Pickleball Gains Popularity in China with Star-Studded Exhibition

Star-Studded Pickleball Exhibition in Beijing

The rapid growth of pickleball in China was prominently showcased in Beijing, where tennis legends and global stars participated in a notable exhibition at the National Tennis Center. The event featured Ben Johns, the world’s top men’s doubles player, competing against former Wimbledon and US Open champion Andre Agassi, who was joined by his wife, Steffi Graf.

Agassi discussed the challenges tennis players face when switching to pickleball, stating, “We have to unlearn so many things from tennis, so there is a physical outlet, there is a mental challenge.” The exhibition also allowed these stars to engage with local players, emphasizing the sport's expanding popularity in the region.

Ben Johns expressed admiration for the budding talent in China, noting, “The potential for them I think is extremely high.” The matches attracted considerable attention from fans, including school teams, with a middle school in Beijing bringing students to experience the excitement firsthand.

One spectator remarked on the players’ performance, saying they “played really well” and that the matches were “full of passion and excitement.” This growing interest is mirrored in market statistics, with China's pickleball sector reportedly generating approximately 1.8 billion yuan last year.

The upward trend is expected to persist, as the Asian professional pickleball tour plans to host ten events across seven cities this year, with total prize money surpassing $2 million. A significant event is scheduled to occur in Hong Kong in October.