Eugenie Bouchard and Andre Agassi have stirred excitement for Pickleball Slam 3 with playful jabs ahead of their match. Bouchard, teaming up with Andy Roddick, will face Agassi and Steffi Graf on February 16, 2025, at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. The event promises fierce competition, with the defending champions, Agassi and Graf, aiming for another $1 million prize.
In a lighthearted holiday twist, Bouchard extended “season’s beatings” to Agassi and Graf instead of festive greetings. Not to be outdone, Agassi responded with a warning, saying, “Winter is coming,” a nod to Game of Thrones.
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Defending Champions Ready for Battle
Agassi and Graf enter Pickleball Slam 3 as reigning champions after defeating John McEnroe and Maria Sharapova earlier this year. The duo’s chemistry and skill have made them favorites in this event.
Bouchard, however, is not to be underestimated. After joining the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour in 2024, she has made impressive strides in the sport. Her partner, Roddick, brings years of experience and a competitive edge, adding intrigue to the upcoming match.
Pre-Match Banter Heats Up
The lead-up to Pickleball Slam 3 has been marked by playful trash talk among the players. Bouchard’s quip about “season’s beatings” set the tone, while Roddick proposed humorous team names for Agassi and Graf. Meanwhile, Agassi and Graf jokingly referred to their opponents as “the enemy.”
In a promotional video, Graf praised Bouchard’s transition to pickleball.
“Genie’s been really playing well this year, taking it professionally. I think the jump from tennis into pickleball is not an easy transition, and doubles and mixed is so different from tennis, so it’s a little harder. We’re hoping she doesn’t have too much of an edge there.” – (Graf)
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Growing Spotlight on Pickleball
Pickleball Slam 3 reflects the growing popularity of the sport, blending the excitement of tennis legends with the unique dynamics of pickleball. Events like this help expand pickleball’s audience and elevate its status as a professional sport.
As the competition nears, fans are eager to see how Bouchard and Roddick fare against the experienced duo of Agassi and Graf. The playful rivalry has set the stage for an entertaining and intense match, promising to capture the attention of pickleball enthusiasts worldwide.
News in Brief: Eugenie Bouchard and Andre Agassi
Eugenie Bouchard and Andre Agassi exchanged playful jabs ahead of Pickleball Slam 3 on February 16, 2025, in Las Vegas. Bouchard and Andy Roddick will challenge defending champions Agassi and Steffi Graf for a $1 million prize. The match highlights pickleball’s growing popularity and promises exciting competition.
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