Amid Raging Criticism From Tennis Purists, Andre Agassi Makes His Position on Pickleball Crystal Clear

Pickleball is a sport that has picked up in the past few years. The popularity of the paddle sport has increased so much that many tennis courts around the US are being taken over by pickleball. Conflict has arisen, and Andre Agassi, former tennis stalwart and current pickleball pro, recently spoke out about the two sports existing in the same space.

Some of tennis’ biggest legends are promoting it as well. Along with Agassi, John McEnroe, Maria Sharapova, and Steffi Graf are speaking out for pickleball. Notably, they might share Agassi’s opinion on the clash between the two sports.

Andre Agassi shares his thoughts on pickleball vs tennis

Agassi is a tennis legend who capitalized on the growing popularity of pickleball. The American would go on to play in the first pickleball slam and is set to play another. Agassi is cognizant of the battle between tennis and pickleball as the paddle sport recently chipped away at tennis courts. While tennis fans are highly critical of the paddle sport, Agassi believes they can co-exist, as he shared his thoughts in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

“Listen, I think pickleball and tennis can play very happily in the same sandbox. I’ve seen pickleball take tennis clubs that were on the verge of going under and bring them alive again. Tennis is, I think, the most demanding racquet sport that exists. What can you do at 50-plus years old and still get better at? I love to say this about pickleball.”

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While some tennis legends are taking on pickleball as their primary sport now, American tennis events have also taken up the task of bringing it to a larger audience.

Miami Open to hold pickleball matches

The 2024 Miami Open will take place from 17th March to 31st March. The Tennis Letter announced on their official X (previously Twitter) page that the famous Miami Open 2024 will include pickleball events in addition to their usual tournament games. Bouts of the paddle sport in the Miami Open will be held from March 27th-29th at Butch Buchholz Stadium.

This is the first time a major tennis tournament has featured pickleball as one of its events. Aside from that, wheelchair tennis is also on the table for the tournament. Both events will be held in Miami for the first time and will provide a different taste to the usual tennis events.

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