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HomePickleball NewsHow Pickleball Rekindled the Agassi-Graf Magic and Sparked a Global Movement

How Pickleball Rekindled the Agassi-Graf Magic and Sparked a Global Movement

Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf Promoting Pickleball Worldwide: Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf are leading global pickleball promotion efforts, using the sport to strengthen their bond and encourage its rapid growth. They toured Asia in March and joined National Pickleball Month events in the U.S. in April to spotlight the sport’s accessibility and family appeal.

A Shared Passion for Pickleball

Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, two of tennis’ greatest players, have found a new passion in pickleball. The couple, married since 2001, say the fast-growing sport has brought them closer than ever.

“But then to do it with her, it gives us a bonding experience and filled a huge gap in our lives collectively.” – (Agassi)

Pickleball mixes tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s popular for being fun, easy to learn, and affordable. While many first saw it as a sport for older people, its fanbase is now younger and more active.

“I mean when this game (pickleball) sort of originally caught on… everybody thinks it is for old people and then it is like it has gotten so much younger so I feel like I can still get better at something, which is really cool.” – (Agassi)

From Asia to America

In March, Agassi and Graf visited Vietnam and China on the JOOLA Pickleball Legends Tour. They joined fans and players to show support for the sport in Asia.

Back in the U.S., Agassi led events for National Pickleball Month in April. This campaign is organized by USA Pickleball, the sport’s national body.

As chair of the Life Time Racquet Sports Board, Agassi helped organize large events at Life Time clubs. On April 12, thousands of people played pickleball at Life Time locations nationwide during Agassi Open Play Day. Their son Jaden, a baseball pitcher for USC, also joined in at Life Time Green Valley in Las Vegas.

A Growing Movement

Agassi is one of the sport’s biggest backers and has praised how quickly it has grown.

“It (pickleball) has been growing like an anomaly here in America. I do not know of any sport that has ever covered this kind of territory in such a short period of time.” – (Agassi)

He has also supported the idea of including pickleball in the Olympics, saying that it reaches people of all ages and backgrounds. As part of the celebration, Agassi played with 11-year-old pickleball star Jack Loughridge. Ryan Sherry, another top player, also took part.

What It Means

Agassi and Graf’s love for pickleball is not only personal. Their global involvement and high-profile presence are helping grow the sport even faster.

By playing with younger stars and promoting it worldwide, the couple is giving pickleball a bigger stage. Their efforts may help bring the sport to even more countries—and possibly even the Olympic Games.

News in Brief: Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf Promoting Pickleball Worldwide

Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf are promoting pickleball worldwide through the JOOLA Legends Tour and National Pickleball Month. The sport has deepened their personal bond and reached new fans globally. Agassi joined rising players like Jack Loughridge and thousands of fans in April, celebrating pickleball’s fast growth and future potential.

ALSO READ: Pickleball Phenomenon: Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf Ignite Asia’s Passion in JOOLA 2025 Tour 

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