Tennis Stars Compete For $1,000,000 Purse in Pickleball Tournament
Horizon Sports & Experiences (HS&E) hosted the inaugural Pickleball Slam in 2023, in which tennis stars Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, John McEnroe, and Andy Roddick competed for a million-dollar purse in pickleball and a $100,000 charitable donation (25k per player.)
The Pickleball Slam was held Sunday, April 2, 2023, at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, and was broadcast live on ESPN.
The Pickleball Slam also held an amateur challenge from March 31 to April 1, with a $10,000 team prize and a chance to compete against two of the tennis pros mentioned above.
This was the first of five events between the new partnership of Horizon Sports & Experiences (HS&E) and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. They headed to different locations for each event.
“Pickleball is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon — experiencing a meteoric rise across genders, age groups, geographies, and income levels,“ said Levy, co-CEO of HS&E. “The Slam, a multiyear partnership with the Hard Rock, represents the convergence of culture and sport, giving brands an opportunity to engage with passionate fans and amateur players as pickleball continues to gain popularity. We look forward to bringing together four of America’s most iconic tennis legends for this groundbreaking competition, which heralds a new milestone for the fastest-growing sport in America.”
Here is a little about each of the tennis stars that were seen on the pickleball court during the tournament, and while none of them are pro pickleball players, they certainly put on a show! Watch some of the action here:
ESPN Finish of the 2023 Pickleball Slam
Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi is a household name and was formerly the number-one tennis player in the world. An Olympic gold medalist and eight-time major champion, Agassi brought his tennis court skills to the pickleball court to show what he could do.
Some of Agassi’s tennis accomplishments include:
Achieved the career Grand Slam in the Open Era
He is the only man to win a Super Slam
Agassi achieved the Golden Slam and Olympic gold
Michael Chang
Michael Chang is a coach and American professional tennis player best known for winning the 1989 French Open at 17 years old. Chang has won 34 professional titles, which includes seven Masters, and was the number two player in the world in 1996. Chang was added to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2008 and has since coached Kei Nishikori.
John McEnroe
John McEnroe is an American tennis player with astonishing volleying skills who has been a controversial and outspoken tennis star well-known around the world. Some of his professional accomplishments include being ranked No. 1 in the world in both singles and doubles and winning 77 singles titles and 78 doubles titles on the ATP tour.
Andy Roddick
Another number 1 tennis player and winner of the singles 2003 US Open is Andy Roddick. He was a finalist in three Wimbledon tournaments and the US Open against Roger Federer. From 2002 to 2010, he was ranked among the top 10 players in the world and has won 5 Masters titles, as well as being ranked No. 1 in the world in 2003.
Pickleball Slam Results
Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick emerged victorious against John McEnroe and Michael Chang 3-1 and walked away with the million dollar purse, to the surprise of many pickleball and tennis fans.
The slam offered 2 singles matches and a doubles match.
Agassi was defeated by McEnroe 15-13 and 16-14 in the first of two singles matches.
Roddick triumphed over Chang 15-10 and 15-10 in the second singles match.
Agassi and Roddick eeked out a win in the doubles match 21-15, 21-23, and 12-10.
What Tennis Stars May Be Invited Next Year?
Agassi and McEnroe have been invited back to Pickleball Slam set to take place on February 2, 2024, although this time, we’re in for a treat with a mixed doubles match! Agassi has invited his wife, tennis legend Stefi Graf to play, and McEnroe has enlisted the skills of none other than Maria Sharapova. Who do you think will win next year’s showdown? Give us your prediction in the comments below!
