Pickleball Slam 3 Heats Up: Pickleball Slam 3 will showcase some of the biggest names in tennis as they compete for a $1 million prize. The event will take place on Sunday, Feb. 16, at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on ESPN at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.
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Star-Studded Lineup and Match Schedule
The competition will feature tennis greats Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Andy Roddick, Genie Bouchard, John Isner, and Mardy Fish. The event includes three matches:
- Match 1: Andre Agassi vs. Andy Roddick
- Match 2: Steffi Graf / Mardy Fish vs. Genie Bouchard / John Isner
- Match 3: Andre Agassi / Steffi Graf vs. Andy Roddick / Genie Bouchard
Agassi and Graf, a married duo, are the defending champions.
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Graf’s Growing Passion for Pickleball
Steffi Graf has embraced pickleball, finding it enjoyable and challenging. “You can see progress so much quicker than in tennis,” she said in an interview with CNN. She enjoys the sport’s inclusivity, noting that “everybody you know just can jump in.”
“The fun factor just is immediately there, and the game equalizes each other out a little more, playing more doubles and mixed … you feel like everybody you know just can jump in.” – (Graf)
While her tennis skills helped, Graf had to adjust her game.
“For me, it was really a lot of unlearning and actually it was one of the things that I really enjoyed because it really challenged me.” – (Graf)
Instead, she had to develop patience and focus on softer, strategic shots.
“I like to hit the ball in tennis, but no, not in this game. It’s much more about the feel, choosing to reset and taking speed off than driving the ball. So patience is not my strength. I’m enjoying that it really is taking me out of my comfort zone a lot of times.” – (Graf)
Growing Popularity of Pickleball
Pickleball has surged in popularity, attracting former tennis stars and new players. With major names like Agassi, Graf, and Roddick taking part, the sport continues to gain attention.
News in Brief: Pickleball Slam 3 Heats Up
Pickleball Slam 3 airs Sunday, Feb. 16, on ESPN, featuring Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Andy Roddick, Genie Bouchard, John Isner, and Mardy Fish. Three matches are scheduled, with a $1 million prize at stake. Graf, a defending champion, has embraced pickleball, enjoying its challenges and fast-paced learning curve.
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