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Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman is pushing back against criticism over his wildcard entry into last week’s Hall of Fame Open. Ackman defended the move as a strategic success and announced a $10 million endowment for the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
In a lengthy statement posted to X on Sunday, Ackman acknowledged his poor doubles performance alongside former pro Jack Sock, but rejected the idea that his inclusion in the match was inappropriate or bought.
“The HOF asked me for nothing and I made no commitments to the HOF,” Ackman wrote. “I had in the past donated to the HOF, but had done nothing in recent years.”
Ackman said his participation was intended to draw attention to the tournament and the Hall of Fame itself, both of which, he argued, benefited significantly. “The HOF’s wildcard strategy succeeded beyond their wildest imaginations,” he wrote.
A Different POV
For Ackman, the backlash wasn’t so bad: “What people are missing is that the whole thing worked out perfectly. My poor play dramatically increased the virality of the event, driving massively more coverage than if I had played well.”
As part of the post, Ackman announced that he and his wife, Neri Oxman, will fund a $10 million endowment for the Hall of Fame, which he will manage through Pershing Square at no cost. The fund will distribute 5% annually to support operations, youth programs, and other initiatives to grow the game.
The statement comes after a wave of criticism from the tennis world following the match. Former US Open champion Andy Roddick called the match “a disaster” and “beneath the Hall of Fame.”
Ackman concluded by challenging Roddick to a doubles match on his home court, cameras welcome. “I am now battle ready.”
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