Tennis legends seek Las Vegas pickleball prize

Las Vegas Review-Journal

2 months ago

Former tennis stars Steffi Graf, left, and Andre Agassi pose during the opening night of the Sp ... — Former tennis stars Steffi Graf, left, and Andre Agassi pose during the opening night of the Sphere, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Former Grand Slam champions Andre Agassi and Evonne Goolagong Cawley walk with ball kids carrying the women’s, Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup and the men’s Norman Brookes Challenge Cup trophies ahead of the start of Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Stefanie Graf and Andre Agassi attend the Keep Memory Alive “Power of Love Gala” at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Las Vegas. (Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Keep Memory Alive)

Tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf are determined to take over a different type of court.

The married superstar couple are competing in Slam 3, the third edition of Pickleball Slam from Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay. The couple square off against tennis Hall of Fame member Andy Roddick and former No. 5 pro Genie Bouchard, a former Wimbledon finalist.

The event is set for 1 p.m. Pacific time Feb. 16, to be telecast on ESPN. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at axs.com.

🏓 JUST ANNOUNCED 🏓
The Pickleball Slam is back for a Duel in the Desert. 🎰🏓 ⁰⁰Agassi and Graf return to defend their Slam 2 title against Andy Roddick and Genie Bouchard at Michelob Ultra Arena @MandalayBay.

Tickets on sale September 27: https://t.co/yJXM0phnNW pic.twitter.com/RMex7yCT52

— Mandalay Bay Resort (@MandalayBay) September 24, 2024

The winner receives a $1 million purse (along with the coveted bragging rights) and advances to the next Pickeball Slam event, details to be announced.

Agassi and Graf are teamed for the first time in the Pickleball Slam series. Agassi and Roddick were partners in the inaugural Pickleball Slam in February 2023.

Thus, we have drama.

“I can’t wait to return with Steffi and defend our title in February at Slam 3,” Agassi said in a statement. “It’s an incredible opportunity to play in my hometown of Las Vegas, where the stakes are high, and the energy is electric. In this city, the odds are always in our favor, and I almost feel a little sorry for Andy and Genie.”

Roddick, too, is a grand-slam trash talker.

“When Andre and I won the inaugural Pickleball Slam, I ended up doing most of the heavy lifting, so this time I’m excited to team up with Genie,” said Roddick. “For Slam 3, I’m actually more concerned about Steffi — she’s a force to be reckoned with! Genie and I are ready to defy the odds. After all, this is Las Vegas, a city that knows a thing or two about unexpected upsets.”

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.