The Pickleball Legends Tour 2025 wrapped up on Saturday at Shanghai Jingwu Gymnasium, marking the end of an international showcase that featured top players from around the world. Running from March 26 to 29 with stops in Vietnam and China, the tournament provided fans with high-level pickleball action and helped promote the sport in China.
The event featured tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf leading their respective teams in doubles, singles, and mixed doubles matches. Their participation, along with the presence of professional pickleball players, brought excitement and visibility to the growing sport.
Star Players and Enthusiastic Crowds
Top pickleball athletes, including JOOLA-sponsored players Ben Johns, Anna Bright, Tyson McGuffin, Brooke Buckner, and Zoey Wang, participated in the Shanghai leg of the tournament.
The event, guided by the Chinese Tennis Association and the United Pickleball Association (UPA), was organized by Great Sports Media and the Hongkou district’s sports bureau. Kimberly Koh, managing director of UPA Asia, highlighted the sport’s untapped potential in the region.
“We really want to showcase what pickleball is. It has a lot of potential to grow in China and the rest of Asia. Our first step is to educate people about the sport and raise awareness. Then, we hope that after witnessing this tournament, people will be inspired to give it a try themselves.” – (Kimberly Koh)
Agassi, Graf, and the Future of Pickleball
Agassi and Graf, newcomers to pickleball, expressed their appreciation for the game and its ability to connect people across cultures. Agassi described pickleball as easy to learn but highly specialized at the top levels.
“It breaks cultural barriers, brings people together, and I think it’s healthy for people’s body and mind.” – (Agassi)
He added that he and Graf are eager to help promote the sport globally. Graf, visiting Shanghai for the first time, was impressed by the city’s rapid development and the passion of local fans.
“The fans here are incredible. You can feel their support, and it’s been a lot of fun to play in front of them.” – (Graf)
Pickleball’s Growing Potential in China
Ben Johns, widely regarded as one of the best pickleball players, expressed confidence in the sport’s future in China.
“I think the future of pickleball, especially here, is extremely bright. I think you have so many good table tennis players and tennis players with a strong racquet sports background in the country that pickleball seems like a natural fit. I think you guys will be extremely good at it.” – (Johns)
Johns also commented on the sport’s Olympic potential.
“And as far as the Olympics go, I don’t know what the timeline is for that, but I would say it is inevitable that it will get there.” – (Johns)
Impact and What’s Next
The conclusion of the Shanghai Pickleball Legends Tour leaves a lasting impression on China’s sports community. With international players showcasing the game and legends like Agassi and Graf advocating for it, pickleball’s popularity is expected to grow. Future tournaments and training programs could further solidify China as a key player in the global pickleball scene.
News in Brief: Pickleball Legends Tour 2025
The Pickleball Legends Tour 2025 ended in Shanghai, featuring tennis icons Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf alongside top pickleball stars. The event promoted the sport’s growth in China, with players highlighting its accessibility and potential. Ben Johns predicted China’s pickleball rise and its eventual inclusion in the Olympics.
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