Source : sportingnews.com
For years, pickleball has been widely referred to as the fastest-growing sport in America. Now, it’s making its debut on the biggest stage.
Four American tennis legends will compete in a made-for-TV event Sunday, April 2, on ESPN. The Pickleball Slam will feature Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, John McEnroe and Michael Chang going head-to-head for a $1 million grand prize. For one of the first times ever, a sport that has previously been reserved for small neighborhood and backyard courts will be broadcast into the homes of millions of viewers across the United States.
The sport was invented on Bainbridge Island, Wash., in 1965, but it has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. According to Pickleheads.com, participation has grown a whopping 158.6 percent, on average, over the past three years.
So what can viewers expect from the Pickleball Slam? Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the event:
What is the Pickleball Slam?
Agassi, Roddick, McEnroe and Chang will be at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., to compete in the event. A $1 million cash purse will be on the line as the four retired stars go head-to-head.
The event format will feature two teams, with McEnroe and Chang pairing up against Agassi and Roddick. First, there will be two singles matches: Roddick vs. Chang and McEnroe vs. Agassi. Each singles winner will earn one point for their team. The event will conclude with a doubles match, with the victorious team receiving two points. Whoever finishes with the most points will win the $1 million.
The four competitors have 17 Grand Slam singles titles between them. McEnroe is the oldest competitor in the field at 64, followed by Agassi at 52, Chang at 51 and Roddick at 40.
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