Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf Win Pickleball Slam 3: Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf won over Andy Roddick and Genie Bouchard in the $1 million Pickleball Slam 3 at Michelob Ultra Arena on Sunday. Agassi opened the event by defeating Roddick in singles, setting the stage for a competitive afternoon.
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Match Highlights
Graf teamed up with tennis pro Mardy Fish to defeat Bouchard and John Isner. Roddick and Bouchard took two out of three sets against Agassi and Graf, leading to a “dreambreaker” deciding set. Agassi and Fish won this final set, securing the victory for Agassi and Graf.
Understanding the Game
The rules of pickleball can take time to learn. Players serve underhanded, score only while serving, and must keep a safe distance from the net due to the foot fault line, called “the kitchen.” The balls are light and plastic, similar to Wiffle balls, and the paddles resemble racquetball paddles.
Agassi’s Impressions
After their win, Agassi was energized, seemingly unfazed by the multicolored confetti showering the court. He noted the mental challenges of the game, stating,
“We are quarters mind, so it’s very personal, and it’s very nuanced. There’s little margin for error. A little misfire leads to bad things happening, real quick.” – (Agassi)
“If I played tennis for two hours, I’d be physically tired, but endorphins would be going and I could go into a business meeting. If I play pickleball for two hours, I’m physically tired, but I underestimate how mentally tired I am, because you have to be so locked on what is happening. The slightest thing can change the game.” – (Agassi)
Graf added that she and Agassi do not compete against each other in practice, saying,
“The fun thing is that we play with each other, like what we had today. We know very well what the other one is going to do. We play mainly mixed. Andre plays a lot of singles. I don’t. That’s basically a little harder, so I’ve been enjoying just playing with him.” – (graf)
Future of Pickleball
The event was broadcast on ESPN, highlighting the sport’s potential for growth. Agassi emphasized the rising popularity, saying,
“This sport is in its infancy, even though 30 million people are playing it in America. It’s only growing in mass participation. Everybody gets better after a few minutes. But the billion-dollar question is, how it translates on TV.” – (Agassi)
He believes that while there are uncertainties, pickleball can significantly impact communities and individuals.
“There are still some question marks, but I’m a big believer in this. I believe it adding the people’s lives, to helping the community, to how you can improve. I love all of it.” – (Agassi)
News in Brief: Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf Win Pickleball Slam 3
Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf won the Pickleball Slam 3, defeating Andy Roddick and Genie Bouchard. Agassi highlighted the mental challenges of the game. The event showcased the growing popularity of pickleball, now played by 30 million people in the U.S.
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