Late Matthew Perry’s Pickleball Trainer Subtly Hits Back at Nick Kyrgios for Brutal Bashing of the Sport
Follow Us
The late Matthew Perry’s pickleball trainer, Matt Manasse, has responded to Nick Kyrgios and James Blake’s latest criticism of pickleball. The controversy began when Christian Alshon claimed that pickleball had made him a better athlete than tennis ever did. And in a few hours’ time, he had some of the most famous names in tennis on his head, debunking his theory.
As a response to the tweet, former top-10 tennis player James Blake laughed off the comparison by pointing out that Alshon had never played at top levels, so he wouldn’t know. Nick Kyrgios also stood up against the comment, stating that while he loved the sport, top pickleball players could not compare to the likes of Roger Federer. But the battle did not end there, as now Matt Manasse has revealed his insight on the matter.
Manasse defends pickleball athletes after Nick Kyrgios’ comments
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Matt Manasse, a self-proclaimed celebrity coach of the pickleball community, stated the pressures that professional sportsmen face. In order to succeed in any sport, he underlined the significance of genetic predisposition, athletic growth, excellent coaching, and unwavering hard work. But he disputed the idea that pickleball isn’t rigorous enough or skilled enough to be taken seriously as a real sport.
To be a pro athlete, so much has to go right —genetically, athletically from a developmental standpoint during the right years, instructionally from the right coaches. And then crazy hard work.
Talking down to Alshon seems counterproductive to the entire argument @TheKitchenPB
— Matt “Pickleball Mcnasty” Manasse (@Matt_Manasse) April 4, 2024
“To be a pro athlete, so much has to go right —genetically, athletically from a developmental standpoint during the right years, and instructionally from the right coaches. And then crazy hard work,” Manasse said through an X post. He further supported his colleague, Christian Alshon, “Talking down to Alshon seems counterproductive to the entire argument.”
Trending
Madrid Open 2024: Coco Gauff vs Madison Keys; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 29, 2024 07:03 AM EDT
Coco Gauff Drops Adorable Wish to Celebrate Boyfriend’s Birthday Amid Hectic Madrid Open Stint
April 27, 2024 03:00 PM EDT
‘Why Are You So Stressed Out?’- Roger Federer’s Wife Mirka Turned Huge Inspiration for Zendaya’s ‘Challengers’, Confesses Script-Writer
April 28, 2024 03:49 PM EDT
Madrid Open: Coco Gauff’s Glaring Weakness Exposed Once Again as Tennis Fans Scoff at Her Abrupt Loss in Momentum
April 27, 2024 10:40 PM EDT
Madrid Open: Tennis Fans Caught Aryna Sabalenka’s New Boyfriend. Here’s Everything You Need to Know about This Brazilian Businessman
April 27, 2024 11:09 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Manasse is well known in not just the sports world but the entertainment industry as a friend of the, well, late Friends actor Matthew Perry. The actor was reportedly on a pickleball court hours before his sad demise, a sport he played most days of the week. Perhaps this recent discussion on its merits would not have sat well with him.
This comes after both Nick Kyrgios and James Blake called out Alshon’s tweet on Tuesday. They had a back-and-forth argument with Christian Alshon. Not only them, but players like Jessica Pegula and Andy Roddick also came forward to share their opinions on the debate. Let’s dive into the exchange that further flamed the controversy.
Kyrgios and Blake make their choices clear between pickleball and tennis
Many professional tennis athletes have displayed their interest in pickleball recently. However, when it comes to defending their own sport, they don’t hesitate to voice their opinions. Such is the case with Nick Kyrgios, who responded to Alshon by saying, “Yeah. Let’s hide under the bed after this statement hahahaha bro get me the best pickleball player and compare his talent to Roger Federer. Wild tweet, wild thought. Delete right now…I love pickle. But you had too many tequilas”.
Yeah. Let’s hide under the bed after this statement hahahaha bro get me the best pickleball player and compare his talent to Roger Federer. Wild tweet, wild thought. Delete right now 😂 I love pickle. But you had too many tequilas 😵
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) April 2, 2024
Miami Open director James Blake also criticized Alshon by calling his statement “ridiculous”. He further implied that Alshon must know what kind of “athleticism” is required to play tennis.
Haha. That might be because you were playing a pretty low level of tennis. Maybe if you were familiar with the athleticism it takes to excel at the sport you would realize how ridiculous this statement is.
— James Blake (@JRBlake) April 2, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Even former doubles champion Rennae Stubbs wasn’t having it and asked Alshon to straight up delete the tweet.
Dude you really need to delete this tweet.
— Rennae Stubbs ♈️ (@rennaestubbs) April 3, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As the debate continues, fans and professionals alike are taking sides on the subject. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comment section.
Nick Kyrgios Sheds Light on the Reason Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are Superior to Him
Edited by:
Arunima Bhanot