Andre Agassi—arguably one of the greatest tennis players of all time—has discovered a fresh sporting passion: pickleball. Here's a deep dive into why this move matters, what brought him here, and what it could mean for the sport’s future.
🧠 How It All Started
Family Ties & Pandemic Discovery
Agassi first picked up a paddle during the pandemic, spurred by his family and the addictive simplicity of pickleball. As he candidly shared, "I didn't even know the rules," but soon found himself playing multiple times a week, drawn by the social energy and strategic nuance the game offered.
Reunion with Tennis Friends
A playful match arranged by Andy Roddick in early 2023 led Agassi to join fellow legends John McEnroe, Michael Chang—and even his wife, Steffi Graf—in a televised Pickleball Slam. The moment rekindled connections and set him on this unexpected path.
🌟 Why Agassi Is All In
In a Fox News interview, Agassi exclaimed, “Dude, … I’m not just liking it, I’m loving it,” highlighting pickleball's ability to blend generations, foster low-barrier fun, and offer purpose and joy at a pace that matches his current life season.
He told AP:
“Tennis was relief, pickleball is joy, this is absolute joy.”
For a competitor whose youth was about adrenaline, today it's about connection, community, and mastering a new craft.
🎙️ Officiating the Spotlight
Making Waves at the U.S. Open Pickleball
On April 30, 2025—just a day after turning 55—Agassi made his official pro debut at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, teaming with teen star Anna Leigh Waters. The veteran and the rising talent clinched their opening match 11‑8, 9‑11, 11‑7.
Waters later noted his ease on the court:
“I was trusting Andre and I hope Andre was trusting me in the end.”
They bowed out in round two, but not before igniting broad interest and admiration .
Bringing Gravitas & Growth
Agassi’s presence is more than a feel-good story—it’s a catalyst. His involvement:
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Elevates viewership and legitimacy, drawing mainstream attention
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Encourages cross-generation participation, as seen with how his family plays
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Boosts gear innovation, with Agassi aligning with brands like JOOLA
🌍 Beyond the Court
A Global Pickleball Ambassador
With Steffi Graf, Agassi now plays three times a week, travels to Asia with promotional tours in Vietnam and China, and embeds pickleball into philanthropic events.
Values-Aligned Influence
From his Andre Agassi Foundation to Graf’s charity work, they see pickleball as a unifier—an accessible, communal sport that aligns with their mission of building community and opportunity.
🔮 What’s Next?
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Continued Tour Appearances: Expect Agassi at future U.S. Opens and exhibition events—though not as a full-time touring pro .
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Gear Innovation: His technical eye may shape advanced paddle designs through partnerships like JOOLA
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Pickleball Boom: His involvement brings legitimacy, encouraging seniors, families, and athletes to pick up a paddle.
🎯 Final Serve
Andre Agassi didn’t chase pickleball—it found him, offering joy, connection, and a new way to compete. Far beyond nostalgia, this pivot reflects a modern sports philosophy: lead with community, purpose, and play. As pickleball surges globally—from suburban clubs to televised tournaments—Agassi’s influence may prove transformative.
Stay tuned for more pickleball milestones—who knows, maybe we’ll see "Team Agassi‑Graf" take on the pros next!