Pickleball may be the fastest-growing sport in America, but it’s not without its risks—even for celebrities. Their experiences serve as a lighthearted yet cautionary reminder that pickleball demands both skill and care, no matter who’s playing.
Savannah Guthrie
Broadcast journalist Savannah Guthrie experienced her own pickleball mishap, resulting in a visible lump on her forehead after accidentally hitting herself with her paddle during an intense game. Guthrie lightened the situation by using a bottle of rosé to reduce the swelling, admitting the embarrassment hurt more than the injury itself.
She recounted how an incoming ball caused her to whip her paddle up with unexpected force, leading to the accidental self-hit and immediate lump, which became an amusing story for her and her fans.
Akshay Bhatia
PGA Tour golfer Akshay Bhatia revealed that a previous pickleball injury has left him with an unstable shoulder that occasionally pops out of place. The injury, which originated from a full dislocation during a pickleball game, flared up dramatically during a recent golf playoff as he competed for a tournament title.
Bhatia managed to temporarily stabilize his shoulder and execute a critical shot, sealing his victory. However, the recurrence raises questions about the shoulder’s durability as he prepares for high-stakes tournaments, highlighting the lasting impact of his pickleball injury.
Teddi Mellencamp
Reality TV star Teddi Mellencamp, daughter of musician John Mellencamp, twisted her ankle while playing pickleball with her family in 2021. Mellencamp shared photos of herself on crutches afterward, humorously calling her injury a “dancer’s fracture” and quipping that it made her “basically a ballerina.”
Despite the setback, Mellencamp’s lighthearted approach to the injury showcased the risks associated with the fast-paced sport while underscoring her enthusiasm for pickleball.
Bernhard Langer
Legendary golfer Bernhard Langer found himself sidelined due to a pickleball-related Achilles tendon injury. Known for his long and successful career in golf, Langer’s pickleball mishap came as a surprise to many fans.
The Achilles injury serves as a reminder that even elite athletes are not immune to the physical demands and injury risks posed by this rapidly growing sport, underscoring the need for caution and conditioning in pickleball.
Michelle Pfeiffer
Actress Michelle Pfeiffer recently took to Instagram to show off a black eye resulting from an accident on the pickleball court. Pfeiffer shared several photos, humorously cautioning her followers to “stay out of the kitchen,” referring to the no-volley zone in pickleball, though the specific details of her injury remain unclear.
At 65, Pfeiffer showcased her humor and resilience in a makeup-free post, icing her swollen right eye and responding to celebrity comments with wit. She reassured fans that the injury was minor, though she jokingly warned her makeup artist about the challenge of covering up the bruise.
For more on the most common pickleball injuries, click here.
