Another racket sport called pickleball is gaining worldwide popularity recently. While a few from the tennis community are welcoming it, a few of the tennis purists are against the sport. The most common reason for it is the fact that it is physically less demanding. Also, a few players recently switched from tennis to pickleball.
While there are concerns regarding pickleball taking over tennis in popularity, tennis purists are not happy with the usage of tennis courts for pickleball. Recently, former tennis star Pam Shriver asked a simple question regarding the confusion created because of using tennis courts for pickleball. Here’s what happened.
Purists are unhappy with the usage of tennis courts for pickleball
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Ever since pickleball started getting popularity, tennis purists are worried. It not only took away a few tennis players, but it also possesses the threat of taking over in popularity. What makes them even angrier is the usage of tennis courts for organizing pickleball matches.
The anger burst out recently when former tennis star Pam Shriver asked a simple question regarding the usage of tennis courts for pickleball. Taking to her Twitter account, she wrote, “Crowdsourcing this question I got from a friend today- “how to line the pickleball and tennis courts so that it’s less confusing? We have been doing our homework as far as line colors to lessen confusion, but I would like your opinion!” Thanks for any insights including photos.” Here’s how people reacted to it.
Senior tennis commentator David Law was quick to answer Shriver’s question.
Don’t have Pickleball on tennis courts. You’re welcome.
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) February 7, 2023
Here’s how others reacted.
I think it’d be best to remove all pickleball lines from tennis courts and build pickleball courts elsewhere.
— Wants to hit aces (@tenniscrowd) February 7, 2023
A totally innocent question leads to World War III: https://t.co/nR3vtIJq2d
— Pickleball Addiction (@Pickleball365) February 8, 2023
Get your own courts! And while you're at it, get off my lawn! 😝 https://t.co/XdVY9eyu2I
— Tony Harris (@TweetTonyHarris) February 7, 2023
Let's take a look at basketball courts that act as volleyball courts.
Doesn't work… 😵💫
— Brian Braziel (@brianbraziell) February 7, 2023
Not an answer to your q but the lines are really confusing, i also get distracted by the loud sound of their paddle esp we play indoors.
— clare (@sibakekang) February 7, 2023
easy…
Step 1) find an area of land the size of a pickleball court
Step 2) build a SEPARATE PB court away from tennis court— Jeff Semon (@JeffSemonMA) February 7, 2023
Overlays. The lines are confusing. And I do find the noise distracting
— Donna Doherty (@GraniteBayGirl) February 7, 2023
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Although it is understandable that the usage of a tennis court for another sport can create many problems. While a few concerns here are genuine, the others came out purely from hatred. Earlier, former American tennis star John McEnroe made a U-turn from his attitude towards pickleball when he appeared at an event.
As pickleball keeps soaring in popularity, it will surely have its own playfields soon.
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However, it would not be wrong to say that more than the concern of confusion, the reaction of the tennis community displays their insecurity about the sport. Although it seems a bit unlikely, do you think pickleball can overshadow tennis in the coming years? Let us know in the comments section.
