With eight Grand Slam titles and an Olympic Gold medal, former World No.1 Andre Agassi has amassed a legendary status. The Hall of Famer left a lasting impression on the tennis court when he retired in 2006. Apart from having a phenomenal tennis career, however, the former American great is also known for his enthusiastic energy. Especially when it comes to his welcoming nature towards people around him. Probably that’s the reason why an ex-ATP pro has picked him up as his party companion for a trip to Las Vegas!

In an episode of Nothing Major podcast, dated November 30, former American tennisplayer Steve Johnson was part of a fun game. All the hosts, including him, decided to make a Snake Draft of several players for their group. The option given was of players from 2000 to present-day. But what was the purpose?

After realizing that it’s the end of the season already, the hosts expressed their wish to go to Las Vegas to have a good time. In their fantasy list of companions, they had to choose players they thought of as lively and fit for a party occasion. When Steve was asked to reveal his companion, he said, “I’m going to go a little old school with this one”. Continuing further, he revealed his pick: “I’m going to go with Andre Agassi as an owner of a nightclub in Vegas.”

Steve gave a valid explanation as well for choosing Agassi. “Look, he owns the club. Like, he is Mr. Vegas. So you know, you feel like you’re going to be well taken care of. There’s going to be no issues, you know, getting in anywhere, whatever it might be,” he said in the podcast.

For those unaware, Andre Agassi and his wife Steffi Graf were co-owners of the Pure Nightclub in Caesars Palace. Interestingly, though, Andre has also been a part of other ventures, too. After hanging up his racket nearly two decades ago, he’s dominating the court again – but in Pickleball!

Andre Agassi’s passion for Pickleball increasing rapidly

Along with his wife, Stefi, Agassi has been a part of the Pickleball Slam 3 in Las Vegas. In fact, his increasing passion for the sport has resulted him in clinching the title too. Agassi and Andy Roddick won the inaugural Pickleball Slam with Andy Roddick in 2023in April 2023. Last year, he and Stefi won against John McEnroe and Maria Sharapova in a thrilling contest, taking the match 11-7, 13-11 in straight sets. In February next year, Andre and Stefi will defend their title.

Moreover, Andre has been pushing his voice further for a boost in Pickleball’s popularity. Speaking at Life Time’s New York City pickleball event, he revealed his thoughts on the sport’s growing appeal. “If you have your weekend-warrior match in tennis and I give you tickets to Alcaraz-Nadal playing down the street, you’re going to give up playing to watch,” he said. Explaining his point, he added, “But with pickleball, if I say the best are playing down the street, you’d say, ‘Well, what about us? What about our game? We want to play.’ It’s a real participation-centric activity.”

He has expressed his love for pickleball on a previous occasion as well. “I love watching pickleball, but only until I get to that point of wanting to go play it,” he said during an exhibition match at Life Time PENN 1 earlier this year. What do you have to say about Andre’s passion for pickleball? Do you think he will eventually leave a lasting impression in this sport just like his illustrious career in tennis? Let us know in the comments below.