Why So Many American Men's Tennis Legends Are Now Finding New Life in Pickleball
As pickleball continues its meteoric rise in popularity, a growing number of former tennis professionals are trading in their racquets for paddles to pursue a second professional sports career.
This trend highlights the allure of pickleball as a sport – it's less physically demanding, their high-level tennis skills translate well, and it's a chance to remain competitive.
But it also highlights the allure of pickleball as a business – big-dollar endorsement deals (John Isner, Andre Agassi most recently) a growing fanbase, and the millions of dollars being heavily invested in the professional game.
In the spirit of the upcoming U.S. Open which starts Monday, we highlight some of the notable American men who have recently transitioned more to pickleball and delve into why pickleball as a second act makes sense for so many of them.
Notable tennis players who now play pickleball
From legends of the game to more recent stars, these tennis pros are bringing their skills, competitive DNA, and fan following to the rapidly growing world of pickleball.
Jack Sock
Jack Sock, once ranked as high as No. 8 in tennis on the ATP Tour, is no stranger to winning. With 10 career titles on his resume, Sock transitioned to professional pickleball over a year ago, where he has quickly made a name for himself. He has already captured three medals on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour since making his debut.
Thomas Shields
Jack has by far had the most pro pickleball success of anyone in this group of players, but he also began playing pickleball years before his pro tennis days were officially over.
Donald Young
Donald Young, known for reaching a career-high ranking of No. 38 in pro tennis and finishing as a doubles runner-up at the French Open in 2017, has enthusiastically embraced pickleball. After a year of playing professionally, Young was recently picked up by the Florida Smash of Major League Pickleball (MLP).
Erik Tice
His experience in tennis has undoubtedly laid a solid foundation for his new career, and he’s already making significant strides in the sport. He is currently ranked 24th in men's singles on the PPA Tour.
Sam Querrey
Sam Querrey, another former tennis pro who reached a peak ranking of No. 10 while securing 10 career titles, has been competing in pro pickleball for two years.
Unfortunately, an Achilles injury has temporarily sidelined him in 2024, but Querrey has fully transitioned into pickleball and can be heard in the booth during PPA Tour broadcasts.
John Isner
Known for his booming serve while capturing 16 career tennis titles, John Isner has recently joined the pickleball ranks. He recently signed with Selkirk Sport and debuted alongside Wyatt Stone at the CIBC Texas Open.
Jason Flamm
Isner’s move into pickleball is a natural extension of his competitive nature, and his entry into the sport has already generated considerable buzz. He recently joined the PicklePod to share his thoughts on the transition.
Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi, one of the most iconic figures in tennis history with eight Grand Slam titles, has been one of the more vocal and visible tennis converts in the pickleball scene.
Agassi has competed in both Pickleball Slams and recently signed a deal with JOOLA to create a signature line of equipment.
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His involvement in pickleball (like investing in DUPR) brings star power and underscores the sport's growing legitimacy on the global stage. His wife, Steffi Graf, is also a pickleball enthusiast.
John McEnroe
John McEnroe, known for his fiery personality and unparalleled skill on the tennis court, has taken his talents to pickleball after years of claiming to hate it.
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The former world No. 1 in both singles and doubles with seven Grand Slam titles to his name, has competed in two Pickleball Slams. McEnroe’s participation adds a layer of entertainment and excitement to the sport, drawing in fans from his illustrious tennis career.
Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick, who reached the pinnacle of tennis as the world No. 1 and won the US Open in 2003, has also entered pickleball – or is at least hanging out in the lobby.
Roddick played in the inaugural Pickleball Slam and participated in a celebrity event at SXSW in 2024.
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Even with those appearances, he's not quite fully committed to calling pickleball a career ... yet.
Pete Sampras
Pete Sampras, a former world No. 1 and winner of 14 Grand Slam titles, briefly returned to the public eye by participating in the inaugural Pickleball Slam. While his appearance was more of a cameo than a full-fledged return to professional sports, it still highlighted pickleball's crossover appeal for tennis legends.
Michael Chang
Michael Chang, the youngest-ever French Open winner and a Davis Cup champion, also played in the inaugural Pickleball Slam. Known for his incredible work ethic and determination on the tennis court, Chang brings the same intensity to his pickleball play, captivating audiences with his enduring athleticism.
Francis Tiafoe
Current world No. 20 tennis player Francis Tiafoe has taken up pickleball recreationally, joining the growing list of tennis pros who see the sport as a fun and less strenuous alternative.
