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Former world number one Andre Agassi is set to make his professional debut in the booming world of pickleball next week, teaming up with top-ranked star Anna Leigh Waters for the mixed doubles event at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships.
Pickleball is an exciting paddle sport cum tennis-badminton fusion created in the year 1965 by a group of Americans. Played on smaller courts, using a perforated plastic ball, it has rapidly gained popularity across America and beyond.
Agassi Joins Forces with Anna Leigh Waters
Anna Leigh Waters, who was projected to earn over $3 million last year as a professional pickleball player, found herself in need of a mixed doubles partner for this year’s U.S. Open, which kicks off Saturday in Naples, Florida.
That's where Agassi entered the scene.
“Andre’s goals are to grow the sport of pickleball, and that’s a huge goal of mine," Waters explained.
She added, “I thought if we partnered together, this would be a really awesome way to grow the sport."
Agassi Brings Humor to the Court
Despite his legendary tennis credentials — eight Grand Slam titles and 60 ATP Tour victories — Agassi joked about his new role alongside Waters.
“She’s probably sick of winning so much, and that’s why she called me and asked me to play," Agassi quipped during an interview with CNBC on Tuesday.
Not a Full-Time Transition
While fans may be excited to see Agassi in pickleball, the 54-year-old clarified that he doesn't intend to pursue a professional pickleball career beyond this event.
“If I had the luxury of bandwidth to focus all my energy on just playing and body recovery and all that stuff, that would be a joy. But I don’t. I’m in a different season now," Agassi said, acknowledging that his life priorities have shifted.
The U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida, are set to showcase not only the continued growth of the sport but also a unique crossover moment featuring one of tennis's most iconic figures.
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