Andre Agassi, the renowned tennis superstar, is set to enter the competitive world of pickleball. This exciting announcement came to light when Agassi revealed his plans to participate in the prestigious U.S. Open Pickleball Championships. He will team up with the 18-year-old reigning world champion, Anna Leigh Waters, whose remarkable skill has made her one of the sport’s most prominent figures.
This highly anticipated tournament will begin on Saturday in Naples, Florida, and is scheduled to be broadcasted on CBS Sports Network. Agassi and Waters are expected to make their debut together on April 30 at noon ET, marking a significant moment in both athletes’ careers.
The idea for this collaboration originated from Waters, who was in search of a mixed doubles partner for this major pickleball event. The U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, which started in 2016, has quickly gained popularity, attracting up to 50,000 fans each year.
Waters has achieved tremendous success in the world of pickleball, reportedly earning over $3 million in 2024, positioning herself among the sport’s most marketable stars. Agassi humorously suggested that Waters invited him to join her on the court because she might be tired of winning too frequently.
The young champion expressed her admiration for Agassi by following his pickling journey through various online videos. “We both tend to lean toward an aggressive style of play, which should complement each other well,” Waters commented. She also articulated their shared ambition to promote and expand the reach of pickleball. She believes their partnership could significantly enhance the sport’s visibility.
Pickleball has gained tremendous traction since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, participation in pickleball has surged by 311% over the last three years. As a result of this explosive growth, professional pickleball players are now making more than athletes in leagues like the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The sport has attracted significant investment, including sponsorships and media partnerships.
After years of both success and competition on the tennis circuit, Agassi has recently developed a passion for pickleball due to its social and inclusive atmosphere. He has dedicated time to promoting the sport globally in collaboration with Joola, a well-known pickleball equipment manufacturer. Additionally, he has taken on the role of the first chair of Life Time’s pickleball and tennis board, helping to shape the future of the sport.
While Agassi is eager to make his mark in pickleball, he emphasized that fans shouldn’t anticipate him joining Major League Pickleball or the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour in the near future. “If I had the luxury of dedicating my energy exclusively to playing and recovering, that would be wonderful, but my life circumstances don’t allow that at the moment,” he explained. Agassi’s current commitments require him to balance multiple roles, making it challenging for him to focus solely on competitive play.
With the upcoming U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, excitement is building for Agassi and Waters’ debut. Fans will be watching closely as this legendary tennis player takes on a new challenge in a sport that has captured the hearts of many. The combination of Agassi’s extensive athletic experience and Waters’ youthful energy may provide a thrilling spectacle for pickleball fans.
As they step onto the court, the world will be waiting to see how this partnership unfolds and how it contributes to the ever-growing popularity of pickleball. The sport continues to evolve, and with icons like Agassi joining the ranks, its future appears bright and promising.
