Andre Agassi Sees China as Key Player in Pickleball's Future

Tennis icon Andre Agassi believes that China is poised to become a powerhouse in pickleball, thanks to its infrastructure and sporting culture. During the JOOLA Titans Tour 2026, he emphasized the importance of introducing the sport to children. With the China Pickleball Tour rapidly expanding, Agassi sees great potential for young talent to emerge. He also shared his personal journey with pickleball, highlighting its benefits for family bonding and community health. As an ambassador for the sport, Agassi is committed to its growth and development on a global scale.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 13, 2026, 15:02 IST

Agassi's Vision for Pickleball in China

Legendary tennis player Andre Agassi has expressed his belief that China could be the next major hub for pickleball. During his recent participation in the JOOLA Titans Tour 2026 in China, the eight-time Grand Slam winner highlighted the country's extensive infrastructure, vast population, and rich sporting culture as crucial factors that could elevate pickleball's status in the region.

Agassi remarked, “This part of the world has all the right elements.” He emphasized that with ample space, favorable weather, and excellent facilities, China is well-positioned to nurture young talent in pickleball. He believes that introducing the sport to children could lead to significant breakthroughs on the international stage.

The growth of pickleball in China is evident, with the China Pickleball Tour expanding from 80 events in 2024 to over 600 this year, according to Sun Wenbing from the Chinese Tennis Association. This rapid increase not only indicates rising interest but also reflects strong institutional support, reminiscent of China's successful approach to table tennis, which has historically produced top athletes through mass participation and early talent identification.

For Agassi, pickleball is more than just statistics; it holds personal significance. He and his wife, fellow tennis icon Steffi Graf, introduced the sport to their family, enjoying quality time together while playing. “Playing as a family was what drew us in,” he shared. “It’s something we’ve always done, and it was wonderful to share that with our kids.”

What began as a family activity has transformed into a serious passion for Agassi. He appreciates pickleball for its unique combination of physical activity and mental engagement, noting the continuous opportunity for improvement. “We had to unlearn many tennis habits,” he explained. “It provided both a physical outlet and a mental challenge, making us feel like we could improve every day.”

Now serving as an ambassador for the sport, Agassi is eager to influence its future. He highlighted pickleball's potential to build community and enhance overall well-being. “I want to help it grow because it contributes significantly to people’s health, both physically and mentally,” he stated, while also discussing plans for a World Series of Pickleball to establish a global competitive framework.

World No. 1 Ben Johns also attended the event, addressing the misconception that a tennis background is essential for success in pickleball. “While many top players come from tennis or table tennis, it’s not a strict requirement if you start learning pickleball at a young age,” he noted.

This perspective is particularly relevant for China, where a new generation could embrace pickleball without needing to transition from other sports. Agassi believes this could unlock unprecedented levels of performance in the game.

As pickleball continues to gain momentum, Agassi remains optimistic about its future. “It’s exciting to witness the rapid growth of pickleball,” he concluded. “I’m grateful to be a part of this journey.”