The Pickleball Slam 4 pits tennis greats Andre Agassi and James Blake in opposition to present pickleball professionals Anna Leigh Waters and Genie Bouchard for a $1 million prize purse.
It has been 52 years since Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in straight units within the historic “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match held within the Houston Astrodome in 1973.
That marked a big cultural second in our nation, not simply in sports activities however throughout society usually. A whopping 90 million viewers reportedly tuned in worldwide to witness historical past.
This April, pickleball is bringing it again. The stakes could also be smaller, however the prize purse is something however: $1 million is on the road for the successful crew.
The Pickleball Slam 4
This marks the fourth iteration of The Pickleball Slam, an annual occasion that goals to deliver massive names from professional pickleball and professional tennis collectively for a splashy exhibition occasion.
This yr, Corridor of Famer and three-time Pickleball Slam defending champion Andre Agassi groups up with Former ATP No. 4 James Blake to tackle No. 1 ranked Anna Leigh Waters and former WTA No. 5 Genie Bouchard, who’s ranked No. 10 on the Skilled Pickleball Affiliation Tour in Girls’s Singles.
Andre Agassi Makes Professional Pickleball Debut with Anna Leigh Waters at US Open
Andre Agassi and Anna Leigh Waters have introduced they are going to be taking part in within the combined doubles occasion of the Minto US Open. This will probably be Agassi’s first time taking part in knowledgeable pickleball event.
“Many individuals nonetheless suppose the highest girls’s gamers could not beat the highest males’s gamers in any racket sport. We’re able to show them fallacious,” mentioned Anna Leigh Waters.
“Genie and I’ve a variety of respect for Andre and James’ legacy, however they’re about to learn the way onerous it truly is to grasp the game we play for a residing.”
The primary three Pickleball Slam occasions have all gone Agassi’s method:
- Pickleball Slam, April 2, 2023: Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick defeat Michael Chang and John McEnroe. Prize purse: $1 million
- Pickleball Slam 2, February 3, 2024: Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf defeat John McEnroe and Maria Sharapova. Prize purse: $1 million
- Pickleball Slam 3, February 16, 2025: Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf defeat Andy Roddick and Genie Bouchard. Prize purse: $1 million
However these have been all in opposition to tennis gamers who took up pickleball. He is by no means confronted anybody as younger, hungry, and achieved as Anna Leigh Waters.
For her half, ALW seems to be treating this like every other pickleball occasion. Eyes on the prize. No mercy.
“If Andre desires to maintain that Pickleball Slam title, he’s going to need to earn it the onerous method.”
Find out how to watch the motion
Slam 4 will probably be reside on ESPN in primetime at 7 p.m. EST on April 15, 2026, from Onerous Rock Stay at Seminole Onerous Rock Resort & On line casino in Hollywood, FL.
Tickets are on sale now at myhrl.com and Ticketmaster.
Choose courtside VIP tickets, which embody participant meet-and-greets, are additionally accessible.
“I’ve had the posh of teaming with Anna Leigh and have been blown away by her abilities and dedication to excellence,” mentioned Agassi of his professional pickleball debut at April’s US Open alongside Waters.
“Dealing with off in opposition to these two nice athletes received’t be straightforward, luckily I’ve been taking part in racket sports activities longer than they’ve been alive!”
Extra occasion particulars will be discovered right here.
Picture supply.
