StaffOn February 16, 2025, the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas transformed into a battleground for tennis legends, hosting the much-anticipated Pickleball Slam 3. The event, aptly dubbed “The Duel in the Desert,” featured iconic players Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Andy Roddick, and Eugenie Bouchard, all competing for a substantial $1 million purse.
Pickleball Slam Champions
The defending champions, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, both celebrated for their illustrious tennis careers, returned to the pickleball court with determination. Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam singles champion, and Graf, holder of 22 Grand Slam singles titles, have seamlessly transitioned their on-court chemistry from tennis to pickleball. Their opponents, Andy Roddick, a former world No. 1 and U.S. Open champion, and Eugenie Bouchard, a Wimbledon finalist and former world No. 5, brought their competitive spirit to the event, aiming to dethrone the reigning champions.
Adding depth to the competition, former tennis professionals Mardy Fish and John Isner joined the fray. Fish, once ranked world No. 7, partnered with Graf, while Isner, known for his powerful serve and holding the record for the longest match in tennis history, teamed up with Bouchard. This infusion of talent promised spectators a series of exhilarating matches.
Pickleball Slam 3 Match Results
The event commenced with a singles face-off between Agassi and Roddick. Demonstrating his enduring skill and strategic prowess, Agassi secured victory in straight games, 15-11, 15-10, earning the first point for his team.
The second match featured mixed doubles, with Graf and Fish opposing Bouchard and Isner. In a nail-biting contest, Graf and Fish edged out their competitors with identical 15-14 scores in both games, clinching the second point for their team. Refusing to go down without a fight, Roddick and Bouchard rallied in the third match, a mixed doubles showdown against Agassi and Graf. After dropping the first game 9-15, Roddick and Bouchard rebounded to take the next two games, 15-10 and an intense 11-10, earning two points and forcing a decisive Dreambreaker.
In the culminating Dreambreaker, a unique tiebreak format, Agassi and Fish faced off against Roddick and Isner. Exhibiting composure under pressure, Agassi and Fish emerged victorious with an 11-8 score, securing the championship for their team.
A Memorable Event
The atmosphere inside the Michelob ULTRA Arena was electric, with fans expressing enthusiasm for the fast-paced matches and the opportunity to witness their tennis heroes adapt to the burgeoning sport of pickleball. The event’s success underscores pickleball’s surging popularity and its capacity to attract top-tier talent from the tennis world.
For those unable to attend in person, ESPN provided live coverage of the event, bringing the excitement of Pickleball Slam 3 to audiences worldwide. The broadcast featured commentary from seasoned sports analysts, offering viewers in-depth insights into the strategies and dynamics at play. Pickleball Slam 3 not only delivered high-octane entertainment but also highlighted the versatility and enduring competitiveness of these tennis legends. As pickleball continues to captivate sports enthusiasts globally, events like this exemplify the sport’s growth and its appeal to athletes across disciplines.
