
Johns says 'pickleball seems like a natural fit' in China as JOOLA Pickleball Legends Tour concludes
The 2025 JOOLA Pickleball Legends Tour concluded on Saturday in Shanghai.
Ben Johns, Anna Bright, Brooke Buckner, Tyson McGuffin, Collin Johns, and Zoey Wang spent the last week in Vietnam and China participating in clinics, exhibitions and product demonstrations, alongisde tennis legends and pickleball ambassadors Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf.
According to a March 30 story in China Daily by journalist He Qi, the festivities at Shanghai Jingwu Gymnasium were another good indicator that pickleball is trending in the right direction there.
"It offered spectators a high-level exhibition of the sport and marked a significant step in promoting pickleball in China," wrote Qi. "Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf led their respective teams in doubles, singles and mixed doubles matches, captivating the audience with their skills and sportsmanship."
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UPA Asia's Managing Director Kimberly Koh believes JOOLA's tour did wonders to promote the game in that part of the world.
"We really want to showcase what pickleball is. It has a lot of potential to grow in China and the rest of Asia," said Koh. "Our first step is to educate people about the sport and raise awareness. Then, we hope that after witnessing this tournament, people will be inspired to give it a try themselves."
Like Koh, Ben Johns sees pickleball growing exponentially in China.
"I think the future of pickleball, especially here, is extremely bright. I think you have so many good table tennis players and tennis players with a strong racquet sports background in the country that pickleball seems like a natural fit," said Johns. "I think you guys will be extremely good at it."
Agassi and Graf, meanwhile, were both pleased to help pickleball's cause in Asia.
"It breaks cultural barriers, brings people together, and I think it's healthy for people's body and mind," praised Agassi.
"The fans here are incredible. You can feel their support, and it's been a lot of fun to play in front of them," added Graf.
The best pickleball athletes on the planet will be returning to Shanghai in the fall.
PPA Tour Founder and CEO Connor Pardoe confirmed the news via Instagram on Sunday.
"Excited to bring a formal PPA Tour stop to Shanghai this October! Stay tuned," he wrote. "Pickleball’s global rise isn’t slowing down anytime soon."
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