John McEnroe’s Views on Pickleball Highlight Growing Sport

Pickleball is gaining popularity globally, yet it encounters skepticism from tennis legend John McEnroe. During “The MacZone,” McEnroe and his brother Patrick discussed the French Open, hosting Genie Bouchard, a tennis player who transitioned to pickleball.

McEnroe, known for his outspoken nature, didn’t hold back. Referring to Bouchard, he remarked, “She leaves the sport to play that damn stupid pickleball.” Bouchard responded by pointing out that McEnroe had also played pickleball. McEnroe admitted, “I played two weekends, and they paid me more than tennis.” However, he emphasized he faced other tennis players rather than dedicated pickleball enthusiasts.

This perspective suggests McEnroe was participating for financial gain rather than embracing the sport. He expressed one regret about pickleball: the sound of the ball. “The sound of the plastic ball is a big negative,” McEnroe said, contrasting it with the satisfying sound of a tennis ball. He questioned Bouchard on whether she found the sound bothersome.

While the sound and name of pickleball may seem less appealing, McEnroe’s experience shows the sport’s reality. Despite initial perceptions during his school years, today pickleball is more than a gym pastime. Its popularity is undeniable.