Andre Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam tennis champion, has found a new competitive arena. At 55, he is no longer just a legend of the baseline but a prominent figure in pickleball, winning major exhibition events and investing heavily in the sport. His transition from tennis retirement to pickleball champion has captivated fans and raised the profile of a rapidly growing game. Fans interested in his earlier sporting legacy can read about Andre Agassi Shoes Retro History and Top Facts.
- Andre Agassi’s Pickleball Ranking and Tournament Results
- Why Andre Agassi Is All In on Pickleball
- What Pickleball Paddle Does Andre Agassi Use?
- What Is the Pickleball Slam? A Look at the Event and Its Champions
- When Did Andre Agassi Start Playing Pickleball?
- Is Andre Agassi a Professional Pickleball Player?
- Why Andre Agassi’s Pickleball Pursuit Matters
- Key Quotes and Sources
- What’s Next for Andre Agassi in Pickleball?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Andre Agassi and Pickleball
Agassi’s pickleball journey began quietly during the pandemic, like millions of other Americans. By 2026, he had become a multiple-time winner of the high-stakes Pickleball Slam series, sharing the court with former tennis rivals and top pickleball professionals. His results have sparked curiosity about his ranking, equipment, and what drives a Hall of Famer to pick up a paddle.
Agassi’s competitive record, his motivations, the gear he uses, and the events that have defined his second sporting life are outlined below, drawn from match recaps, corporate blog posts, and official event materials.
Andre Agassi’s Pickleball Ranking and Tournament Results
Andre Agassi, tennis Hall of Famer, turned pickleball enthusiast and competitor
High-profile pickleball events, especially the Pickleball Slam; also a recreational player and advocate
Discovered pickleball during the pandemic; first public competition around 2023; continues through 2026
Las Vegas (home base); Pickleball Slam events held at various locations (e.g., Hard Rock Stadium, etc.)
Agassi’s official pickleball ranking is not publicly listed on major platforms such as DUPR or UTR Pickleball. However, his competitive results provide a clear picture of his skill level. He competes successfully against former tennis professionals and top-ranked pickleball players in exhibition matches with high stakes.
- Andre Agassi is considered a three-time defending champion of the Pickleball Slam (winning editions 1-3 before the 4th).
- He discovered pickleball like many Americans: during the COVID-19 pandemic, looking for a new activity.
- Agassi’s pickleball involvement goes beyond playing; he invests in and promotes the sport, as shown by his association with Ares Management.
- His official pickleball ranking is not publicly listed on major platforms like DUPR, but his competitive results suggest a high recreational or semi-professional level.
- The Pickleball Slam has become a major exhibition event with a $1 million purse, attracting tennis legends and pickleball pros.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andre Kirk Agassi |
| Birth Year | 1970 |
| Primary Sport Legacy | Tennis (8 Grand Slams, Olympic gold) |
| Pickleball Start | Approximately 2020-2021 |
| Pickleball Event Wins | Pickleball Slam 1-3 (as of 2025), winner of Slam 4 (2026) |
| Notable Pickleball Partner | James Blake (ex-tennis pro) |
| Pickleball Paddle Brand | Not officially confirmed; speculation suggests he may use a custom or popular brand (e.g., Selkirk, Paddletek, but no verified source) |
| Home Court | Las Vegas, NV (private or club court) |
Why Andre Agassi Is All In on Pickleball
Physical Comfort After a Tortured Relationship with Tennis
Agassi has stated that pickleball does not cause the same physical pain as tennis. “I have a tortured relationship with tennis. Part of it is that I don’t hurt in the wrong places the day after pickleball,” he said in an interview. The lower-impact nature of the sport allows him to compete without the chronic discomfort that marked his later tennis years.
Mental Fatigue and Nuanced Variables
Despite its reputation as an easy sport, Agassi finds pickleball mentally exhausting. Two hours on the court leaves him mentally fatigued in a way tennis never did. He emphasizes that the rhythm and mental management required exceed expectations, and techniques that translate from tennis do not always apply.
Agassi drives regularly from his Las Vegas home to San Diego to practice with James Blake. He texts Blake as early as 5 a.m. to discuss strategy, focusing on right-side play, forehand dinks, two-handed counters, and deception techniques. This level of dedication points to a deep commitment beyond casual recreation.
New Purpose at 55
Pickleball has changed Agassi’s life physically, mentally, and socially. After retiring from tennis in 2006, he found renewed purpose in the sport. “It has genuinely changed my life,” he has said, noting that the game offers a new challenge that keeps him engaged in his mid-50s.
What Pickleball Paddle Does Andre Agassi Use?
No Confirmed Brand or Model
Despite widespread curiosity, the specific paddle Agassi uses has not been officially confirmed. Reports indicate he may use a custom paddle or a popular brand such as Selkirk or Paddletek, but no verified source has published the exact make or model. He has partnerships with pickleball equipment companies and has been featured in promotional content, including deals with paddle manufacturers like Joola.
Commercial Ties and Sponsorships
Agassi is involved in brand promotion through social media and instructional content. His association with Joola suggests he may use or endorse their paddles, but this remains speculation. Until Agassi or a manufacturer discloses the paddle, fans and analysts can only rely on visual observation from match footage, which has not yielded a definitive answer.
The specific brand and model of pickleball paddle Andre Agassi uses is unknown. No authoritative source – including Agassi himself, his management, or equipment partners – has publicly confirmed the paddle. Any claims online should be treated as unverified.
What Is the Pickleball Slam? A Look at the Event and Its Champions
Format and Prize Money
The Pickleball Slam is an annual exhibition event featuring tennis legends and pickleball professionals competing for a $1 million purse. It is televised live on ESPN. The event debuted in 2023 and quickly became the most visible pickleball showcase involving former tennis stars.
