Tennis Legends to Face Off in Pickleball Slam 2
When it comes to star-studded athletic events, few can match the level of excitement and anticipation brought by the announcement of the Pickleball Slam 2. As reported by Madison Williams of Sports Illustrated, this upcoming event features none other than tennis greats Maria Sharapova and John McEnroe going head-to-head against the iconic tennis power couple, Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi.
Coming together to swap their tennis prowess for the dynamic, fast-paced game of pickleball, these four icons cumulatively hold an impressive 42 Grand Slam titles between them. However, on February 4, 2024, they will all step onto the international stage once more, this time with pickleball paddles in hand. The event will be broadcasted live on ESPN from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
The stakes are just as high as any Grand Slam tennis match, with the winning team standing to claim $1 million in prize money. This grand event follows the success of the inaugural Pickleball Slam, which took place in April, where Agassi, along with partner Andy Roddick, triumphed over McEnroe and Michael Chang.
Reflecting on his past victory and anticipation of the upcoming event, Agassi expressed his enthusiasm for the sport, saying, "After Andy and I took home the hardware at the first Pickleball Slam, I said I would be playing pickleball as long as I can walk—that’s how much I enjoy this game."
Echoing his sentiment, Graf, who held the record for the most Grand Slam titles won by any tennis player in the Open Era until Serena Williams broke it, said, "When I watched the inaugural Pickleball Slam in April and stepped onto the court, I was hooked. Andre and I can’t wait to get back out on the court together to face off against Maria and John."
It will be fascinating to watch as McEnroe, the oldest competitor at 64, and Sharapova, the youngest player at 36, unite to challenge Graf and Agassi on the pickleball court. Whether you're a tennis enthusiast or a pickleball devotee, this event promises an unforgettable experience for all.
Stay tuned for this epic match and don't miss the chance to witness these sporting legends redefine their expertise in a new arena!
https://www.si.com/tennis/2023/07/18/sharapova-mcenroe-graf-agassi-compete-pickleball-slam-2
