Andre Agassi Joins Anna Leigh Waters: Former tennis star Andre Agassi will make his professional pickleball debut at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, partnering with top-ranked player Anna Leigh Waters. Their first match is set for April 30 at noon ET in Naples, Florida, and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
Agassi and Waters Team Up for Major Tournament
Agassi, a former world No. 1 tennis player, told CNBC he was invited by 18-year-old Waters to team up for the event. Waters, a top earner in pickleball with over $3 million made in 2024, wanted a strong mixed partner for the tournament. “She’s probably sick of winning so much, and that’s why she called me and asked me to play,” Agassi joked.
Waters Chose Agassi for His Aggressive Style
Waters said she chose Agassi after researching his pickleball games on YouTube. “We both tend to err on the aggressive side, and I think that works,” she said. She also shared that teaming up with Agassi is part of a bigger plan.
“Andre’s goals are to grow the sport of pickleball, and that’s a huge goal of mine. I thought if we partnered together, this would be a really awesome way to grow the sport.” – (Waters)
Pickleball’s Fast Growth Catches Agassi’s Eye
Pickleball has surged in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., increasing 311% over the last three years, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. Pickleball players now earn more than players in the WNBA and NWSL, helped by rising sponsorships and TV deals.
Agassi said he quickly fell in love with pickleball’s friendly, welcoming community. He has traveled worldwide to promote the sport with Joola, a pickleball gear brand, and also serves as chair of Life Time’s pickleball and tennis board.
Agassi’s Future Plans in Pickleball
Despite his debut, Agassi said he does not plan to join Major League Pickleball or the PPA Tour.
“If I had the luxury of bandwidth to focus all my energy on just playing and body recovery and all that stuff, that would be a joy. But I don’t. I’m in a different season now.” – (Agassi)
The Bigger Picture
Agassi’s entry into pro pickleball is a major boost for the sport’s visibility. With big names like Agassi joining, pickleball’s growth could speed up even more. His appearance at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships may inspire new fans and players to join the game.
News in Brief: Andre Agassi Joins Anna Leigh Waters
Andre Agassi will partner with Anna Leigh Waters at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships. Their debut match is on April 30 in Naples, Florida. Agassi said he loves the social side of pickleball but has no plans to turn full-time pro.
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