‘Don’t Think It’s a Real Sport’- Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Minces No Words in Scathing Business Analysis of Pickleball

Tennis and pickleball might share some similarities, but for true tennis enthusiasts, the latter often sparks mixed reactions. The rapid rise of pickleball has stirred up a lot of conversations in the sports world, with tennis purists frequently voicing their concerns over its growing influence. And it seems that Alexis Ohanian, the husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, is the latest to join the chorus of those who aren’t exactly thrilled about the pickleball craze.

The Reddit co-founder is an avid follower of tennis, thanks to his legendary wife Serena Williams. But in the latest revelation, Ohanian highlighted why he does not like pickleball and gave the business analytics behind his analysis. While the two sports have witnessed intense debates over sponsorship and space issues, Ohanian has different insights to share. 

Speaking in an interview, the ‘Business dad’ questioned, “Can the atomic unit—can its fundamental highlights—go viral?” per Adweek. Continuing further, he elaborated on his own question and said, “Until I see a pickleball highlight go viral, I don’t think it’s a real sport.” Ohanian’s statements reveal his thorough understanding of the importance of viral games and sports especially in the digital age. Interestingly, this statement comes against the backdrop of demands to include pickleball in the 2028 Olympic Games to be held in LA.

In a video shared by ESPN on its official Instagram page after the Paris Olympics, the broadcasting company seemed to voice the addition of pickleball as one of the sports in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With a picture that read “Will pickleball be at the 2028 Olympics,” ESPN shared facts revolving around the sport and highlighted it as one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. However, this quickly witnessed criticism with people expressing their opposition. But this is not the only instance of resistance against pickleball. 

In September 2022, a Brooklyn-based group called Club Leftist Tennis launched an anti-pickleball lobbying campaign. Taking to their Twitter back then, they wrote, “Reminder: pickleball is an astroturfed, venture capital-backed parasite on public space.” Interestingly, several tennis players have also expressed their apprehension about the rise of pickleball and have subtly demanded control over its growth. 

Before Alexis Ohanian, it was Novak Djokovic who expressed his resentment about pickleball

Pickleball has grown enormously, especially after the pandemic in the United States. With around 13.6 million players, participation in pickleball has grown by over 50% from 2022 to 2023. The participation rate increased by almost 223.5% from 2020, with the sport receiving great funds and witnessing the rise of leagues promoting it. In such situations, the tennis community has continued to express its apprehension and Novak Djokovic was no exception. 

In an interaction, Nole opened up about the ill impacts that pickleball is bringing to tennis. “On a club level, tennis is endangered,” he said. “If we don’t do something about it, globally or collectively, paddle, pickleball in the States, they’re gonna convert all the tennis clubs into paddle and pickleball. Because it’s more economical.” 

Meanwhile, Alexis Ohanian seems to be fueling yet another debate about the popularity of pickleball. For now, it would be interesting to see if any entity concerned with pickleball comes out with a response to the statements of Ohanian.