury will impact his schedule for upcoming events.
News in Brief: Ryan Fu and James Ignatowich
Ryan Fu and James Ignatowich advanced to the Round of 16 at the Veolia North Carolina Open after Jack Sock retired with a back injury. Sock and Eric Roddy won Game 1, but Fu and Ignatowich took Game 2 before the injury ended the match.
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