Agassi’s Chapter as a Pro Pickleball Player Begins

Photo Credit: Bruce Yeung/Getty Images

“Tennis was relief, pickleball is joy. This is absolute joy.”— Andre Agassi 

On April 30, 2025, retired tennis legend Andre Agassi made a triumphant entry into professional pickleball at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida. Teaming up with 18-year-old pickleball phenom Anna Leigh Waters—the duo secured a hard-fought victory in the mixed pro division, defeating of 13-year-old Stevie Petropouleas and 16-year-old Tristan Dussault with scores of 11–8, 9–11, 11–7.

The eight-time Grand Slam tennis champion, who celebrated his 55th birthday just a day prior, showcased his adaptability and competitive spirit on the pickleball court. Despite a brief lapse in the second game, where an unforced error allowed their opponents to level the match, Agassi and Waters regained their composure in the third game. They clinched the match by winning four consecutive points after a 7–7 tie, demonstrating resilience and teamwork.

Although Agassi and Waters faced a setback in their subsequent match, losing in the second round to Len Yang and Trang Huynh-McClain, Agassi's debut has been hailed as a significant moment for the sport. His transition from tennis to pickleball not only underscores the growing appeal of pickleball but also highlights the sport's inclusivity and accessibility.

Reflecting on the experience, Agassi expressed his enthusiasm for the sport, stating, “Tennis was relief, pickleball is joy. This is absolute joy.” His partnership with Waters, the world’s top-ranked female pickleball player in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, was marked by mutual respect and a shared passion for the game.

The Tennis Hall of Famer and his wife, 22-time Grand Slam singles champion Steffi Graf, discovered pickleball with their kids during the pandemic and got instantly hooked. They since have since embraced the sport, playing together at least three times a week. The couple enjoys the community-driven nature of pickleball and often prefers to be on the same side of the court, strengthening their bond both on and off the court. They competed in the Pickleball Slam in February, and both are brand ambassadors for Joola, which included a tour in Asia promoting the sport earlier this year and a signature line of paddles and gear inspired by the couple’s individual style and standards.

Agassi is also part of an investment group supporting DUPR and traveled to Dubai for the kickoff of the Pickleball World Rankings. He was named the first Chair of a new advisory board at Life Time, with a mission to encourage the growth of both pickleball and tennis across its nationwide clubs.

It is clear Agassi has a passion for pickleball and his foray into professional pickleball only adds to his illustrious career, bringing additional attention to a sport that continues to captivate players and fans alike.

See you on the courts!