Waters & Agassi: The Pickleball Pairing You Never Saw Coming

Apr 30

In a headline-grabbing partnership that bridges generations and sporting disciplines, World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters is set to compete in mixed doubles alongside tennis legend Andre Agassi this week in Florida.

The pairing may seem unexpected—Waters, just 18, stands as the most dominant force in professional pickleball today, while Agassi, 55, is stepping into the pickleball spotlight for the first time. But this collaboration isn’t just about competition; it’s about championing the sport they both love on a global scale.

Waters, who initiated the partnership, believed Agassi's presence could elevate pickleball’s visibility in ways few others could.

“This Is Bigger Than Just A Match”

“I don’t usually get nervous talking to famous people, but I was actually nervous speaking to Andre,” Waters admitted during a joint interview with Agassi, hosted by CNBC’s Jessica Golden. “It just felt surreal to be on the phone with him. But I told him I thought it would be an amazing way to grow the sport—and thankfully, he said yes.”

Waters’ instinct to reach out was rooted in more than admiration. She had seen Agassi's involvement in the sport and sensed a shared passion. It wasn’t about grabbing headlines—it was about building momentum for pickleball’s growth.

Agassi, who recently celebrated his birthday, was immediately intrigued by the invitation—but wanted to ensure they were a good fit on the court.

Agassi’s Humble Approach: “Let’s Hit First”

“Before committing, I said, ‘Let’s practice together so you know what you’re signing up for,’” Agassi recalled with a smile. “She’s probably tired of winning all the time, which is why she called me. But I wanted her to know what I could and couldn’t do.”

While Agassi may be a newcomer to professional pickleball, he’s no stranger to the sport itself. Over the past few years, pickleball has become a regular part of his life—and his family’s life—in Las Vegas.

“I got into it authentically,” he said. “I’ve seen how it brings people together in our community. What fascinated me most was how much I had to unlearn from tennis. It’s a different game, and that challenge hooked me.”

Style, Chemistry, And Real-Time Adaptation

Waters had already done her homework before that first phone call. She had watched Agassi’s footage on YouTube and was confident he had the skills to contribute meaningfully.

Their first practice together confirmed her instincts.

“Stylistically, we both tend to play aggressively,” Agassi noted. “Obviously, her ability is on another level, but I just wanted to be transparent—show her what she could and couldn’t count on. Once she absorbs that data, she has this incredible ability to react in real time.”

It’s a tactical connection that could translate well in match play. But for Agassi, the nerves are still there.

Finding Grace In The Unknown

“I’m sickly nervous,” he admitted. “In tennis, I know how to handle those nerves. But pickleball is so nuanced—it’s about sensitivity and touch. If you don’t channel your nerves the right way, it can throw you off.”

Still, he’s embracing the discomfort. In fact, it’s part of the appeal.

“When was the last time any of us did something for the very first time? It’s rare—and that’s why this feels so special. I want to stretch myself. Do my best. And try not to hold Anna Leigh back while she does most of the heavy lifting,” he joked.

Winning Isn’t the Point—Exposure Is

For both Waters and Agassi, this is about something much bigger than the scoreboard. It’s about creating moments that attract new eyes to the sport and ignite curiosity.

“To be honest, I probably have no business being out there,” Agassi said. “But what overrides the fear of embarrassing myself is the idea that we could genuinely help grow the game. That passion outweighs everything else.”

Waters echoed that sentiment. For her, this is about building something that lasts—showing that pickleball isn’t just a trend but a sport with staying power, wide appeal, and room for all kinds of players.

A Star-Studded Step Forward

This unique pairing between a teen prodigy and a tennis hall-of-famer is more than a fun headline—it’s a meaningful gesture for the future of pickleball. With Waters' precision and Agassi's experience, the court will be buzzing not just with shots—but with new possibilities.

As the sport continues to grow at breakneck speed, this kind of cross-generational, cross-sport collaboration could be the very spark that takes pickleball to the next level.

And for Waters and Agassi, it all comes down to one thing: sharing the love of the game.

Rahul Khadke