Andre Agassi Makes Pickleball Debut with Anna Leigh Waters
What happens when one of the best tennis players of all time teams up with the #1 female pickleball player in the world? We’re about to find out.
The pickleball world is no stranger to big announcements lately, but this one hits different. On April 30, 2025, Andre Agassi will make his pro pickleball debut, partnering with none other than Anna Leigh Waters at the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida.
Yes, that Andre Agassi. The 8-time Grand Slam champ. Olympic gold medalist. Hall of Famer. And now? He’s stepping onto the court with the sport’s most dominant player, the 18-year-old phenom with more gold medals than most players have matches. Her net worth is $3 million.
Their match will air on CBS Sports Network at 12:00 PM EST, and you better believe we’ll be watching. Not just because it’s a big moment, but because it signals something bigger.
This isn’t just a fun crossover. It’s a spotlight on where pickleball is headed: faster, younger, bolder, and on network TV.
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How This Happened (And Why It’s Not Random)
Waters apparently found Agassi the same way a lot of us do: watching clips on YouTube. She liked his style—aggressive, fast, sharp—and reached out.
“She’s probably sick of winning so much, and that’s why she called me,” Agassi joked.
But he took the invite seriously.
“The idea of challenging myself to not screw things up for her is daunting,” he said. “But it’s also kind of thrilling.”
Waters had a different angle.
“Andre’s goals are to grow the sport of pickleball, and that’s a huge goal of mine too… I thought if we partnered together, this would be a really awesome way to grow the sport.”
So yeah—this isn’t for clicks. It’s for competition.
Does This Pairing Actually Work?
Agassi is 55. Waters is 18. You wouldn’t think they’d have much overlap.
But on the court? They’re cut from the same cloth. Both like to push pace. Both hit early, hard, and confidently. Agassi made his career punishing serves and staying glued to the baseline. That kind of court sense translates.
Waters doesn’t need anyone to carry her. And Agassi’s not just showing up for a handshake. They’ve got a shot to do damage.
What to Expect on April 30
The pair will make their debut at the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida—Wednesday, April 30 at 12:00 PM EST, airing on CBS Sports Network.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Waters will set the tempo—expect her to dominate at the net and control the kitchen.
- Agassi’s placement and reaction game will surprise a lot of people. He’s not just out there for photo ops—he’s reportedly been training seriously.
- Chemistry is the X factor. They’ve never competed together in a match setting before. How quickly can they sync up?
And yeah, the spotlight will be blinding. This match isn’t just two names playing ball. It’s an inflection point: a living legend entering the court of the sport’s fastest-growing icon.
Why It’s Worth Paying Attention
You don’t need to squint to see what’s happening. Tennis players are crossing over. The PPA is pushing hard on media deals. The level of play is rising, fast.
Anna Leigh is already defining this era. Agassi showing up doesn’t change that, but it adds weight. It gets more eyes on the court, more coverage, more energy.
That helps all of us.
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At 11 PICKLES, We’re Locked In
At 11 PICKLES, we’ll be covering the match, breaking down how it went, and probably arguing in the group chat about Agassi’s footwork. If you're as locked in as we are, sign up for our newsletter and keep an eye on the match recap, interviews, and new merch drops designed for players who actually play.
Agassi x Waters | April 30 | 12 PM EST | CBS Sports Network
See you on the court, or in the comments.
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