Tennis Legend Ivan Lendl Embraces Pickleball: Tennis legend Ivan Lendl, an eight-time Grand Slam singles champion, has had a surprising change of heart about pickleball. After initially disliking the sport, Lendl revealed he now enjoys playing doubles, marking a shift in his perspective on the rapidly growing game.
From Skeptic to Enthusiast
Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports globally, has attracted tennis stars, both retired and active. Lendl, who once coached tennis greats like Andy Murray and Alexander Zverev, participated in the Daytona Beach Open and admitted his evolving feelings about the sport.
“I am a little too old to play tennis and keep running around too much. So I picked doubles and play half the court. I enjoyed it. I hated it too at first and then I played a few times and I changed my mind,”(Ivan Lendl)
A Champion’s Legacy
Lendl, known for his dominance in tennis, won two Australian Opens, three French Opens, and three US Opens. The 64-year-old, who became a US citizen in 1992, transitioned into coaching after retirement, mentoring top-tier players and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Nick Kyrgios Joins the Pickleball Bandwagon
In another major development, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios is set to debut in professional pickleball in 2025. Kyrgios will partner with Jack Sock in doubles and is scheduled to compete at the Australian Open on January 12, 2025.
Though Kyrgios has yet to secure a Grand Slam title, his entry into pickleball signals the sport’s growing appeal among high-profile tennis professionals.
Pickleball’s Olympic Aspirations
Pickleball has shown explosive growth worldwide, including in India, and discussions are already underway about its potential inclusion in future Olympic Games. With tennis stars like Ivan Lendl and Nick Kyrgios stepping into the pickleball arena, the sport’s global recognition and professional legitimacy are only set to rise.
As more elite athletes make the switch, pickleball is poised to become a mainstream fixture in professional sports.
News in Brief: Tennis Legend Ivan Lendl Embraces Pickleball
Tennis legend Ivan Lendl has reversed his initial skepticism about pickleball, now enjoying doubles play after participating in the Daytona Beach Open. Lendl, an eight-time Grand Slam champion, finds the sport a fitting alternative as he ages. Meanwhile, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios is set to debut in professional pickleball alongside Jack Sock in January 2025. With prominent players embracing the sport, pickleball’s rapid growth and discussions for Olympic inclusion reflect its rising status in the athletic world.
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