"It's a perfect fit for getting more people more active" - Judy Murray encourages growth of pickleball in Scotland

The pickleball craze has spread beyond the borders of the United States, and Judy Murray, mother of three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray has lent her support to one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.

Pickleball is a mix of tennis, badminton and table tennis using a bigger ball, paddles and a small court. Although there is a mixed reaction to the sport from more traditional tennis players, casual fans have taken up the sport as it has seen an exponential surge in participation worldwide.

After trying the sport for herself, Murray became an avid fan and has been trying to raise its profile in Scotland. Speaking at the Skechers Pickleball Scottish Open last weekend in Glasgow, Scotland, she spoke on the benefits of pickleball and believes the unpredictable Scottish weather made it a perfect fit for her native country.

"It’s just fun and engaging, and it’s incredibly inclusive," said Judy Murray. "And for Scotland, it’s a perfect fit for us. We have terrible weather, we have badminton courts everywhere, in every community centre and sports centre. Even church halls have badminton courts.
"So, in terms of setting up quickly, wherever you are, I think it’s a perfect fit for getting more people more active, more often in Scotland. It’s a perfect transfer out of tennis into something that will keep me in a similar game, but at the other end of the scale, I could also see how it’s a great introduction to any kind of racket sport because it’s so doable."