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KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 \u2014 Tennis great Andre Agassi believes pickleball could one day earn a place at the Olympics, describing the prospect as both \u201crealistic\u201d and \u201cachievable\u201d as the sport continues its rapid global rise.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the JOOLA Titans Tour here, Agassi said the sport\u2019s growing international footprint and accessibility make it a strong candidate for future inclusion on the world\u2019s biggest sporting stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do believe it\u2019s a realistic and achievable goal,\u201d he said when asked about pickleball\u2019s Olympic prospects.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it rightfully has its place.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the sport has yet to secure Olympic status, Agassi pointed to its expanding presence across multiple levels \u2014 from grassroots participation to professional tours \u2014 as a sign that it is moving in the right direction.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve seen it professionally. We\u2019ve seen it in exhibitions. We\u2019ve seen it across the world now in many countries,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The former world No. 1 added that broader adoption, including at the collegiate level, could further strengthen pickleball\u2019s case for Olympic recognition.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeeing it in college sports would be amazing,\u201d he said, noting that structured development pathways are key for any sport aiming to reach the Olympics.<\/p>\n
Agassi also highlighted how the Olympics have increasingly embraced new and emerging sports, suggesting pickleball could benefit from that evolving landscape.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery country has the right, when they have the Olympics, to add a sport. I believe we had breakdancing in Paris, right?\u201d he said, referencing how newer disciplines have been introduced in recent editions of the Games.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were some fun Australian breakdancers or something? Never mind, but yes, I do believe it\u2019s a realistic and achievable goal,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Beyond its competitive appeal, Agassi stressed that pickleball\u2019s accessibility gives it a unique advantage in expanding globally, particularly in markets where traditional sports may have\u00a0higher barriers to entry.<\/p>\n
\u201cNobody\u2019s intimidated to try,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can get better every ten minutes, and you never really stop improving.\u201d<\/p>\n
The eight-time Grand Slam champion also dismissed suggestions that pickleball\u2019s rise could come at the expense of tennis, insisting both sports can coexist and even benefit one another.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t see it as a zero-sum game,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it helps each other\u2026 the tennis courts stay alive. How it translates to TV will become the multi-billion-dollar question. I think participation is a given on how it\u2019s going to grow because it\u2019s a low point of entry.\u201d<\/p>\n
The JOOLA Titans Tour is taking place today and tomorrow at Stadium Juara in Mont Kiara, with an exhibition match atop Merdeka 118 tonight at 8.30pm.<\/p>\n
The match between Agassi and world No. 1 pickleball player Ben Johns will be streamed live on Astro\u2019s YouTube channel.<\/p>\n
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