Roger Federer Tries Pickleball: The growing appeal of pickleball has caught the attention of many former athletes, and the latest to give the sport a try is none other than Roger Federer, the tennis icon with 20 Grand Slam titles to his name. After years of dominating the tennis courts, stepping into the pickleball arena presented a fresh and interesting challenge for the former tennis great. The transition from tennis to pickleball isn’t as seamless as one might think. Pickleball often played on a smaller court with a lower net, demands quick reflexes and precise shots. The former tennis star found the transition interesting, highlighting the accessibility of the game for players of all ages and skill levels.
Federer revealed his recent raid into America’s fastest-growing sport while promoting his upcoming Prime Video documentary, “Federer: Twelve Final Days.“ The Swiss legend shared his initial experience with pickleball during a trip to Vietnam.
“I played about 10 days ago in Vietnam… and it felt like a big version of ping pong, I still have to play doubles. I only played quick singles, but it was unreal hot, about 110 degrees when I played, so I was more battling the circumstances than actually the game.”–Roger federer
In spite of the intense heat, Federer found the experience interesting and enjoyable. He admitted to having a growing interest in the sport, often watching pickleball highlights online.
“I like to watch Jack Sock… I see some highlights of him on YouTube, It’s an easier game than tennis, and it’s fun for sure.”– Federer
While Federer is enthusiastic about pickleball, he made it clear that he doesn’t plan to join the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, unlike fellow tennis stars Genie Bouchard, Donald Young, and Sam Querrey. However, he didn’t completely rule out the possibility, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of an athlete’s journey.
For now, Roger Federer remains focused on his tennis legacy and upcoming projects, but his interest in pickleball highlights the sport’s growing appeal among top athletes. As the pickleball craze continues to spread, fans can look forward to seeing more sports legends pick up a paddle and give it a try.
News in Brief: Roger Federer Tries Pickleball
Roger Federer, the tennis legend with 20 Grand Slam titles, has recently tried pickleball, a rapidly growing sport. During a trip to Vietnam, Federer played singles pickleball in intense 110-degree heat, finding the game interesting and the equivalent of an enlarged ping pong. In spite of the challenges, he enjoyed the experience and has shown interest in watching pickleball highlights, especially those of Jack Sock. While Federer has no plans to join the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, his interest in the sport highlights pickleball’s increasing appeal among top athletes. Fans can expect more sports legends to explore this exciting game.
Also read: Olympic Icons Ignite Pickleball Fever
