Pickleball is a relatively new sport but is growing in popularity among Americans. While it started off as a recreational sport, there is a professional league now, called the Major League Pickleball (MLP). Even though the MLP is only in its second year since its inception, it is no less than any other major league in grandeur. Recently, a few tennis stars lit up a pickleball event in New York City with their appearance.
World number one Carlos Alcaraz was joined by his peers Holger Rune and Andrey Rublev. American tennis sensation Venus Williams also graced the event with her presence. Ons Jabeur and Tommy Paul were also present.
So what exactly is pickleball? It is an indoor sport, that at first glance might seem like tennis, but it is not. It is played on a much smaller court. Players use a paddle instead of a racket and a perforated plastic ball, which does not move as fast as a tennis ball.
Oh no! Big Pickleball got Carlos Alcaraz, Andrey Rublev, Holger Rune, Ons Jabeur and Venus Williams.
📸majorleaguepbpic.twitter.com/iVtOLmYIMV
— Llama 𝕊𝕒𝕪𝕤 ☄🌠🚀 (@tennis_lol) August 25, 2023
It is not as physically taxing as tennis but is just as much fun, something the tennis stars discovered for themselves. They split up into teams of two and played against each other.
It was not as intense as some of the matches these players have played in their careers. It was rather laidback, on the whole, despite Alcaraz and Venus teaming up to defeat Ons Jabeur and Tommy Paul.
Pickleball is not a sport that tennis players usually enjoy, but last night was different, which is a testament to its entertaining quality. The event was equal parts fun and lavish. It was a nice break for these players before the US Open commences next week.
The rising popularity of pickleball
Pickleball’s popularity has been on the rise, more so after professional players from different fields extended their support to it. LeBron James and Micah Parsons, both legends of the NBA and NFL have vouched for pickleball.
Parsons, the linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys is now a co-owner of the MLP team Texas Ranchers. He took to social media to announce the news of his ownership. “I’ve always looked for new sports to stay active during the off-season and pickleball has become my new obsession,” wrote Parsons (via Lancaster Online).
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But Parsons is not the only NFL player to invest in a team. The legendary Tom Brady, who has been investing in a variety of sports, has also backed the Major League Pickleball. Brady is joined by four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters in becoming co-owners of an MLP team.
Popular stars investing in the MLP speak volumes for the new sport. It is a fun sport, after all, and accessible to all demographics. The tennis stars’ appearance will do much to boost the growing interest among casual sports fans as well.