Agassi’s Ace: From Grand Slams to Pickleball Paddles

Andre Agassi, a name synonymous with tennis prowess and captivating court presence, has traded his iconic neon apparel for a new, albeit smaller, arena: the pickleball court. The eight-time Grand Slam champion recently made his professional pickleball debut at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, marking a significant transition for the tennis legend.

Agassi’s foray into the world of pickleball wasn’t a solitary venture. He partnered with Anna Leigh Waters, an 18-year-old phenom and the top-ranked female pickleball player globally, in a mixed tournament. The unlikely duo showcased a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, capturing the attention of both tennis and pickleball enthusiasts. Their initial match resulted in a victory, fueling excitement about Agassi’s potential in this burgeoning sport. However, their journey was cut short in the subsequent round, highlighting the challenges Agassi faces in mastering the nuances of pickleball.

Despite the early exit, Agassi’s passion for pickleball is undeniable. He expressed his enthusiasm in a recent interview with Fox News Digital, stating, "Dude, I’m not just liking it, I’m loving it." His affection for the sport extends beyond personal enjoyment, encompassing its inclusive and unifying nature.

Agassi elaborated on pickleball’s unique appeal, noting its ability to "bring people together, generations together, how it breaks cultural barriers, breaks down gender barriers, breaks down generational barriers, low-point of entry, nobody’s intimated to try it, it’s challenging at every level." He playfully urged the interviewer to "tell me when to stop, for crying out loud," underscoring his genuine excitement for the sport.

Agassi’s introduction to pickleball wasn’t entirely spontaneous. He acknowledged having participated casually over the years, suggesting a simmering interest that has now fully ignited. His involvement coincides with the rising popularity of pickleball, transforming from a niche activity to a mainstream sport.

The surge in pickleball’s popularity is further evidenced by the release of "Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story," a Netflix documentary now streaming on MAX. The documentary, directed by Ashley Underwood, wife of comedian Larry David, delves into the captivating world of professional pickleball. Underwood herself is an avid pickleball player, having discovered the sport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Underwood shared her personal experience with Fox News Digital, stating, "I played pickleball, my husband and I played. We had a fun group during COVID. That’s actually when I got started. I was a tennis player before, and someone asked me to come play pickleball, and I fell in love with the sport."

Her passion for pickleball led her to a major league pickleball tournament in November 2021, where she witnessed the transformation of the sport at the professional level. "I couldn’t believe what I saw in the pro game. They’re just playing like a completely different sport almost than recreational players. Just real athletes, incredible to see, and honestly, I saw that this was the birth of a professional sport. So I wanted to chronicle a unique moment in time," Underwood explained.

The intersection of Underwood’s pickleball enthusiasm and her husband’s comedic genius has sparked speculation about a potential "Curb Your Enthusiasm" episode centered around the sport. Such a crossover would undoubtedly amplify pickleball’s reach and solidify its place in popular culture.

Despite his illustrious tennis career, Agassi acknowledges the steep learning curve involved in mastering pickleball. "It’s really hard. These guys are so specialized, it’s so sensitive, such little margin for error," he confessed. "There’s so much nuance that creates opportunity. It’s not like ‘see space, hit space.’"

Agassi highlighted the need to "unlearn" certain tennis instincts while leveraging his existing racket skills. "There was a lot I had to unlearn, but some things came instinctively. I grew up with a racket in my hand, and in this case it’s a paddle, so I’m going to make good contact," he noted.

However, the mental aspect of pickleball presents a unique challenge for Agassi. "But the blood pressure, it’s hard to find a place to put it when you’re out there on the pickle court," he admitted, indicating the pressure and intensity of professional pickleball.

The growing popularity of pickleball is reflected in recent statistics. A report revealed that nearly 20 million people participated in the sport in 2024, representing a staggering 311% increase since 2011. This exponential growth underscores pickleball’s appeal to a wide range of individuals, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.

Agassi’s involvement in pickleball serves as a testament to the sport’s rising prominence and its ability to attract athletes from diverse backgrounds. While his transition from tennis to pickleball presents its challenges, Agassi’s passion, experience, and competitive spirit are likely to make him a formidable force on the pickleball court. As he continues to refine his skills and adapt to the nuances of the game, his journey will undoubtedly captivate audiences and contribute to the continued growth and evolution of pickleball.