The highly anticipated ‘Pickleball Slam 3’ is just one day away from lighting up the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. But this year, there’s a twist! Eugenie Bouchard, known for her tennis prowess, will be stepping onto the pickleball court for the ultimate showdown, joining Andy Roddick. It’s going to be an unforgettable day of pickleball action with $1 million on the line. And, just before the big day, Genie couldn’t contain her excitement, as she shared her anticipation and enthusiasm for the event.

Tennis great Steffi Graf debuted at Pickleball Slam 2 the previous year, teaming up with Andre Agassi to face off against John McEnroe and Maria Sharapova. It was a star-studded event that had everyone talking. This time around, Bouchard, who played her last tennis match at the 2024 Canadian Open “qualifying round,” is set to make her debut at the Pickleball Slam 3.

She will be teaming up with Andy Roddick to face off against Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. Of course, the match-up promises to be electric from the get-go! Ahead of the event, the 2014 Wimbledon finalist has given the fans a sneak peek into her anticipation for what promises to be an epic showdown in Las Vegas.

Just a couple of hours ago, Bouchard shared a picture on her Instagram story, standing in front of an advertisement featuring her, with all the details for Pickleball Slam 3. Her caption? “Hi, Vegas!.” Well, simple, yet full of energy! And, as soon as she posted it, the official Instagram page of the Pickleball Slam re-shared her story as well.

But that’s not all before the final! Eugenie Bouchard posted another picture of herself a few hours earlier, where she could be seen on a plane with headphones in her lap. Her caption? “✈️ to Vegas for @pickleballslam!!,” she wrote, as she kept the excitement alive and fueled more buzz ahead of the big event!

As the showdown between Agassi & Graf and Roddick & Bouchard is taking place on February 16th, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The match is already generating major excitement, not only for the high-profile pairs but also because Bouchard is set to make her Pickleball Slam debut at the grand event. But, before the event in Vegas, the Canadian shared a glimpse into her journey in the pickleball world.

“I’ve slowly found my footing” — Bouchard shared her journey to Pickleball glory

Eugenie Bouchard’s own signature pickleball paddle has already captivated the pickleball world’s attention. To be precise, she has not retired from professional tennis yet and is currently ranked 1288 by the WTA. But just like other tennis stars-turned-pickleball players pros like Jack Sock and Daniel Young, Genie has chosen to explore pickleball as a new chapter in her sporting career. And, prior to the highly anticipated Pickleball Slam 3 final, the 30-year-old discussed her strategic approach to the sport, emphasizing the integration of diverse techniques, as pickleball is influenced by elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. 

Bouchard, who will turn 31 on February 25, was first approached by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour in 2023 while she was at the US Open. The Canadian signed a three-year deal (terms undisclosed) that allowed her to continue competing in tennis events as well.

Since joining the tour, Bouchard has played a significant role in the rising popularity of the PPA Tour, which merged with Major League Pickleball (MLP) last February. And, as the Pickleball Slam 3 final approaches, the Canadian has revealed just how much she’s embraced this exciting new chapter and how pickleball’s fast pace and strategy have captured her attention throughout.

“I’m on center court. Not because of my skill level in pickleball but because of what I achieved in tennis and what I’m bringing over from tennis to the pickleball world. I didn’t like it at first because I was losing and I felt uncomfortable and awkward on the pickleball court. It was like, ‘Put me on the last court so no one sees the train wreck that’s about to happen.’ But I’ve slowly found my footing,” Bouchard said before the Slam 3 final which will take place this Sunday, dated February 16, 2025.

Who are you backing to win the most prestigious pickleball championship this year? Share your thoughts below!