Andre Agassi, one of the greatest tennis players the world has seen, has shocked the sports world with his recent interest in pickleball. The 8-time Grand Slam champ recently tweeted his excitement for the upcoming Pickleball Slam where he is set to face some of his on-court rivals. Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis. It has gained popularity in recent years and has been referred to as the fastest-growing sport in America. As much as it is loved by many, there are an equal number of skeptics who aren’t sold on the idea of a sport that is considered less intensive overshadowing tennis.
Many fans were happy to see Agassi’s tweet and shared their reactions on Twitter. However, some tennis enthusiasts were not thrilled about his latest foray into Pickleball.
Andre Agassi shares his excitement for the upcoming Pickleball Slam
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Pickleball Slam brings together the best pickleball players from around the world to compete for the top prize. This year’s event promises to be even more exciting than previous ones, with the inclusion of top tennis players like Andre Agassi. The tournament is scheduled to take place on April 2nd at noon EST and will be broadcast live on ESPN. Fans can expect to see intense and thrilling matches as the best players showcase their skills on the court. This year’s tournament will feature both singles and doubles match, making it even more exciting for viewers.
Andre Agassi, one of the star players in the pickleball slam, recently tweeted, “👊🏼👊🏼 THE @PICKLEBALLSLAM.” He also tweeted, “APRIL 2ND @ noon EST @ESPN #LETSGO!!!”
👊🏼👊🏼 THE @PICKLEBALLSLAM pic.twitter.com/UQ76Fc7lss
— Andre Agassi (@AndreAgassi) March 24, 2023
APRIL 2ND @ 12pm EST @ESPN #LETSGO!!!
— Andre Agassi (@AndreAgassi) March 24, 2023
Agassi’s enthusiasm for pickleball has not gone unnoticed, as several other American tennis greats have also taken up the sport. Andy Roddick wrote, “I sure am glad that we both still look the same …… all I see is hair and cheekbones and I’m grateful for this.”
I sure am glad that we both still look the same …… all I see is hair and cheekbones and I’m grateful for this
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) March 24, 2023
One fan tweeted, “Pickleball makes me feel like @ChrissieEvert so I can only imagine what it makes you feel like.”
Pickleball makes me feel like @ChrissieEvert so I can only imagine what it makes you feel like. https://t.co/p3UQ8shqd9 pic.twitter.com/33Z9T2hlzv
— sallyjenkinswashpost (@sallyjenkinswa1) March 25, 2023
The fact that a tennis legend like Agassi, who has dedicated his life to the sport, would endorse Pickleball, has left some people confused. The tennis world has expressed its disappointment that Agassi would support a sport that they believe is not as physically demanding as tennis. Some have even gone as far as calling it a betrayal.
One such fan wrote, “The way we lost Andre Agassi to pickleball 😫.”
the way we lost andre agassi to pickleball 😫 https://t.co/F2jkF3hvm6
— tired egg (@tiredegggggg) March 24, 2023
Despite the excitement of these former tennis champions, their newfound love for pickleball has not been welcomed by all members of the tennis world. Below are such fan reactions from users on Twitter:
not you andre…. not the pickleball…. not u betraying agassinators like that https://t.co/zbilXodtUA
— 🧑🌾🛸 (@butterflierer) March 24, 2023
I used to find pickleball repulsive and sacrilegious but with these Greats gracing the sport, I must reconsider. For:
“The battle outside ragin'
Will soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin” https://t.co/x8G5Dt3djS— Amar Sahay (@AmarSahay_) March 24, 2023
I will for a day 🙂
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) March 24, 2023
Um…..this is the cutest pic I’ve seen in forever
‘Those were the days….’
🎾 🔥💯
— Alyse (@Alyse30651182) March 24, 2023
Andy please don't cross over to the dark side, otherwise known as pickleball
— Isabel (@TheTennisSlut) March 24, 2023
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Pickleball continues to grow in popularity and is attracting a new generation of athletes and fans. The Pickleball Slam is just one example of the growing interest in this unique and exciting sport.
READ MORE- ‘My Body Can’t Abide’ – Andre Agassi Explains Why Pickleball Has Entered Into His Life
With its fast-paced gameplay and unique equipment, pickleball is quickly becoming a popular choice for athletes of all ages and skill levels. The game offers a fun and challenging way to stay active and engaged in sports. With more tournaments and events like the Pickleball Slam on the horizon, it’s clear that pickleball is here to stay.
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Where do you stand in the pickleball debate? Are you excited about this new sport?
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