Andre Agassi Teams Up for Pickleball Debut: Tennis legend Andre Agassi celebrated his birthday in a unique way—by stepping onto the pickleball court at the US Open Pickleball Championships. His appearance marked his first time competing in the fast-growing sport, drawing attention from fans and players alike.
Trying Something New on a Special Day
Agassi said it felt interesting to be at the US Open Pickleball Championships on his birthday. “When was the last time you’ve done something for the first time? It gets fewer and fewer and further and further between,” he said. He added that joining the event gave him a reason to bring his family and enjoy something he loves.
Even though he’s no stranger to big crowds, Agassi said he wasn’t nervous about the fans. “The people won’t be the part that makes me nervous, you know. It’ll be my opponent… not messing things up for my partner AnnAise,” he said. For Agassi, life has led him to this moment, and he’s ready to enjoy it.
Partnering with a Champion
Agassi teamed up with pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters. He said she called him to invite him, and he saw it as a chance to help grow the sport. “It was my motivation… to hopefully play another part in exposing people to this great game… and give it maybe some more eyeballs.”
He joked that Waters was tired of winning and wanted to “add a little spice to her life.” Agassi said, “I might accomplish yet another feat… the only person ever to lose with her.” Still, he hoped that Waters’ experience would help him settle in and perform well.
“Annalie grips and rips it for sure,” Agassi said, but added that she also knows how to stay calm when needed. He expects opponents to target him and plans to stay steady while Waters creates chances for him to attack.
Learning, Sharing, and Building Community
Agassi doesn’t see himself as a mentor but as a learner. “I’m a searcher and I’m a person that likes to learn… I love the idea of somebody… being able to learn in 10 minutes what might have taken me 10 years,” he said.
He is excited to be part of the pickleball scene and called it his first real look at the community in action. “It’s weird. It’s like there’s some intensity. Players obviously care about it… the crowd sometimes goes a little Tennessee,” he joked.
He also highlighted the sport’s ability to connect people of all ages. “It can break down a lot of barriers… I’ve seen it bring parents together with their children. I’ve seen grandparents involved more with their grandkids.”
He believes that while the game may seem slow to some, it isn’t if you put effort into it. “It adds to people’s lives in multiple ways. And I think a big one is the generational,” Agassi said.
News in Brief: Andre Agassi Teams Up for Pickleball Debut
Andre Agassi celebrated his birthday by debuting at the US Open Pickleball Championships. Partnering with pro Anna Leigh Waters, he hopes to help grow the sport. Agassi shared thoughts on community, learning, and enjoying a new challenge, calling pickleball a fun way to connect across generations.
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