Eugenie Bouchard Makes Pickleball Debut: Eugenie Bouchard, the 2014 Wimbledon finalist, is set to make her debut in the world of pickleball by joining the PPA tour in 2024. She will compete in the Pickleball Slam 3 in Las Vegas this February, partnering with former Men’s World No.1 Andy Roddick.
Bouchard’s Transition to Pickleball
Bouchard switched from tennis to pickleball in November 2023, deciding to take on a new challenge in her sporting career. This will be her first appearance at the Pickleball Slam, a high-profile exhibition event that offers a grand prize of $1 million.
Bouchard Faces Legendary Pair Agassi and Graf
In the upcoming Pickleball Slam 3, Bouchard and Roddick will compete against the legendary husband-and-wife duo of Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, who are the defending champions. The match is set to take place on February 16 in Las Vegas.
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Bouchard Talks About Role Model Steffi Graf
In an Instagram clip shared on January 9, Bouchard shared that Steffi Graf was her role model during her tennis career. Bouchard recalled meeting Graf and Agassi recently at a Vegas Golden Knights game. During the chat, Graf expressed that she didn’t have much time for pickleball, which Bouchard saw as a potential advantage.
“I feel you girl and I know this is so different to what we have been doing our whole life in tennis,” Bouchard commented. “Hopefully, that means she is not that good at it and I will beat her.”
Significance of Bouchard’s Debut
Bouchard’s debut in pickleball represents the growing interest of former tennis stars in the sport. Her transition could inspire more athletes to explore pickleball, which continues to gain popularity globally. Bouchard will be hoping to take home the $1 million prize after a memorable victory.
News in Brief: Eugenie Bouchard Makes Pickleball Debut
Eugenie Bouchard is making her pickleball debut at the Pickleball Slam 3 in Las Vegas this February, partnering with Andy Roddick. She will face Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi in the exhibition event, aiming for the $1 million prize. Bouchard also shared how Graf inspired her tennis career.
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