Apart from the exceptionally brewing rivalry in the ATP circuit, the sport itself has attracted a terrifying rival. The rapidly rising racket sport is slithering to the top, reserving a spot beside the elite sports. But what seemed like a threat for tennis in the US has now surged to the UK, too. Pickleball has attracted investors, sports legends, professional players, and the audience alike. The rival sport bagged desirous investments from tennis fraternities like Chris Evert and Nick Kyrgios.

Since the US kick-started its Pickleball journey by roping in tennis legends, the anticipation to watch them play fueled the game’s popularity. The major tennis rival is rooting firmly in England, as the practice clubs are increasing with a tremendous return rate.

Great Britain and the US are caught up in Pickleball mania

The ancient racket sport does not require athleticism, skill, and practice to enjoy the sport. Two padel bats, a net, and any outdoor or indoor environment complete the set-up. So, citizens are playing the sport for recreation, and health benefits are a bonus. For trained tennis players, Pickleball is a cakewalk.

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It took 50 years for Pickleball to gain fame and love, and the positive response is snowballing. According to the International Business Times, even Bitains have flocked to the sport to the extent that the gaming clubs have doubled. In just two years, 400 clubs have emerged, and once players got the taste of the sport, they returned for more practice. But the US still stands atop with over 8,000 clubs by 2022, and the numbers have drastically improved.

The relatively new sport has gained over 14,000 registered players aged 18-85. Though most players are amateurs, they love being active players due to the minimal effort, lightweight equipment, and less physical demand. Among the 14,000 players, 1,000 players have participated in the England Open.

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The health boons, Chris Evert-like investments, and exclusive coverage

The Lawn Tennis Association reported that playing Pickleball for 30 minutes can burn over 300 calories. A progressive neurological disorder like Parkinson’s makes motor coordination difficult, as brain cells destroy over time. There is no standard cure for Parkison’s, but Pickleball can help the players delay the progressive degeneration of cells in the substantia nigra, in the midbrain. Players with Parkinson’s reported improved motor coordination, balance, and flexibility.

The benefits of the sport are piling up, and Pickleball’s kit is also travel-friendly, unlike tennis. Apart from Chris Evert, NBA legends like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kevin Durant have invested in the sport, which has witnessed a 159% surge of players after 2020 in the US. The crazy demand for the sport needed continuous media coverage, and Tennis Channel bagged the deal.

The media giant has exclusive 24/7 streaming rights, and an ad-supported channel, an app, and even subscription programs are under process. The Slam 2 will witness extensive media coverage as Andre Agassi-Steffi Graf duo are set to play against John McEnroe-Maria Sharapova in February for a whopping $ 1 Million prize money.

Tennis’ rival sport may even find a place in the Olympics if the blooming sport achieves the necessary professionalism. Can The International Federation of Pickleball pull off the feat in the next five years? Let us know in the comments.

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