Reddit Co-Founder Doubts Pickleball’s Popularity: Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and husband to tennis legend Serena Williams, recently expressed his doubts about pickleball’s legitimacy as a sport. Despite its rapid rise and viral moments, including point highlights racking up over 100 million views, Ohanian remains unconvinced. He stated, “Until I see a pickleball highlight go viral, I don’t think it’s a real sport,” during an interview with AdWeek.
The Misunderstood Viral Moment
Ohanian’s assertion overlooks the wealth of viral content that pickleball has already produced. The Kitchen, a hub for pickleball content, boasts several Instagram posts with millions of views—just three videos alone have reached a staggering 22.5 million viewers. So, what qualifies as “viral” in Ohanian’s eyes?
The Broader Reach of Pickleball
It’s crucial to note that pickleball has transcended traditional sports media, featuring on reality shows, quiz programs, and even in movies. Over the past two years, millions have flocked to the sport, showing its growing popularity. The ERNE pickleball machine, one of the standout products for enthusiasts, embodies the spirit of improvement and fun in the game.
Williams Sisters’ Potential Involvement
Ohanian’s comments come at a pivotal moment for pickleball, especially given his connection to the tennis world through Serena Williams. While the Williams sisters haven’t made any formal moves towards pro pickleball, curiosity appears to be in the air.
Recently, Venus was spotted playing casually with rising star Carlos Alcaraz in New York City. The question lingers: could Serena Williams dominate this burgeoning sport as she did in tennis?
News in Brief: Reddit Co-Founder Doubts Pickleball’s Popularity
Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder and husband of tennis star Serena Williams, recently questioned the legitimacy of pickleball as a sport, citing a lack of viral highlights. Despite its immense growth and significant media presence, he remains skeptical.
However, pickleball has accumulated millions of views on various platforms and welcomed a surge of new players. As the sport gains traction, interest from the Williams sisters hints at a potential crossover into the pickleball arena, igniting speculation about their involvement.
