Retired tennis stars and former top-ranked players Maria Sharapova and John McEnroe will team up to face Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf in the second edition of the Pickleball Slam.
In the past couple of years, pickleball became the jargon word of modern sports and has since risen in prominence outside the United States. A couple of retired tennis players have taken up pickleball at a professional level, those being Sam Querrey and Jack Sock.
McEnroe and Agassi featured in the inaugural Pickleball Slam which was heralded as a massive success. Both of the two icons will return for the second edition. McEnroe will team up with Sharapova while Agassi will join forces with her wife Steffi Graf.
Like the first edition, Pickleball Slam 2 will offer a $1 million prize money purse. The man who conceptualized the idea of staging this event is Horizon co-CEO David Levy, who is looking forward to another barnburner at the Hardrock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on February 4th, 2024.
"It’s great to have both John and Andre return for SLAM 2. In pairing them up with Stefanie and Maria, two of the greatest and most competitive players in the history of tennis, there’s sure to be no shortage of incredible action and entertaining moments on the court."
Sharapova and McEnroe have embellished the upcoming bout set to take place next year. The Russian star hasn't played competitive sports since retiring, but is already getting in shape and competitive mood and is excited about playing the fastest-growing sport in the USA.
"I'm playing pickleball, and not just any pickleball. I am playing with John McEnroe against Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi on February 4 in Miami at the Hardrock. It's the Pickleball Slam 2, and dare I say I am getting a little competitive, and slightly nervous and anxious."
"But don't mind me, I can't wait to see you there. Tune in, watch us, support us. Let's go team... what's our name?"
Graf featured in the promotional video for the event and admitted she was 'hooked' from the moment she watched the inaugural event which was won by Roddick and Agassi. The 22-time Grand Slam champion sent a warning shot to her opponents that they'll need to bring their A-game to win.
"Hey guys, super excited. Hey Maria, Hi John. Really looking forward to seeing you guys. We're getting ready. We're working hard, so you've got to bring your A-game like Andre said. Last year was such a blast, I can only imagine we're gonna have a great, great time. So, really looking forward to seeing you down at the Hardrock."
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