If you follow pickleball somewhat closely, then you probably know that Jack Sock is a member of the Phoenix Flames in Major League Pickleball.

That team name is obviously a play on words and a reference to the mythical bird rising from the ashes of a fire.

In his men’s singles Round of 16 match on Thursday, though, Sock himself seemed to be the one on fire.

The No. 9 seed put on a forehand masterclass in his match against Tyson McGuffin, rifling winner after winner on his way to an 11-5, 11-6 victory over the No. 6 seed.

“I had a great feel for it today,” Sock said of his forehand. “With the way we both play, I think it could have been flipped any day of the week. Fortunately, I pulled it out today.”

In between extraordinary feats of athleticism from both competitors, there were also several memorable moments between the two friends and MLP teammates.

One, in particular, came when McGuffin tossed his paddle and hat at Sock after a net cord went Sock’s way.

“We both knew there would be plenty of personality out there,” Sock mentioned. “We’ve grown closer and had some fun on and off the court, like golfing and being on the Phoenix Flames together. It was always gonna be a fun, friendly match.”

Sock will face either No. 3 seed Connor Garnett or No. 17 seed Grayson Goldin on Friday in the quarterfinals.