John McEnroe Voices Concerns Over Pickleball: John McEnroe recently discussed the rapid rise of pickleball and its potential to overshadow tennis during a podcast appearance with Andy Roddick. McEnroe, one of America’s most iconic tennis players, expressed concern about the sport’s growing popularity and its impact on tennis in the U.S.
Speaking on the podcast Served with Andy Roddick, McEnroe reflected on tennis’ golden era in the 1970s and 1980s, when stars like himself and Jimmy Connors boosted the sport’s visibility.
“What happened in the 70s and 80s is there was an explosion of tennis, which I think was incredible, and I was lucky enough to be a part of it. We were on the front and back pages quite a bit. Believe it or not, in the early 1980s, this sounds laughable, we had the same ratings as the NBA.” – (John McEnroe)
Concerns About Tennis’ Decline
McEnroe lamented tennis’ diminishing presence, noting that golf has since overtaken it in ratings. He drew comparisons to pickleball’s rise, adding,
“If you had told me in the early 80s that golf of all things would have double the ratings of tennis, I would have laughed at you. The next thing you’re gonna tell me is pickleball is gonna have better ratings than tennis.” – (John McEnroe)
The former tennis champion even shared his frustration about seeing pickleball matches aired on tennis-specific channels.
“I’m going [to the] Tennis Channel (and there’s) some damn pickleball matches on. Oh my god, we’re hitting the apocalypse.” – (John McEnroe)
Pickleball vs. Tennis: A Divisive Debate
Andy Roddick lightened the mood with a humorous question, asking McEnroe if he would prefer “getting kicked in the nuts” over watching a full pickleball match. After some deliberation, McEnroe responded jokingly,
“It’s a tight one. I might have to watch some of it. A kick in the nut hurts. Maybe singles, but padel is a slight improvement.” – (John McEnroe)
Despite his disdain for pickleball, McEnroe emphasized tennis’ historical and ongoing supremacy.
“But tennis is the king of all racket sports and it’s been that way since 100 years ago and is gonna be that way in 100 years.” – (John McEnroe).
McEnroe’s Complex Relationship with Pickleball
Interestingly, McEnroe himself participated in Pickleball Slam 2, a celebrity event featuring former tennis greats like Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, and Maria Sharapova. This illustrates the complex relationship tennis stars share with pickleball as the latter continues its meteoric rise.
The Bigger Picture
The rise of pickleball has raised questions about the future of tennis, particularly in America. With a growing fan base and increasing visibility, pickleball is becoming a significant competitor in the racket sports arena.
While tennis legends like McEnroe remain critical, the sport’s expansion could inspire changes in how tennis markets itself to maintain its dominance. The debate shows the shifting dynamics of sports popularity and what it means for tennis’ future on a global scale.
News in Brief: John McEnroe Voices Concerns Over Pickleball
John McEnroe recently voiced concerns about pickleball’s rapid rise potentially overshadowing tennis during a podcast with Andy Roddick. He lamented tennis’s declining visibility compared to the explosive growth of pickleball and golf, noting his frustration at pickleball matches airing on tennis channels.
While emphasizing tennis’s historical dominance, McEnroe’s participation in the Pickleball Slam 2 highlights the complex relationship between the sports as pickleball continues to gain popularity in America and beyond.
ALSO READ: Pickleball Steals the Spotlight at Florida Senior Games: A Thrilling Round-Robin Event!
