The inaugural Pickleball Slam held in April proved to be a remarkable triumph. Evidently, the sight of tennis legends embracing the pickleball court made for a popular spectacle as the event attracted huge interest.
An Engaging Clash
The tournament’s first edition witnessed an engaging clash featuring Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick pitted against John McEnroe and Michael Chang.
As Round 2 approaches, McEnroe and Agassi’s burgeoning pickleball rivalry takes center stage again. However, the dynamic has shifted this time, with both competitors enlisting new partners in their quest for the coveted $1 million prize.
Agassi will join forces with his spouse, the esteemed Steffi Graf, widely acclaimed as one of tennis’ most exceptional women’s singles players. On the opposing side, McEnroe is aligning himself with the former world No. 1 in tennis, Maria Sharapova.
The much-awaited event will take place at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on February 4, 2024. It will be broadcast live on ESPN.
Trash-Talking
A few weeks ago, we reported how Agassi had made an Instagram post in which he had indulged in a little trash-talking, mentioning how McEnroe kept blaming Chang “the entire time!” in the last edition. Steffi Graf then appeared. Her message was much less provocative, saying how much she was looking forward to the match-up.
A Playful Challenge
Now, McEnroe has returned the favor in an Instagram post of his own.
In the trending reel, McEnroe extends a playful challenge:
“Looks like McEnroe will see @agassi, his Graf, and raise him one @mariasharapova as he plots his revenge against Agassi when they meet on the courts of the Pickleball Slam 2 at @hardrockholly on February 4th. Get your tix now!”
In the entertaining reel, McEnroe also quips, “Andre as we get ready for pickleball Slam 2, I know you have a new secret weapon. I know she is awesome, Steffi Graf, your wife. But I have one too. Hang on there, let me show you. It’s Maria Sharapova. Get ready to rumble baby.”
Pickleball Slam 2 signifies a clash of legends, and McEnroe’s taunts and Sharapova’s unexpected entry have set the stage for a remarkable face-off. Fans are eagerly anticipating this exhilarating event.
McEnroe Vs. Brees
We also featured a story about the seven-time singles Grand Slam champion participating in a pickleball match against former NFL quarterback Drew Brees.
McEnroe and Brees, also now co-owner of the Los Angeles Mad Drops pro pickleball team, engaged in an on-court showdown. Despite McEnroe’s two-decade seniority over Brees, the competitors split victories in both singles and doubles matches.
Fierce Competitiveness
Both renowned for their fierce competitiveness, they did not disappoint, with McEnroe’s signature courtside theatrics bringing applause from the crowd. At one point, he humorously exclaimed, ‘It’s for charity! It’s for charity!’
This exhibition marked a highlight of the inaugural three-day pickleball tournament, which benefited the Brees Dream Foundation. The festival concluded with championship matches on the subsequent Sunday.
