"Only sport where team owners are better than actual athletes": Opelka dismissive of pickleball
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Reilly
Opelka commented that pickleball club owners are better than the competing
athletes, owners include Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios.
The growing
popularity of pickleball has captured the attention of fans, especially those
of tennis and paddle tennis, given the similarities between them. According to
the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball was the fastest-growing
sport in the United States between 2021 and 2022.
Pickleball
reportedly reached around 4.8 million players in 2022, and that number is
expected to continue rising in 2023. The cost of a Major League Pickleball team
has skyrocketed from $100,000 in 2021 to over $5 million today.
This
increase can be attributed to the involvement of well-known owners who have
invested in the sport, such as Mark Cuban, David Dobrik, Naomi Osaka, LeBron
James, Michael Phelps, Tom Brady, and Nick Kyrgios.
"Pickleball
is the only sport where team owners are better athletes than the
'Athletes'," Opelka wrote on Instagram.
Pickleball
has quickly become an attractive sport for investors and fans, so it is likely
that more stars and athletes will invest in pickleball teams.
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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