Novak Djokovic to Compete in Pickleball Match Ahead of U.S. Open

Just one month after voicing concerns that the pickleball phenomenon could “endanger” tennis, Novak Djokovic is set to take on world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a high-profile pickleball match. This event, known as The HEAD NYC Mash Up, will take place on Thursday, just days before the start of the U.S. Open, where Djokovic will aim for his record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.

Djokovic, the reigning U.S. Open champion and 24-time Grand Slam winner, will face off against Sinner, who recently secured a victory over American Frances Tiafoe in the Cincinnati Open final. The event will also feature two-time major champion Barbora Krejcikova, further highlighting the growing intersection between tennis and pickleball.

This surprising development comes after Djokovic made headlines last month at Wimbledon when he remarked on the rising popularity of pickleball. “Now we have padel or pickleball, as you call it in the States, that is growing and emerging,” Djokovic said. He expressed concern that while tennis remains the “king or queen of all the racquet sports,” the rapid growth of pickleball could pose a threat to tennis at the club level. “If we don't do something about it globally or collectively, padel and pickleball are going to convert all the tennis clubs because it's just more economical.”

Despite his concerns, Djokovic’s decision to participate in this pickleball event underscores the sport’s growing appeal, even among top tennis professionals. Djokovic and Sinner join a growing list of tennis legends who have embraced pickleball, including John McEnroe, Maria Sharapova, Andre Agassi, and Steffi Graf, all of whom have competed in various pickleball events.

The rise of pickleball has been real, up over 200% over the last few years. We published some of the most fascinating statistics in pickleball.

Even tennis great John McEnroe has weighed in on the pickleball phenomenon, acknowledging its potential to draw more people to racket sports. “When I compare it to tennis, you see athleticism that is incredible on the men’s and women’s side,” McEnroe said. “Tennis is the king of all racket sports. Everything else is below it, it’s just a question of how much below it?”

McEnroe also expressed hope that the increasing popularity of pickleball could benefit both sports. “As I reflect, I’m hopeful that this helps both sports potentially because everyone’s like, ‘Is this going to hang on, pickleball? What’s with this thing?’ A lot of people who haven’t had much time on the court and aren’t that athletic, they get out [playing pickleball and say], ‘Hey, I can play,’ which is good, get people going.”

As Djokovic, 37, prepares for the U.S. Open, he does so with the added confidence of having recently won his first Olympic gold medal, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in Paris. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman believes this victory might liberate Djokovic to play with “no pressure” as he chases his 25th Grand Slam title.

“I just don't think the way he works means he will think he has won the gold medal and that's it," Henman told Tennis365. "He still has an enormous passion for the game. He loves what he does and if anything, it might go the other way. Winning the Olympics might free him up. He might think he has ticked all the boxes and is playing with the house's money now. He might go out and feel no pressure as he looks to win another major at the U.S. Open."

Henman also warned that this newfound freedom could make Djokovic even more formidable. “That might be dangerous for the rest because he will play with freedom and while he is fit and healthy, I definitely think he has more major titles in him.”

As Novak Djokovic steps onto the pickleball court this Thursday, all eyes will be on how the tennis legend adapts to the sport he once viewed as a threat. Whether this marks a turning point in his relationship with pickleball or merely a strategic move ahead of the U.S. Open remains to be seen.

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