In recent years, the sport of pickleball has experienced a meteoric rise, surpassing even the longstanding popularity of tennis, especially in the US. This remarkable shift in the sporting landscape has prompted discussions among industry experts, including the esteemed Rennae Stubbs, renowned for coaching some of tennis’s biggest stars, such as Serena Williams. As pickleball gains momentum, Stubbs reflects on how tennis can revitalize its appeal and expand its reach.
A recent social media thread highlighting the addition of new pickleball courts garnered a response from a user, suggesting the need for more focus on revamping tennis courts. In reply, Rennae Stubbs gave her views on how the sport can regain its glory.
Serena Williams’ former coach show how tennis can avoid being overshadowed by pickleball
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When the news of five new pickleball courts emerged through a series of threads posted by NYC Parks, a user expressed concerns about the need to prioritize tennis court revamps. Rennae Stubbs, who coached Serena Williams during her last run at the US Open, swiftly responded by emphasizing the importance of substantial investment in tennis to reinvigorate the game.
She drew attention to the considerable resources and attention that pickleball has received in recent times, leading to its exponential growth. Stubbs’s call for billionaire investment in tennis stems from the understanding that such financial backing can lay the foundation for modernizing existing tennis facilities, enhancing the overall playing experience, and attracting new players.
Stubbs tweeted, “You need billionaires to put money into it like PB has.”
You need billionaires to put money into it like PB has.
— Rennae Stubbs 🟦👍🏼 (@rennaestubbs) July 29, 2023
Just as pickleball has benefited from significant investments, Stubbs believes that tennis needs a similar commitment from influential figures to usher in a new era of tennis excellence.
Billionaires who have invested in Pickleball
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In the quest for tennis revitalization, some visionary investors have already stepped forward to support the sport. Marc Larsy, co-founder of Avenue Capital Group, is one notable example. His passion for pickleball and belief in its potential has led him to invest in initiatives aimed at bolstering the sport’s growth. Larsy’s involvement signifies the positive impact that influential individuals can have in rejuvenating tennis.
Beyond billionaire investors, several NBA stars have recognized the immense potential of pickleball and sought to participate in its expansion. Players like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Kevin Love have united to invest in multiple pickleball teams, contributing to the sport’s burgeoning popularity. This collaborative approach showcases the power of influential personalities banding together to elevate a sport to new heights.
The need for billionaire investment in tennis becomes apparent, mirroring the support that pickleball has received to drive its massive growth. As tennis and pickleball continue their respective journeys, strategic investments and passionate support from influential individuals hold the key to taking both sports to unprecedented heights of success and popularity.
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