John McEnroe Slams Pickleball’s Plastic Ball Sound After 2 Paid Weekends
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 30
John McEnroe Slams Pickleball’s Plastic Ball Sound After 2 Paid Weekends
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 30
John McEnroe said on the French Open’s “MacZone” broadcast that pickleball’s “plastic ball” sound is “a big negative” for the fast-growing sport.
Speaking with former tennis player and current pickleball competitor Genie Bouchard, McEnroe mocked the game as “that damn stupid pickleball” before arguing a tennis ball sounds far better on contact.
McEnroe also said he played pickleball for 2 weekends and was paid more than he earned in tennis, though he stressed those matches were against tennis players rather than regular pickleball opponents.
The remarks add to the sport’s mixed reception from some tennis figures even as pickleball’s popularity and player payouts continue to rise.
As pickleball's value hits $750 million, is the 'stupid' sport actually the future of racquet athletics?
With over 200 lawsuits filed, can quiet technology save pickleball from being silenced by a nationwide backlash?