Pickleball fans are in for a treat! It might be a sport that has grown immensely in the past few years, but one can only assume that it will skyrocket in popularity once the American tennis legend Serena Williams picks up a paddle. As time goes on, more and more people are taking up the paddle sport. One celebrity who is in the thick of the sport is Eva Longoria, a long-time friend of Serena Williams. While training vigorously, Longoria challenged the 23-time Grand Slam champion, and the legend promptly replied! 

Eva Longoria and Serena Williams have been friends for many years. The Desperate Housewives actress has been there for all the big moments of Williams’ life. Therefore, when Williams retired, Longoria was bound to pen an emotional note for the Queen of the Court. 

Serena Williams accepts Pickleball challenge from a long-time friend

Pickleball has existed for over 50 years. But the sport has experienced a stark increase in popularity recently. During the pandemic, the paddle sport became immensely popular among several individuals due to its ease of access. Now, several Hollywood stars have started taking part in the sport.

Riding on the popularity wave, Eva Longoria has also taken up the paddle sport. 

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Training to keep herself healthy, Longoria shared a video of a practice session on her Instagram story. In the video, Longoria was moving around to position herself to hit forehand and backhand shots. Along with her training session, she also issued a challenge to the 23-time grand slam champion, saying, “@serenawilliams I am getting ready for you !!! 🤣.“

Watching her close friend putting in the effort, Williams replied to the challenge in her classic fashion. On her Instagram story, she wrote, “@evalongoria move your feet and bring it on….“

Read more – Despite 5 Years of Marriage and Realizing Multi-Million Dollars Worth of Sporting Goals Later, Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Makes Astounding Tennis Confession

While the two are in the heat of battle right now, they have also shared several tender moments with each other.  Williams and Longoria have been close friends for several years now. It is unclear exactly when their bond started growing, but the two have grown closer throughout the years. Longoria has even invested in Angel City FC, majorly owned by Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian. Longoria was also present for the 2022 US Open carnival to fire up Williams in her final tournament.

Watch this story – Serena Williams pays tribute to Roger Federer

Longoria also supported Williams’ retirement message. Now, she is ready to play against the Queen of the Court in another sport.