Despite being invented in 1965, nobody knew about pickleball till a few years ago. In simple terms, pickleball is a sport that combines badminton, tennis, and table tennis. After years of being a lesser-known sport, pickleball has finally found its momentum. Last year alone, a whopping 36 million people played pickleball, as compared to only 5 million in 2021. Studies indicate that more than 8.5 million Americans have played pickleball more than 8 times. The sport is now America’s fastest-growing sport, with sporting stars Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes and LeBron James all investing in professional pickleball teams.

Only a year ago, professional teams were being secured for a humble $100,000. Those price tags have now soared to $10 million. During this year’s inaugural Pickleball Slam, the sport’s telecast beat NHL, NBA, and MLB in terms of tv ratings. Now, in a recent announcement video on social media, tennis legend Andre Agassi has declared his iconic teammate and legendary opponents for the upcoming Pickleball Slam 2.

Pickleball Slam 2 returns to Florida

After a successful first edition, the Seminole Hardrock Hotel and Casino in Florida is set to host Pickleball Slam 2 in February 2024. This time around, the lineups are even more legendary. The electrifying competition is set to feature tennis icons Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf teaming up against the formidable duo of Maria Sharapova and John McEnroe. Previously, Agassi partnered with fellow tennis great Andy Roddick to take on McEnroe and Michael Chang. Now, with the inclusion of the powerhouse Graf and the unmatched Sharapova, the anticipation for the upcoming tournament is at an all-time high. The official Instagram account of the event also posted an Instagram video of Agassi and his wife Graf as they warned their opponents about the event.

Joining her husband this time around, the German tennis legend further said, “Hey guys, super excited. Hey Maria, hi John. Really looking forward to see you guys. We’re getting ready. We’re working hard, so yo’ve got to bring your A-game like Andre said.” Steffi Graf, known for her remarkable 22-Grand-Slam victories, emphasized that she had an amazing time watching the first Pickleball Slam. She further claimed that they will have immense fun this time around and that she looks forward to seeing them at Hardrock. As fans await next year’s event, they are bound to look back at the excitement of Pickleball Slam 1 in April and the theatrics that followed.

John McEnroe’s theatrics

Back in April, Andre Agassi teamed up with Andy Roddick as they fought the partnership of John McEnroe and Michael Chang for a million-dollar prize. As the clash of titans unfolded, McEnroe’s racket was launched skyward as he raised his hands. Agassi, who is known for fairness, argued that the referee had omitted the customary recitation of the score before the serve. Yet, McEnroe served and claimed the point, which seemed to swing the score in his favor to 14-12. Analyzing McEnroe, ESPN play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler said, “John’s tremendous at delivering the theatre, and I think early on his outbursts were theatrical and later on they were authentic.”

Read more: ‘Pickleball Is Where Tennis Players Go to Die’- After Sharing the Court With Wife Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi Teases Massive Career Resurgence at 52

Eventually, it was Agassi and Roddick who won the match while audiences were mesmerized by a lighthearted and competitive exchange from all the stars. Now, with Agassi, Graf, Sharapova, and McEnroe set to grace the courts again next year, audiences are bound to receive a complete package of unforgettable skills, strategy, and sheer sportsmanship at the Pickleball Slam 2.

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