Amélie Mauresmo, the former No. 1-ranked tennis player and two-time major champion, traded in her racket for a paddle as she tried her hand at pickleball for the first time at the French Open. The French tennis federation (FFT) has officially embraced pickleball, adding it to their roster of sports and seeking government approval for a sanctioned national championship.
Mauresmo, along with FFT president Gilles Moretton, took part in a friendly pickleball session at Roland Garros, showcasing the sport on temporary courts set up on the red clay used for the Grand Slam event. The initiative aims to attract new players and promote a more inclusive approach to racket sports.
While some, like 16-time Grand Slam doubles champion Bob Bryan, remain loyal to tennis, others see the appeal of pickleball’s social and competitive aspects. Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, acknowledged the growing interest in pickleball but expressed her commitment to tennis.
Despite the rise of pickleball and padel, Moretton believes tennis will continue to thrive and coexist with these sports. He emphasized the unique physical, technical, and mental challenges of tennis that set it apart from other racket sports.
As Mauresmo enjoyed her first taste of pickleball, she ruled out a career switch but acknowledged the fun and accessibility of the sport. With pickleball gaining popularity in France and beyond, it seems the future of racket sports is set to be more diverse and inclusive than ever before.