'Probably Going To Crush Tennis': Elon Musk Gives Verdict On Pickleball

| by Alfredo Bassanelli

Elon Musk is one of the people that many want an advice from, but it's not often that he comments on tennis.

Without a doubt, tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world. It certainly sits somewhere in the Top 5, behind football and cricket. But there are new racquet sports on the horizon, and one of them is also pickleball.

The sport is similar to tennis according to many, played on a smaller court, and of course, with different rules. Some tennis players, such as Jack Sock, have already tried their hand at pickleball, and the 30-year-old American even managed to win a mixed doubles event.

The legends of the sport, such as Andy Roddick, John McEnroe, and Andre Agassi, have also competed in a pickleball exhibition event, which even topped MLB, NBA, and NHL in viewership numbers.

Therefore, naturally, a conversation started about the future of pickleball, and it possibly replacing tennis. While some think it's unthinkable, others suggest that it may happen, including Elon Musk. After one of the Twitter users shared his thoughts about pickleball, the 51-year-old business magnate responded.

Unbelievable Debut: Jack Sock Wins His First Professional Pickleball Event
Unbelievable Debut: Jack Sock Wins His First Professional Pickleball Event

"It’s probably going to crush tennis. Way more convenient."

Elon Musk on Pickleball

His reaction was immediately noticed, as he's, naturally, one of the most popular users on the platform. Some agreed, others did not, and Andy Roddick was also one of the people that shared his opinion.

"And it will never crush tennis. It’s so much fun to play but it’s not even comparable as a viewer. Ping pong also really fun. Would rather be kicked in the nuts than watch it on TV. Again, so much fun to play. I love playing. The highest rated pickle match ever was a bunch of tennis guys trying to grasp it ……. Not sure it stands on its own as a TV product. I’d play again anytime. Loved it."

The former World No. 1 explained that while it's fun to play it, the sport doesn't have a lot of potential to best tennis in terms of viewership numbers. He even emphasized that the highest-rated pickleball match was when he and other former players tried their hand at the sport.

McEnore, Roddick & Agassi To Compete in Pickleball Exhibition Event
McEnore, Roddick & Agassi To Compete in Pickleball Exhibition Event

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