Pickleball, a fusion of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports in England with its easy accessibility for indoor and outdoor play, attracting participants of all ages, and gaining popularity in the realm of racket sports.
While the US currently boasts 37 million dedicated pickleball players, England has also witnessed a notable surge in interest. In 2019, there were 94 official Pickleball England venues and approximately 2,000 players nationwide. Fast forward to the present, and there are now 587 venues with an estimated 30,000 active players.
The escalation of pickleball in England extends beyond social play, as the professional sector of the game is also flourishing. Former doubles Grand Slam champion Jack Sock and 2014 Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard are among the athletes who have made the transition to professional pickleball.
At the forefront of the pickleball growth in England is Thaddea Lock, the current No. 1 female pickleball player in the country. Lock, a former tennis player, discovered pickleball during a holiday in Kansas and has since become a prominent figure in the sport.
Reflecting on the sport’s advancement in England, Lock has acknowledged the significant progress made in recent years. The emergence of competitive tournaments and the elevation of player skill levels have contributed to the expansion of the sport.
In addition to England, pickleball has attracted attention from renowned tennis personalities such as Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, and Maria Sharapova, who have participated in the highly-publicised ‘Pickleball Slam’ in the US.
More recently, former British No. 1 tennis players Johanna Konta and Greg Rusedski have embraced pickleball, demonstrating the sport’s broad appeal. With the imminent opening of a new pickleball facility in Kingston-upon-Thames, the sport is expected to attract an even larger following in England.
The embrace of professional tennis players into the pickleball community serves as a testament to the sport’s potential and universal appeal. The inclusive nature of pickleball, accommodating players from various age groups, has played a pivotal role in its widespread popularity.
Looking ahead, the establishment of new pickleball facilities across England is anticipated to propel the sport’s growth, providing increased accessibility for enthusiasts. The enthusiasm for pickleball is evident, and with the introduction of more facilities, the sport is positioned for substantial expansion.
As pickleball continues to capture audiences in England and beyond, the future of the sport undeniably appears bright, with boundless potential for continued growth.