Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam winner and defending U.S. Open champion, is set to take on world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a pickleball match as part of The HEAD NYC Mash Up event. The event is scheduled just before the commencement of the U.S. Open.
Recently, Djokovic expressed concerns about the rise of pickleball and its potential impact on tennis, stating that tennis clubs could be converted into pickleball facilities due to economic reasons. Despite his reservations, Djokovic will now engage in a friendly pickleball match against Sinner, joining other tennis stars like John McEnroe, Maria Sharapova, Andre Agassi, and Steffi Graf who have also participated in pickleball events.
The popularity of pickleball has been on the rise, with a 202% increase in participation over a three-year period according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. While acknowledging tennis as the premier racket sport, figures like McEnroe see the growth of pickleball as a potential gateway to attract more individuals to racket sports in general.
As Djokovic aims for a record 25th Grand Slam title at the upcoming U.S. Open, his recent Olympic gold medal win has been seen as a possible source of liberation from pressure. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman believes that Djokovic's victory at the Olympics could lead to him playing with a newfound sense of freedom and confidence in pursuit of further major titles.
The tennis community eagerly anticipates Djokovic's performance at the U.S. Open, where he seeks to surpass Margaret Court's record for the most Grand Slam titles. With his unparalleled skill and determination, Djokovic remains a formidable force in the world of tennis.
