In a recent trend, we have seen many tennis players leaving for playing and making a career in pickleball. Pickleball is a sport with glaring similarities to tennis, table tennis, and badminton. While tennis and badminton are racket sports, in pickleball, players use a pedal like in table tennis. It’s easier compared to tennis as the movement involved is less and the chances of getting injured are also lower. Recently, former Wimbledon Juniors champion Noah Rubin left tennis to pursue a career in pickleball.

Former American tennis star Brad Gilbert was quick to share the news on Twitter. Later, James Blake also reacted to it.

Brad Gilbert and James Blake react as Noah Rubin leaves tennis for pickleball

Former Wimbledon Juniors champion Noah Rubin recently announced his retirement from tennis. To everybody’s surprise, he announced, trying out a career in pickleball only a few weeks later. Former tennis star Brad Gilbert took to his Twitter account to share the news. Later, James Blake also gave his opinion.

“Former junior Wimbledon champ Noah Rubin leaves tennis for pickleball – ESPN interesting move wonder how long will take him to get to high level ⁦@JRBlake,” Gilbert asked. 

Replying to the Tweet, Blake wrote, “I think 1 year and he will be relevant at the top level. With him and Sam trying to make it, it will definitely be interesting times in pickleball. I can’t wait to watch.”

Top Stories

Aryna Sabalenka’s Battle of Sexes Participation Receives Criticism From Top Coach

WTA Player’s Misbehavior With Ball Kid Triggers Backlash From Former Tennis Pro

Novak Djokovic Labeled the Safer Bet for Slam Glory Than Alexander Zverev in a Bold Prediction

Aryna Sabalenka Breaks Silence on Nationality Switch After Belarus Representation Ban

Emma Raducanu Told to Follow in Aryna Sabalenka’s Footsteps as She Looks for Career Revival

Recently, Sam Querrey also did a similar thing. The American gave up tennis after playing one last time in the US Open and will try out pickleball now.

Read more: American Tennis Star Reveals That Playing Roger Federer Was Like Playing a Video Game

While it’s sad for tennis fans to see their favorite tennis stars choose another sport over tennis, with the challenges and demanding nature of the game, it is understandable.

Rubin’s reason for leaving tennis

After announcing his retirement from tennis, Rubin uploaded an Instagram video discussing his future plans. The American revealed that he is picking up pickleball because of two reasons.

The first is his own physique, which he believes is not suited for tennis. Second, the large size of the court is difficult for him to cover. Rubin further added that since the dimensions of the pickleball court are more suited for him, he felt at home there.

WATCH THIS STORY: Goats Lewis Hamilton and Roger Federer Bring 27 Titles in One Frame

With the physically demanding nature of tennis as a sport, are we in for more such news in the near future? Let us know your opinions in the comments section.