Andre Agassi and James Blake Triumph at Pickleball Slam 4

Tennis legends Andre Agassi and James Blake claimed victory at the Pickleball Slam 4, defeating Anna Leigh Waters and Eugenie Bouchard. The event featured exciting matches, culminating in a mixed doubles showdown that secured Agassi's fourth title in the series. With a $1 million prize at stake, the competition highlighted the growing popularity of pickleball, blending entertainment with athletic prowess. Discover how the players engaged with the audience and celebrated the sport in this thrilling recap.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 16, 2026, 15:32 IST

Agassi and Blake Claim Victory

On April 15, tennis icons Andre Agassi and James Blake emerged victorious against Anna Leigh Waters and Eugenie Bouchard at the Pickleball Slam 4, hosted at Hard Rock Live in the United States. This win not only earned them the championship title but also a substantial prize of $1 million. The event, designed as a gender showdown, featured both singles and mixed doubles matches, attracting a large audience and showcasing a thrilling competition between tennis legends and elite pickleball players.

The match commenced with a singles face-off between Waters and Blake, played to 15 points using rally scoring. Blake began with a strong performance, but Waters quickly turned the tide, ultimately winning 15-13, 15-5, which gave her team an early lead. "Playing against Blake in singles was a lot of fun. That match meant the most to me because it was just me on the court," Waters expressed after her win.

Blake acknowledged the challenge posed by the world No. 1, stating, "I wasn’t intimidated, but I had a healthy respect. She demonstrated why she’s the best with her precision and accuracy." Waters' experience in the game proved crucial in her victory.

The second singles match featured Bouchard against Agassi. Although Bouchard managed to win one game, Agassi maintained control during critical moments, winning 15-4, 11-15, 15-6, thus leveling the match.

The decisive mixed doubles match, played to 21 points, saw Agassi and Blake team up against Waters and Bouchard. The match was filled with intense rallies and strategic plays. The first game was tightly contested, with Agassi and Blake narrowly winning 25-23, followed by a 21-16 victory in the second game, securing their overall win.

Agassi later shared their game plan, stating, "Waters and Bouchard definitely challenged us. Our strategy was to minimize Waters' touches on the ball because of her incredible skills." Despite the competitive nature, the atmosphere remained light-hearted, with players interacting with the audience throughout the event.

Waters reflected on the experience, saying, "I had a blast playing with Bouchard. This event was fantastic for pickleball." Agassi concluded by emphasizing the event's true spirit, noting, "While it was marketed as a battle of the sexes, it was really a celebration of pickleball." This event further showcased the rising popularity of pickleball, uniting renowned tennis figures and current stars on a prominent platform while providing fans with an entertaining mix of competition and enjoyment.