Three former champions, Jack Sock, Steve Johnson, and Fernando Verdasco, received wild cards for the 2023 Houston Open.
Jack Sock, the 2015 Houston champion, returns to the clay courts with high hopes and an interesting schedule as he's also set to make his professional pickleball debut. Boasting an impressive career-high ranking of No. 8, Sock's resume includes four ATP Tour singles titles.
The American hasn't played a lot in 2023, as with the suggested pickleball switch, the end of his career may be nearing, even though many tennis fans would still like to see him on the tennis court.
Another wild card was awarded to the two-time Houston champion Steve Johnson (2017, 2018), who aims to rekindle his winning ways on the US clay. As the first player to repeat as Houston champion since Andy Roddick, Johnson's homegrown success fuels anticipation for his wild card performance.
Last year, the 33-year-old finished the season out of the Top 100 for the first time in nine years, and the Houston Open wild card will give him a chance to regain some of the ranking points needed to finish high in the ATP Rankings.
Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco, the 2014 Houston champion, brings a wealth of experience to the tournament. With seven ATP Tour singles titles under his belt, five of which were claimed on clay, Verdasco's expertise on the surface is undeniable.
The entry list includes many more interesting names as the likes of Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, John Isner, and Brandon Nakashima are all set to compete at the 2023 Houston Open.
Adding to the excitement, the tournament has awarded qualifying wild cards to rising stars Brandon Holt and Matija Pecotic. The stage is set for an exhilarating Houston Open, where fans will witness the return of past champions, the rise of young talent, and the unfolding of unforgettable tennis moments.
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