Genie Bouchard Prepares for High-Stakes Pickleball Showdown

Excitement Builds for the Pickleball Slam

Genie Bouchard has expressed her excitement and anxiety as she gears up for the upcoming Pickleball Slam, where she will partner with Anna Leigh Waters to take on tennis legends Andre Agassi and James Blake in a highly anticipated event broadcasted on ESPN. In her remarks, Bouchard acknowledged the increasing popularity of pickleball worldwide, stating, “I’m thrilled to see how pickleball has captivated so many people across the country, not just at the amateur level but also through these glamorous prime-time events on ESPN. It’s an honor to be involved.”

However, the Canadian athlete was honest about her position among the elite players. “I feel like I’m the least skilled player in this group. Fortunately, I have the best partner by my side. I’m excited for this battle of the sexes, reminiscent of Billie Jean King’s legendary matches,” she shared with Athlon Sports.

Despite the exhibition format, Bouchard admitted to feeling the weight of expectations. “There’s a lot of pressure. I practiced late into the night because I’m feeling the stress. I really don’t want to let my partner down, given her talent. I’m just trying to minimize how much I might hold her back,” she explained.

With Waters on her team, Bouchard feels a boost of confidence. “Having her on my side gives me assurance. We’re up against players who are a bit older, which we hope to leverage to our advantage,” she noted. Bouchard also shared her thoughts on their opponents, expressing some uncertainty about Blake’s skills. “I’ve known Andre for years, and he’s incredibly dedicated to pickleball. I wasn’t sure about James’ abilities, but I’ve heard he might actually be better than Andre, which makes me a bit anxious,” she admitted.

The Pickleball Slam promises to bring together some of the most prominent figures from both tennis and pickleball, with Bouchard ready to embrace the excitement and challenges that lie ahead.