Ex-tennis player Andrea Petkovic humorously teased pickleball players from across the street in New York City on a Sunday morning. Pickleball has risen in popularity in the United States since 2021, due to the establishment of pickleball tournaments, Major League Pickleball, and the Pickleball Slam. Although tennis stars like Andre Agassi, Maria Sharapova, and Andy Roddick have supported the sport, Andy Murray, Reilly Opelka, Rennae Stubbs, and others have shown their dislike.
Andrea Petkovic poked fun at the sport on her Instagram. She wrote in her stories that she was “insulting pickleball players from across the street like a mad woman” on Sunday, March 31, in Brooklyn.
The growth of pickleball in the U.S. is partially due to its simple rules and appeal to various age groups. Over the past three years, it has become the fastest-growing sport in the country. The Pickleball Slam has also attracted large numbers of fans within just two seasons.
Several tennis players have openly expressed their aversion to pickleball, with Andy Murray stating that he is “not a big fan.” Cameron Norrie criticized the sport for not requiring any skill, while Casper Ruud called it the “baby brother” of tennis. Andrey Rublev suggested that the sport’s newfound popularity may be the reason for players’ dislike.