In 2023, he was quoted as saying, "But the actual play, I think, I mean, I don’t think it’s a very difficult sport or great sport at all. If we’re casually playing and having drinks and whatever, having fun, but to call it a sport, sport, it’s crazy to me."
That's easy to say when you're on top of the tennis world at age 26. Perhaps once his tennis days are over, that tune might change.
James Blake
James Blake, a former world No. 4 with 10 career tennis titles, was an early investor in Major League Pickleball.
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Blake has also competed in Pickleball Slam 2, showing his commitment to the sport both on and off the court. His involvement strongly indicates the potential financial and competitive rewards pickleball offers.
Why Are Tennis Pros Switching to Pickleball?
The migration of these tennis pros (and many more) to pickleball can be attributed to several factors:
- Financial incentives
- Pro-level competition
- Less physically demanding than tennis
- Pickleball's growing popularity
- A chance to master a new game
- The allure of a new community and fanbase
Let's take a deeper dive into each.
Financial incentives
One of the most obvious draws for tennis pros considering a switch to pickleball is the financial potential. As pickleball’s popularity surges, so too does its prize money and sponsorship opportunities.
Jason Flamm
Major sports equipment, apparel, and even tech brands – especially those with a foothold in tennis or other racquet sports – have started investing heavily in pickleball, leading to lucrative endorsement deals for top players.
For former tennis pros with name recognition and a fan base, transitioning to pickleball offers a way to monetize their legacy. Even if they don't have early success, their name (and previous tennis success) alone helps them land sponsorships and coveted spots on professional pickleball tours.
"I think it's great that McEnroe and Agassi are embracing the sport of pickleball. It can only be a good thing for their brands and for pickleball as a whole," Isner said on his PicklePod appearance.
Companies eager to capitalize on pickleball’s growth see these athletes as ideal ambassadors, able to draw in dedicated tennis fans and new pickleball enthusiasts.
The thrill of competition continues
For many athletes, the competitive drive never truly fades, even after they step away from their primary sport. Pickleball offers former tennis pros a chance to reignite that competitive spirit without the grueling demands of tennis.
Pickleball tournaments, leagues, and championships are becoming more sophisticated and widely recognized, giving players a platform to compete at a high level again. This competitive opportunity particularly appeals to those who might not be ready to retire from professional sports fully.
Jason Flamm
Pickleball is less physically demanding
Tennis is notoriously tough on the body.
Constant high-intensity running, jumping, and pivoting can have an impact on an athlete’s joints, muscles, and overall health, often leading to injuries that hasten retirement.
In contrast, though still physically challenging, pickleball is generally less strenuous. The smaller court size and slower ball speed reduce the body's wear and tear, making it an appealing option for those looking to extend their athletic careers.
This lower-impact nature of pickleball allows former tennis players to maintain an active lifestyle and compete professionally (or in special events due to name recognition) without the same risk of injury that might have sidelined them in tennis.
Pickleball's growing popularity cannot be ignored
Pickleball’s explosion in popularity is another significant factor attracting tennis pros. The sport’s rapid growth means more opportunities for media exposure, fan engagement, and involvement in a passionate and growing community.
For many athletes, the chance to be at the forefront of a burgeoning sport is too good to pass up.
The increasing number of pickleball events, leagues, and media coverage means that athletes who make the switch can continue building their brand and staying relevant in the sports world.
This exposure benefits them financially and keeps them connected to the thrill of performing in front of a passionate audience.
A new challenge to master
While many skills transfer from tennis to pickleball, players must still learn and master techniques and strategies unique to pickleball if they want to play at the highest levels.
The transition offers an opportunity to learn, adapt, and compete in a new arena, which can be invigorating for athletes accustomed to the rigors of professional tennis.
Community and camaraderie
Pickleball is renowned for its welcoming community and its appeal across age groups. Pickleball's collaborative and friendly atmosphere can be a refreshing change for tennis pros who are used to the often cutthroat world of professional tennis.
Most, if not all, of them have played tennis from a very early age, which can lead to burnout or a lack of enjoyment of the sport they've worked their entire lives to master.
Pickleball can provide them with a new outlet, something they don't feel the need to take quite so seriously.
It just makes sense
For tennis pros looking for a second career that allows them to leverage their existing skills, the work they've put in, and the popularity and prestige they've gained, pickleball – especially if they can compete as a pro – just makes sense.
As pro pickleball fans, we should continue to embrace these athletes and root for their success.
They enhance the level of play in pickleball and help elevate the sport’s profile. If we want pickleball to continue its rise into the heart (and television sets) of America, then we should be thrilled every time a former top tennis pro hangs up his racquet and walks onto the 20x44.
