News & Stories
Apr 8, 2025
The 2025 Pickleball Legends Tour ended on a high note at the buzzing Jingwu Gymnasium in Shanghai, closing out four days of exhilarating play and cultural connection from March 26 to 29. With stops in both Vietnam and China, this landmark event wasn't just about world-class rallies—it was about bringing the global pickleball movement to one of Asia’s fastest-growing sports markets.
And what a show it was.
Led by tennis icons Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, the tour featured a stellar lineup of pickleball’s biggest names—Ben Johns, Anna Bright, Tyson McGuffin, Brooke Buckner, and Zoey Wang, all proudly representing JOOLA. Their participation in the Shanghai leg brought an elite level of athleticism, thrilling rallies, and unforgettable moments that had fans on the edge of their seats.
(Photo Source: https://www.chinasportsbeat.com/2025/04/shanghai-pickleball-legends-tour-comes.html)
A Star-Studded Celebration of Sport
The Shanghai finale was more than a tournament—it was a celebration of pickleball’s growing community in China. Organized by Great Sports Media in partnership with the Chinese Tennis Association, United Pickleball Association (UPA), and the Hongkou District Sports Bureau, the event sent a clear message: pickleball is here to stay in Asia.
Kimberly Koh, Managing Director of UPA Asia, underlined the tour's mission:
"We really want to showcase what pickleball is. It has a lot of potential to grow in China and the rest of Asia. 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."
The Shanghai crowd—packed with fans, athletes, and curious newcomers—got exactly that: a vibrant display of energy, skill, and cross-cultural camaraderie.
A Legendary Debut in Shanghai
Agassi and Graf, both newcomers to the pickleball world, embraced their new sporting chapter with enthusiasm and humility.
"It breaks cultural barriers, brings people together, and I think it's healthy for people's body and mind," said Agassi, reflecting on his experience in Shanghai. "But then as you get to the highest levels, it becomes so specialized."
"The fans here are incredible," added Graf. "You can feel their support, and it's been a lot of fun to play in front of them."
Graf, visiting Shanghai for the first time, expressed admiration for the city’s energy and modernity—mirroring the fresh, fast-paced appeal of the sport itself.
(Photo Source: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202503/30/WS67e95301a3101d4e4dc2baf1_5.html)
East Meets West: A Global Game Takes Root
In a special highlight match, Agassi teamed up with Ben Johns, widely regarded as the GOAT of pickleball, to face Chinese sporting legends Li Xiaopeng (Olympic gymnastics gold medalist) and Huang Xufeng (Olympic tennis champion). The mixed-discipline face-off delivered unforgettable moments, blending the precision of gymnastics, the flair of tennis, and the signature rhythm of pickleball.
"Gymnastics is my calling, but pickleball is my choice," Li said after the match. "I hope there will be more opportunities to introduce pickleball in the future."
The crowd roared with applause for every rally and cheer, particularly as Agassi returned to Shanghai for the first time in two decades—this time not for tennis, but to help pioneer a new racquet sport.
"This trip feels different. It’s all about pickleball. It’s fun, it’s relaxed, and it’s meaningful," Agassi shared. "Even though I’m new to the sport, I believe we can keep evolving and inspiring a new generation."
A Bright Future for Pickleball in China
With racquet sports deeply rooted in Chinese culture—thanks to the country's rich histories in table tennis, badminton, and tennis—pickleball finds itself in fertile ground. Ben Johns summed it up best:
"I think the future of pickleball, especially here, is extremely bright. 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. I think you guys will be extremely good at it."
Johns also touched on the sport’s Olympic potential:
"And as far as the Olympics go, I don't know what the timeline is for that, but I would say it is inevitable that it will get there."
(Photo Source: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202503/30/WS67e95301a3101d4e4dc2baf1_2.html)
From Exhibition to Movement
Though the Shanghai stop was technically an exhibition, the passion it sparked felt like the beginning of something much bigger. The tour offered not just a window into high-level competition, but also a welcoming invitation to try the game, join a club, or simply pick up a paddle.
With celebrity support, elite athletes, and local stars all sharing the court, pickleball proved itself as a unifying, high-energy sport ready to thrive in Asia.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, the message from Shanghai is loud and clear: pickleball is more than a game—it's a movement. And it’s picking up speed across Asia.
