Andre Agassi Shares His Passion for Pickleball and Competitive Challenges

Agassi's Newfound Love for Pickleball

Former tennis champion Andre Agassi opened up about his growing affection for pickleball, emphasizing that his connection to the sport transcends mere competition. Reflecting on his first experience and the anxiety he felt while teaming up with Anna Leigh Waters, Agassi shared insights during an interview with The Kitchen Pickleball. He stated, “I only engage in activities that resonate with my true self. This sport has enriched our lives immensely, making it hard not to adore it.”

Despite his illustrious career, including triumphs at the US Open Grand Slam, Agassi's enthusiasm for pickleball may come as a surprise. He noted that the sport presents mental challenges that tennis does not, saying, “After two hours of tennis, I can shower and head to a meeting feeling energized. But after two hours of pickleball, I find myself too mentally drained to even shower; I just need to recover.”

The mental strain was palpable when Agassi partnered with young pickleball sensation Anna Leigh Waters at the US Open Pickleball Championships. Instead of relying solely on his extensive experience, he felt a unique pressure. When asked if he felt confident with Waters as his partner, Agassi candidly admitted, “No, I was worried about being the first to lose with Anna Leigh.”

Although the duo made a strong start at the US Open, their journey concluded in the second round. After winning their opening match against Stevie Petropouleas and Tristan Dussault in Naples, Florida, they were ultimately defeated by Len Yang and Trang Huynh-McClain, marking the end of Agassi’s professional pickleball debut.

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