
The fast-rising sport of pickleball took another leap in popularity Sunday when former pro tennis players John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick and Michael Chang squared off in a double’s exhibition at the inaugural Pickleball Slam on ESPN. The prize? Oh, just $1 million.

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The event which took place at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Hollywood Florida also played host to five other professional tournaments. It proved to be a huge success drawing 796,000 viewers which were higher ratings than 13 MLB, 7 NBA and 5 NHL games in the same time slot. view the ending of the game here on YouTube – ESPN: Finish of 2023 Pickleball Slam with Famous Pro Tennis Players Recorded Apr 2, 2023, ESPN – YouTube
Roddick and Aggasi ended up taking home the purse, but McEnroe’s usual energy and flare were on full display. He threw his racquet in the air and challenged two calls with the referees, winning one. “It’s the first argument I won in 40 years.” Said McEnroe after the match. Tennis legend and wife of Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf even got in on the action coming down from the stands and filling in for McEnroe on a few sets.
While there is no TV deal in place one has to believe it could be coming soon after the success of this event. It was a monumental display of how far the sport has come and where it could ultimately be heading.

Interesting to see Agassi on this type of court!