Past Winners and Key Results
Agassi has won every edition to date. He partnered with Andy Roddick in Slam 1 and with Steffi Graf in Slams 2 and 3. For Slam 4, held on April 15, 2026, at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, he teamed with James Blake. They defeated the world No. 1 female player Anna Leigh Waters and Genie Bouchard 3-1 in the team format. The deciding doubles match ended 25-23, 21-15.
Significance of the 2026 Victory
The win was notable for reversing a dynamic reminiscent of the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match. Nearly 53 years later, a men’s team – despite an age disadvantage – defeated two younger female competitors. Anna Leigh Waters later expressed interest in a rematch, indicating the rivalry may continue.
When Did Andre Agassi Start Playing Pickleball?
Agassi discovered pickleball during the COVID-19 pandemic, around 2020-2021. According to a blog post by Ares Management, the firm he is associated with, “Andre Agassi discovered pickleball the way millions of Americans did: they were looking for something new to do during the pandemic.” His first known public competition was the inaugural Pickleball Slam in 2023.
- 2020-2021: Discovers pickleball during the pandemic; begins playing recreationally.
- 2023: Participates in first Pickleball Slam (event launched); wins with James Blake.
- 2024: Defends title at Pickleball Slam 2.
- 2025: Wins third consecutive Pickleball Slam (Slam 3).
- April 15, 2026: Wins Pickleball Slam 4 with James Blake, defeating pickleball pros; $1 million purse.
- Ongoing: Continues to promote pickleball through media appearances, investment, and event participation in Las Vegas.
Is Andre Agassi a Professional Pickleball Player?
The answer depends on how “professional” is defined. Agassi competes in high-profile exhibition events with significant prize money, but he does not regularly participate in the professional tours such as the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) or MLP (Major League Pickleball).
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Andre Agassi plays pickleball and has competed in the Pickleball Slam since 2023. | His exact pickleball ranking (DUPR or UTR) is not publicly documented. |
| He won Pickleball Slam 4 in April 2026 (as reported by Forbes and official site). | The specific brand and model of pickleball paddle he uses is unknown. |
| He discovered the sport during the pandemic (stated on Ares Management blog). | Whether he plans to compete in regular professional pickleball tournaments (e.g., PPA, MLP). |
| He is a 3x defending champion (as of the 4th Slam). | The extent of his pickleball-related business investments beyond Ares Management. |
Why Andre Agassi’s Pickleball Pursuit Matters
Agassi’s transition from tennis legend to pickleball advocate is part of a larger trend of former tennis stars embracing the sport. His participation in the Pickleball Slam elevates the event’s profile and bridges the gap between traditional racket sports and the pickleball boom. Agassi’s story also illustrates how pickleball offers a lower-impact, social alternative that appeals to former elite athletes. His ongoing involvement suggests a sustainable shift rather than a fleeting hobby, supported by investments from his firm Ares Management. For context on how other tennis legends have fared financially, see John McEnroe Net Worth Profile and Career Highlights.
Key Quotes and Sources
“Tennis legends Andre Agassi and James Blake powered their way to victory at the 4th annual Pickleball Slam event.”
— Forbes (Todd Boss), April 2026 recap
Andre Agassi, a tennis legend, is now a slam champion in pickleball, as you can see at Ludvig Åberg caddie.
“Andre Agassi discovered pickleball the way millions of Americans did: they were looking for something new to do during the pandemic.”
— Ares Management, ‘Why Andre Agassi Is All in on Pickleball’
“With the $1 million purse once again on the line, tennis legends Andre Agassi (3x defending champion) and James Blake are competing…”
— Pickleball Slam official site, 2026 event page
For further detail, refer to the complete Forbes recap of Pickleball Slam 4, the Ares Management perspective on Agassi’s pickleball passion, and the official Pickleball Slam site. A video interview with Agassi is available on YouTube.
What’s Next for Andre Agassi in Pickleball?
Agassi is likely to return to defend his title at Pickleball Slam 5 in 2027. He may expand his pickleball facilities or events in Las Vegas, continue media appearances, and possibly sign formal endorsement deals. His firm Ares Management may increase investments in the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions About Andre Agassi and Pickleball
Does Andre Agassi play professional pickleball?
He competes in exhibition events like the Pickleball Slam but is not a regular on the professional tour (e.g., PPA or MLP).
How much money has Andre Agassi won in pickleball?
He and his partner James Blake won the $1 million purse at Pickleball Slam 4; splits are not disclosed.
Is Andre Agassi better at pickleball than tennis?
He is a tennis Hall of Famer, but pickleball is a different sport; his pickleball skill is high-level recreational, not elite pro.
What is the Pickleball Slam?
An annual exhibition event with $1 million prize, featuring tennis legends vs. pickleball pros. First held in 2023.
Does Andre Agassi own a pickleball court?
He likely has access to courts in Las Vegas, but no public confirmation of a personal court.
What paddle does Andre Agassi use?
The specific brand and model have not been officially confirmed. He has partnerships with equipment makers like Joola.
Did Agassi win Pickleball Slam 4?
Yes, he and James Blake defeated Anna Leigh Waters and Genie Bouchard on April 15, 2026.
How did Agassi get into pickleball?
He discovered the sport during the COVID-19 pandemic while looking for a new activity, according to Ares Management.
Where does Agassi play pickleball in Las Vegas?
He practices at private or club courts in Las Vegas and frequently travels to San Diego to train with James Blake.
Will there be a Pickleball Slam 5?
Likely yes, given the event’s success and the interest expressed by participants for a rematch.
