"This sport transcends culture, anybody can play it" - Former tennis star Andre Agassi on the popularity of pickleball

The sport of pickleball has seen a spike in popularity over the past two years, and former World No.1 Andre Agassi is one of the biggest advocates, having participated in numerous pickleball events during it's short life span.

Although Agassi has been a staunch supporter of the sport, there has been a raging debate on "tennis vs pickleball", with tennis purists looking down on pickleball. However, Agassi believes both sports can co-exist peacefully.

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Pickleball fills a deeper need for people, according to Agassi

The eight-time Grand Slam champion was invited to participate at Life Time's New York City pickleball event on Monday, where he spoke on the benefits of pickleball.

“If you have your weekend-warrior match in tennis and I give you tickets to Alcaraz-Nadal playing down the street, you’re going to give up playing to watch, but with pickleball, if I say the best are playing down the street, you’d say, 'Well, what about us? What about our game? We want to play.' It’s a real participation-centric activity," said Agassi. “I love watching pickleball, but only until I get to that point of wanting to go play it.
"I’ve seen pickleball save so many tennis clubs because people come and play. This sport translates culture, it breaks down cultural barriers. It’s people, it’s community, anybody can play it.”

Agassi was joined by former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard, and professional pickleball players Kate Fahey, Brooke Buckner, and Ryan Sherry. They participated in a two-round exhibition match at Life Time PENN 1, which features seven pickleball courts in the heart of Manhattan.