Andre
Agassi was named as the inaugural chair of Life Time's newly formed Pickleball
and Tennis Board. The former world No. 1 continues to be one of the prominent
figures in the midst of the growth of pickleball and will lead the future of
the company alongside Life Time CEO Bahram Akradi.
Both will
serve as co-chairs of the Life Time board, a company that has been investing in
tennis since 2002 with nearly 30 sports clubs across the United States and has
shifted its focus to pickleball since 2021, boasting 630 courts in 130 of its
clubs.
The 8-times
Grand Slam champion garnered significant attention for the Pickleball Slam
exhibitions, first alongside Andy Roddick, John McEnroe, and Michael Chang.
Several months later, a second edition was played, this time mixed doubles,
where Agassi partnered with his wife Stefi Graf, facing off against McEnroe and
Maria Sharapova.
The
American expressed his excitement for this new challenge: 'I strongly support
the ongoing growth of tennis and pickleball and could not be more excited to
partner with Bahram and Life Time as we work to elevate these sports as staple
elements for millions of people living healthy, active, and happy lives,' said
Agassi.
"Life
Time CEO Bahram Akradi also had words of congratulations for Agassi on his new
role and the iconic career he had in tennis: 'I have enjoyed Andre's
illustrious career for more than four decades. He continues to be an
inspiration to me and millions of others, both on and off the court,' said
Akradi.
"As a
long-time friend and business partner, having Andre lead our Life Time
Pickleball and Tennis Board is a true honor. Together, I foresee endless
possibilities for the impact we will have in the racquet community,"
Akradi added.
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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