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‘You Beat Serena’- With Pickleball Slam 2 Fast Approaching, John McEnroe Turns Motivator as Partner Maria Sharapova Pays Close Attention

Published 11/06/2023, 7:52 AM EST

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The successful first season of the pickleball slam has opened doors for the competition to grow widely. Thus, the next season of this event is ready to take place at the beginning of 2024. However, the preparations have already begun in full swing. While the teams are gearing up, the fact that it is going to be a tough competition between Andre Agassi and his wife, Steffi Graf, going against John McEnroe and Maria Sharapova remains true.

In fact, the Russian tennis player joining the clan of players to promote pickleball as a good sport in the athletic arena has been a prominent highlight of the sport. But before that, the 36-year-old has to get through the seven-time Grand Slam champion’s grunting drill. McEnroe recently turned into a motivator for Sharapovas as he provided a little pep talk regarding how they can make a better team for the upcoming slam.

John McEnroe’s pickleball pep talk to Maria Sharapova 

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As the pickleball Slam two is just a few months away, the 64-year-old former American tennis legend had his advice ready which enlisted the pointers on which they can claim a victory. This interesting interaction was shared in the form of a video by the official Instagram account of the Slam.

The former World No. 1 could be seen in his element, providing inputs to the another former World No.1. His advice dealt with the elements of precision, experience, and motivation. He said, “We are gonna be a great team, but just with a little bit of practice.”

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“I have watched you play tennis, you know I love that, you have got some height. You gonna use your advantage in the area of the kitchen,” McEnroe continued. However, his ‘kitchen’ comment was met with more questions from Maria Sharapova. McEnroe patiently explained the rest of on-court setting.

Along with that, he also brought up how she just has to work a little bit on her pickleball skills while acknowledging her tennis skills. Even though the five-time Grand Slam champion joked off about how McEnroe believed that she had some work left before the final showdown. He praised her and said, “To me, hard court was your best surface. Although, I did see you beat Serena on the grass. I like our chances though.”

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Nevertheless, a few months ago, when the Russian tennis player shared this amazing news, she also talked about how she got inspired by McEnroe to step into new territory. The energetic event will witness her collaboration with the 64-year-old tennis legend, standing against Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, to confirm the news about her participation in the Pickleball Grand Slam 2.

Sharapova got inspired by McEnroe for her new pickleball battle 

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The official Instagram account shared a video of the 36-year-old tennis star, in which she talked about getting ready to play with McEnroe. She said, “I feel a little competitive, nervous but dint mind me. Support us. Let’s go, team, by the way, what’s the name of my team?” 

Leading to that, the 7-time Grand Slam champion also suggested that the team’s name be Team Mac, who are ready to go for a Mac attack. It won’t be wrong to say that playing with McEnroe is not easy, but at the same time, it is quite inspiring and an opportunity of a lifetime.

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Moreover, what do you think about McEnroe’s pep talk? Do let us know in the comment section below.

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Written by:

Pratishtha Prakash

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Pratishtha Prakash is a Senior Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports. With over 1600 articles under her name, she has an unbridled passion for covering the intriguing developments in the off-court lives of the biggest tennis stars. Pratishtha entered the dynamic world of sports journalism after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media and Journalism.
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Edited by:

Aazima Basharat