The excitement for Pickleball is growing day by day. Many people who play tennis have switched their loyalties toward Pickleball and it has gone on to become the fastest growing sport in the United States. Additionally, some renowned names in the tennis circuit have also started to play that sport regularly. Among them are the likes of Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, and Eugenie Bouchard. The trio play together often and Bouchard recently discussed the games of Agassi and Graf.

Earlier this week, the dates for the Pickleball Slam 3 were announced. The pair of Graf and Agassi will take on Bouchard and Andy Roddick on 16th February at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. During an interview ahead of the mega-event, Bouchard sat down to discuss the sport’s growth and her opponents’ during the Pickleball Slam.

Talking about it, Bouchard was all praise of Agassi’s Pickleball talent. The two played together often and Agassi often emerged triumphant, be it singles or doubles. However, Bouchard highlighted a major weakness in Graf’s game, which she could exploit when they face off against each other.

Bouchard mentioned, “I don’t know Steffi’s game much but talking to her and hearing about her and how she doesn’t like dinks, I am gonna get her to the kitchen line and force her to do dink with me…I am gonna win those rallies.”

Fun fact: A dink in tennis is a soft, accurate shot that sends the ball over the net and into the opponent’s kitchen:

Despite Graf’s glaring weakness, she complements well during her matches while partnering with Agassi. Earlier this year, she emerged victorious in the Pickleball Slam 2 as she and Agassi defeated John McEnroe and Maria Sharapova. With that win, the power couple pocketed $1 Million.

Meanwhile, Bouchard has made a serious move from tennis to pickleball. She has even joined the pro-Pickleball tour and enjoyed tremendous success. As a result, Graf was all praises for her.

Steffi Graf on Eugenie Bouchard’s move to Pickleball: ‘Not an easy transition’

Bouchard turned pro this year and played in a handful of tournaments, enjoying good success in her debut season. However, there is still a long way to go for her, and Graf mentioned how difficult it might have been for Bouchard to transition from tennis to pickleball on the professional tour.

Graf said, “Genie’s been really playing well this year, taking it professional. I think the jump from tennis into pickleball is not an easy transition, and doubles and mixed is so different from tennis, so it’s a little harder. We’re hoping she doesn’t have too much of an edge there.”

Similarly, Graf’s husband, Agassi, was also full of praise for Bouchard and sounded cautious ahead of the match against her. He mentioned, “To Stef’s point, I totally respect Genie for being one of the first ones to bridge that gap from tennis to pickle. The strength it takes, the courage it takes, to put yourself in a competitive environment, put yourself on the line in something that’s not terribly familiar to you, just shows her competitive (nature).”

All the eyes will be on Agassi and Graf, as they set their sights on defending their title. On the other hand, the duo of Bouchard and Roddick would look to end their domination.