The Serve That Stunned Stephen Madonia: At the 2025 Select Medical Orange County Cup in San Clemente, Jack Sock and Eric Roddy won their Round of 64 doubles match against Stephen Madonia and Edward Perez with a score of 5-11, 11-7, 11-7. But most attention turned to a bold serve from Jack Sock during the match.
A Surprise Serve Sparks Reactions
In the second game, Stephen Madonia hit Jack Sock with the ball during a point. On the very next serve, Jack Sock hit what’s known as a “Nasty Nelson,” sending the ball directly at Madonia and making contact to win the point.
Despite how it looked, Jack Sock said it wasn’t meant to be payback.
“I’m not upset. It’s part of the game. It’s a strategy. I caught him sleeping at the net, we need some momentum, needed to change the matchup, so I had to go for it. We’re homies. It’s all love. People always think people are mad when they try that, but it’s just a tactic.”-(Jack Sock)
Former Tennis Star Adjusts to Pickleball
Jack Sock, known for his past success in tennis, has been making waves in pro pickleball. His smart and aggressive play helped him and Eric Roddy come back after losing the first game to secure the win.
Fans and players are still adjusting to Sock’s playing style, which blends power and surprise moves. But Sock made it clear his actions were all part of a strategy, not revenge.
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Looking Ahead
Jack Sock and Eric Roddy will now face the No. 3-seeded team of Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu in the Round of 32. The upcoming match will test Sock and Roddy against one of the top pairs in the tournament.
The match also highlights how tactics like the Nasty Nelson continue to stir debate in the sport, especially when used by big-name players in high-stakes moments.
News in Brief: Serve That Stunned Stephen Madonia
Jack Sock and Eric Roddy won their Round of 64 match at the 2025 Orange County Cup against Stephen Madonia and Edward Perez. Sock used a “Nasty Nelson” serve after being hit earlier, calling it a strategy, not revenge. They now face Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu next.
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