Eugenie Bouchard Challenges Andre Agassi: As Pickleball Slam 3 approaches, the stakes are rising, and so are the mind games. In an unexpected twist, Canadian tennis star Eugenie Bouchard took a playful jab at Andre Agassi, after the tennis legend disclosed his and his wife Steffi Graf’s strategy for the event. Bouchard is set to partner with Andy Roddick, as they prepare to face off against Agassi and Graf in a highly anticipated showdown at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas on February 16, 2025.
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Agassi and Graf: The Tactical Duo
The buildup to this pickleball clash has been filled with competitive barbs. In one of the latest teasers for the event, Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion, pointed out the unique challenges facing Bouchard, now transitioning from tennis to pickleball. His comments not only gave insight into his and Graf’s approach but also set the stage for a psychological duel leading up to the event.
“For me, the calculus is knowing that she’s going to be the only one out there in that competitive environment, who has learned how to manage her blood pressure and nerves and energy right.” – (Agassi)
He emphasized how Bouchard’s tennis background could give her a key advantage.
“In tennis, you have the luxury of transferring that energy with your feet and hitting through your shot and having physical control. In pickle, you have to have a lot of urgency, but then you have to calm yourself down.” – (Agassi)
The strategy, Agassi noted, would be to target her partner, Andy Roddick, whom he believed presented a “weakness” on the court.
“I think the plan is to always go after the weakness so I think we’re going to play her as little as possible. We’re going to check Andy’s oil.” – (Agassi)
Graf and Agassi’s Respect for Bouchard
Agassi wasn’t the only one offering praise. Steffi Graf, who, alongside her husband, will face Bouchard and Roddick in this star-studded event, praised Bouchard’s shift from tennis to professional pickleball. Graf acknowledged the difficulty of the transition, noting that doubles and mixed pickleball present unique challenges compared to tennis.
“Genie’s been really playing well this year, taking it professional. I think the jump from tennis into pickleball is not an easy transition, and doubles and mixed is so different from tennis, so it’s a little harder. We’re hoping she doesn’t have too much of an edge there.” – (Graf)
Bouchard’s Playful Response
Despite the compliments, Bouchard couldn’t resist a lighthearted remark. Responding to Agassi and Graf’s praise, she joked, “They’re so nice, I almost feel guilty about having to beat them at Pickleball Slam 3.” Her response, filled with playful bravado, set the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive and entertaining showdown.
News in Brief: Eugenie Bouchard Challenges Andre Agassi
Eugenie Bouchard humorously took aim at Andre Agassi ahead of the upcoming Pickleball Slam 3, where she and Andy Roddick will face off against Agassi and Steffi Graf on February 16, 2025. Agassi shared their strategic plan, emphasizing Bouchard’s competitive experience and ability to handle pressure.
However, Agassi and Graf noted the challenges Bouchard would face, particularly with the transition from tennis to pickleball. Bouchard, not missing a beat, responded with playful confidence, suggesting the couple’s kindness might make her feel guilty for defeating them.
ALSO READ: Eugenie Bouchard Challenges Andre Agassi Ahead of a Major Pickleball Tournament
