Pickleball is taking the United States by storm, emerging as the fastest-growing sport with 48.3 million adults having played it at least once between 2022 and 2023. Played on a 20-foot by 44-foot court, smaller than a traditional tennis court, pickleball is accessible to individuals of all ages and skill levels. This unique characteristic has made it a popular recreational activity across the nation. Among its enthusiasts are former tennis champions Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi, who have embraced the sport and actively participate in events like the Pickleball Slam.
Steffi Graf, renowned for her illustrious tennis career, has transitioned into pickleball over the past few years. She, along with her husband Andre Agassi, plays the sport regularly, stepping up their game as they prepare for events such as the Pickleball Slam, where Graf participates alongside other former tennis stars like Andy Roddick and Eugenie Bouchard. The upcoming 2024 Pickleball Slam 2 promises a prize purse of $1 million, further highlighting the sport's growing appeal and competitive spirit.
Graf appreciates pickleball's accessibility, considering it a more approachable alternative to tennis. She notes that the sport requires quick reactions and soft hands, skills that align well with those honed in other racket sports. In her own words:
“I did something that I was so comfortable with, that I’ve done all my life,” – Steffi Graf
Despite her comfort with racket sports, Graf admits that pickleball challenges her in unexpected ways.
“I like to hit the ball in tennis, but no, not in this game. It’s much more about the feel, choosing to reset and taking speed off than driving the ball. So patience is not my strength. I’m enjoying that it really is taking me out of my comfort zone a lot of times.” – Steffi Graf
Andre Agassi has also become a vocal advocate for pickleball, having participated in all three Pickleball Slam events. His enthusiasm for the sport is evident through his swift adaptation and analytical approach.
“And he’s played a little more, he’s physically so much stronger and quicker. His sense for this game, how quickly he picked it up, was absolutely phenomenal to watch.” – Steffi Graf
Graf admires Agassi's dedication to improving his game by studying videos and engaging with professionals.
“Not that I didn’t see it in the other sports that he’s so good at, but he picked it up and he loved the analysis of it, from the beginning on watching videos and other clips. When he goes out and plays with some of the professionals, he will have very specific questions that he needs answered to get better.” – Steffi Graf
Agassi foresees an even brighter future for pickleball, suggesting its potential inclusion in global sporting events.
“It’s going to grow like you can’t even imagine,” – Andre Agassi
The sport's rise isn't limited to former tennis champions; pickleball is garnering interest from celebrities across different fields. High-profile figures such as Tom Brady and LeBron James have invested in professional pickleball teams. Meanwhile, Catherine O'Hara and Willem Defoe have showcased the sport in a Super Bowl commercial, further boosting its visibility.
Globally, events like the Pickleball Slam are instrumental in promoting pickleball beyond American borders. Graf believes that both pickleball and tennis complement each other, offering more options for recreational players of racket sports.
Despite her experience as a tennis champion, Graf experiences nerves when playing pickleball before large audiences.
“You can’t take the competitive out of us,” – Steffi Graf
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