Andy Murray has never been one to hide his opinions, and this time the former world No. 1 turned his attention to one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. While pickleball continues to enjoy a remarkable boom—particularly across the United States—the three-time Grand Slam champion admitted that he simply does not understand the appeal.
Murray made the comments ahead of the DC Open, where he is continuing his work as part of Jack Draper's coaching team. The Briton has been helping his compatriot prepare for his return from injury, with Draper set to make his comeback after missing Wimbledon due to bone bruising in his left arm.
The timing of Murray's remarks is significant. Pickleball has become a sporting phenomenon in North America, attracting millions of recreational players, celebrities and even several former professional athletes. Its rapid growth has also sparked an ongoing debate within the tennis community, with some current and former players questioning how the sport compares to the physical and technical demands of elite tennis.
Murray now joins that group. While acknowledging that pickleball has clear social benefits, the former Wimbledon champion made it clear that it is not a sport he enjoys, offering one of his most candid assessments of the game to date.
Murray explains why pickleball isn't for him
Asked about pickleball during media day in Washington, Murray did not hesitate to give his verdict on the sport. "I'm really not a fan of Pickleball. I don't like Pickleball,” he said in a recent interview. “I know it's, like, really popular, particularly in the States, but yeah, it's just not for me.”
The 39-year-old then explained that there are two aspects of the game that particularly put him off. "I just don't like it. I find the noise a bit annoying. I think it's quite an easy game as well," he added.
Despite those criticisms, Murray acknowledged that pickleball succeeds in exactly what many recreational players are looking for: an enjoyable activity that gets people moving. "As a game to play, I think it's fun, like, a nice way of socialising with a bit of, sort of, you know, with an active component to it, but I don't, I'm not a huge fan."
Andy Murray on pickleball:
— Corvath Draemir (@Archaicmind3000) July 27, 2026
"I'm really not a fan of pickleball. I find the noise a bit annoying. I think it's quite an easy game as well. It's a little bit of a cop out." pic.twitter.com/ynR2QQZIZY
Murray continues helping Draper ahead of his return
Away from the pickleball debate, Murray's focus remains firmly on Jack Draper's comeback. The three-time Grand Slam champion joined Draper's coaching team before the grass-court season after the British No. 2 ended his partnership with longtime coach Jamie Delgado.
The collaboration has been disrupted by injuries, with Draper forced to miss all three Grand Slam tournaments in 2026, including Wimbledon, after suffering bone bruising in his left arm. The 24-year-old has consequently slipped to world No. 147, making this week's ATP 500 event in Washington a crucial opportunity to begin rebuilding both his confidence and ranking.
Draper is set to return to competition in the American capital after accepting a wildcard into the main draw, marking the beginning of an important North American hard-court swing that could ultimately shape his path toward the US Open.
Murray previously explained that he was honest with Draper from the outset about what he could realistically commit to as a coach, balancing the role with family life. Now, with Draper finally back on court, the pair will look to turn months of rehabilitation into momentum as they begin what they hope will be a successful second half of the season.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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