Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi, two of the greatest tennis champions in history, have made a remarkable transition into the world of pickleball. With their legendary status and competitive mindset, they are now global pickleball ambassadors and key influencers in the sport’s rapid rise. This article explores their journey, involvement, and impact on pickleball, offering insights into how their presence is reshaping the game.
Life After Tennis: A New Passion for Pickleball
After retiring—Graf in 1999 and Agassi in 2006—the couple focused on family life in Las Vegas, raising their two children, Jaden (23) and Jaz (21). While Agassi occasionally appeared as a coach and commentator, both largely stayed out of the tennis limelight. However, their love for sports never faded, leading them to pickleball, a game that combines strategy, skill, and fun with a much lower physical toll than tennis.
How Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi Became Pickleball Ambassadors
The JOOLA Partnership: Bringing Tennis Expertise to Pickleball
Graf and Agassi have teamed up with JOOLA, a premier pickleball and table tennis brand, to promote the sport worldwide. They’re not just endorsing the sport—they’re actively playing, competing, and investing in its growth.
The JOOLA Pickleball Legends Tour
To expand pickleball’s reach, they are leading the JOOLA Pickleball Legends Tour, running from March 26-29 in Vietnam and China. This tour includes:
- Andre Agassi & Steffi Graf – Tennis legends turned pickleball icons.
- Ben Johns – The world’s No. 1 pickleball player.
- Anna Bright & Brooke Buckner – Rising female stars in pickleball.
- Tyson McGuffin & Collin Johns – Top-ranked professional pickleball players.
- Chao Yi Wang – A Chinese pickleball champion.
By engaging with fans in Asia, they are helping fuel pickleball’s global expansion.
Pickleball Slam: Their Competitive Edge in Action
In February 2025, Agassi and Graf competed in the Pickleball Slam at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, facing off against Andy Roddick and Eugenie Bouchard. They emerged victorious, winning a $1 million prize.
Agassi, already a two-time Pickleball Slam champion, proved that his dominance in tennis translates seamlessly to pickleball.
Why Pickleball? The Sport’s Appeal for Graf and Agassi
Strengthening Their Relationship
Agassi revealed that pickleball has brought him closer to Graf in ways that tennis never could:
“It’s been fun growing with Stef in the game. It’s been a great outlet for us athletically and relationally.” – Andre Agassi, Forbes Travel Guide
Easier on the Body, Big on Fun
Unlike tennis, which demands fast-paced movement and intense training, pickleball is easier on the joints. Graf, who has battled hip and knee issues, finds the sport more manageable and plays pickleball nearly 10 times more than tennis.
A Game for Everyone
During a 2024 visit to Mumbai to promote pickleball’s PWR DUPR India League, Agassi highlighted the accessibility of the sport:
- Easy to learn – No years of training required.
- Inclusive – Players of all ages and skill levels can join.
- Quick improvement – Unlike tennis, noticeable progress is seen within minutes.
Investing in Pickleball’s Future
Launching Their Own Pickleball Paddles
Graf and Agassi are more than just players—they are entrepreneurs in the pickleball space. They have designed their own signature paddles under JOOLA, integrating their decades of tennis expertise to create high-performance pickleball gear.
Expert Endorsement from Brad Gilbert
Even tennis coaching legend Brad Gilbert, Agassi’s former coach, has endorsed their transition to pickleball, proving that this isn’t just a casual hobby—it’s a serious investment in the sport’s future.
The New Chapter: Agassi & Graf’s Pickleball Legacy
Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi have found a new home in pickleball, proving that champions never retire from competition—they just find new ways to win. Whether they’re competing, coaching, or expanding the sport globally, their influence is undeniable.
Why Their Pickleball Journey Matters
✔ Increases global visibility for the sport ✔ Brings new fans from the tennis world into pickleball ✔ Inspires former athletes to stay competitive in a new way ✔ Encourages people of all ages to pick up a paddle and play
The world may have known them for their tennis rackets, but their latest comeback story is being written with a pickleball paddle in hand.
