New Delhi: Eugenie Bouchard has sent cold Christmas greetings to Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf as a playful warning before the upcoming Pickleball Slam 3. Bouchard will partner with Andy Roddick to challenge the iconic duo at the much-anticipated event.
The third edition of the Pickleball Slam is set to take place on February 16, 2025, at the Michelob ULTRA Arena within Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Agassi and Graf will return as defending champions, having triumphed over John McEnroe and Maria Sharapova this year, and will aim to secure the $1 million prize once more.
With the holiday season preceding the much-awaited battle, Eugenie Bouchard extended her festive wishes to Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff, albeit with a twist. The Canadian jokingly wished a duo a hearty season’s “beatings” instead of greetings.
“I’d like to wish my opponents Andre and Steffi a very special season’s beatings,” Bouchard said.
Agassi and Graf have fired back at their strong rivals, delivering a chilling warning accompanied by a famous ‘Game of Thrones’ reference.
“We got a message for you, Andy and Genie, February 16th…” Agassi said.
“Winter is coming,” Graf added.
The banter has been intense among the players leading up to Pickleball Slam 3. Andy Roddick proposed some unflattering team names for his opponents, while Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf have referred to Roddick and Eugenie Bouchard as “the enemy.”
“We’re hoping Eugenie Bouchard doesn’t have too much of an edge” – Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi ahead of Pickleball Slam 3
In a promotional video for Pickleball Slam 3, Steffi Graf complimented Eugenie Bouchard for successfully moving into professional pickleball, revealing that she and Andre Agassi were hoping it wouldn’t provide the Canadian with a significant advantage in the upcoming match.
“Genie’s been really playing well this year, taking it professionally. I think the jump from tennis into pickleball is not an easy transition, and doubles and mixed is so different from tennis, so it’s a little harder. We’re hoping she doesn’t have too much of an edge there,” Graf said.
