At the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL, an epic battle of the sexes took place on April 15. It was a proper showdown between tennis legends Andre Agassi and James Blake, versus pro pickleball’s World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters and rising star Genie Bouchard for a $1 million prize purse. 

From the get-go, it was clear that the crowd was rooting for the gals. Waters and Blake played singles first, rally scoring to 15. And from the first few points, Blake’s signature forehand looked to be a significant challenge for Waters. 

However, if there’s one thing we know about Waters, is that she’s a fighter. And Waters made one of her impressive comebacks, taking game one and two, with a final score of 15-13, 15-5. 

"It was really fun playing against [Blake] in singles. I was happy to get that W for pickleball. That match is the one that mattered the most to me because it was just me on the court. I had to keep my singles winning streak going,” said Waters. 

Blake, on the other hand, enjoyed playing against the pickleball GOAT on the singles court.

“I wasn’t intimidated going in, but I had a healthy respect. And she proved it. I had my opportunities in the first game and she took them away from me. And I got a little tight because I haven’t been in these kinds of situations before,” Blake said.

“She proved why she’s the best and I thought my only real advantage would be my speed and size. I was trying to use that to my advantage but she’s so precise, and accurate, and she’s able to have plenty of variety and take my biggest weapon away from me. It was funny that the 19-year-old had way more experience than the 46-year-old, and she showed it,” he added. 

Bouchard and Agassi went head-to-head in the next match, where the two tennis stars battled it out in a nail-biter match where Bouchard put up an impressive fight against Agassi. However, Agassi came out on top with a final score 15-4, 11-15, 15-6. 

In the main event, they played mixed doubles to 21, Agassi and Blake teamed up against Waters and Bouchard. The first game was one of the most electrifying games I’ve seen in pickleball. 

The long rallies, nail-biter dink battles, Waters’ occasional lob serve, and a few net cords, this game was the definition of a highlight reel. 

In the end, Agassi and Blake took the victory 25-23, 21-16. Marking Agassi’s fourth time winning the Pickleball Slam. 

“[Bouchard and Waters] pushed us for sure. Our strategy was that we wanted [Waters] to touch the ball as little as possible. It’s amazing what she can do with that ball. She’s proved it for her whole career and she proves it every time she’s in front of me. It’s magic what she can do with the paddle face,” said Agassi.  

But despite the loss, it was all in good fun for the players. All four athletes were smiling, teasing, and clearly having a great time playing this sport on such a grand stage.  

“I had a blast playing with [Bouchard]. I have a new friend on tour. This was such a great event for pickleball,” Waters said

“This was marketed as a battle of the sexes, but it was really a celebration of pickleball,” concluded Agassi. 

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