Pickleball’s Popularity Won’t Threaten Tennis in Sarawak: Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) President Dato Patrick Liew has stated that the growing popularity of pickleball will not impact tennis in the region. Liew emphasized that while pickleball is becoming trendy, it remains more of a leisure activity and not a fully professional sport.
Liew explained that as long as tennis associations continue to focus on youth development and organize both local and international tournaments, tennis will remain a competitive sport with significant opportunities for young players. He pointed out that tennis offers advantages like scholarships at universities in the United States and local universities for those who perform well and achieve high rankings.
Pickleball as a Trend
Pickleball, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has been growing in popularity worldwide. However, Liew believes that it won’t threaten tennis, as it doesn’t have the same professional structure or competitive opportunities. He noted that many former tennis players have taken up pickleball for its physical, mental, and emotional benefits, but still view tennis as a better option for serious athletes.
SLTA’s Commitment to Tennis
Liew made it clear that the SLTA Tennis Centre will not be converted into a pickleball facility. Despite suggestions from others, he stressed that his focus and passion remain with tennis. The Tennis Centre will continue to serve as a place to develop and promote the sport of tennis in Sarawak.
Official Support
The statement was made during a visit from Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who attended the event with his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. Also present were Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his wife, Datin Sri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Popularity Won’t Threaten Tennis in Sarawak
SLTA President Dato Patrick Liew reassured that pickleball’s rise in popularity will not affect tennis in Sarawak. He emphasized tennis’s professional opportunities and its ongoing focus on youth development while confirming that the SLTA Tennis Centre will remain dedicated to tennis.