Novak Djokovic Proposes Tri-Racket Event to Counter Pickleball and Padel’s Growth

Novak Djokovic, concerned about the growing popularity of pickleball and padel, suggests a tri-racket event integrating all three sports. He highlights the economic advantages of pickleball and padel, which threaten tennis clubs worldwide. Djokovic also calls for a foundation to protect tennis at the grassroots level, ensuring its continued relevance in the evolving racket sports landscape.

Novak Djokovic Proposes Tri-Racket Event Amid Rising Popularity of Pickleball and Padel

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has voiced concerns over the rapid growth of pickleball and padel, which he believes pose a challenge to tennis. To address this, the Serbian star has suggested a unique "tri-racket" event that would integrate all three sports—tennis, pickleball, and padel.

"It could be fun to organize a mixed racket sports competition where players try their hand at different games and see how they perform," Djokovic remarked during the Miami Open. He emphasized the evolving landscape of racket sports, predicting that clubs of the future will incorporate multiple disciplines rather than focusing solely on tennis.

A Call to Preserve Tennis at the Club Level

Djokovic has previously expressed concerns about tennis losing its dominance due to the accessibility and economic advantages of pickleball and padel. He noted that many tennis clubs are being converted into pickleball or padel courts because these alternatives require less space and are more cost-effective.

"Tennis is a global sport that inspires millions of young players, but we haven't made it as accessible or affordable as other racket sports," Djokovic stated.

In response to this shift, he has advocated for the establishment of a foundation dedicated to protecting tennis at the club level. His remarks come amid a trend where several former tennis professionals, such as Jack Sock, Sam Querrey, and Eugenie Bouchard, have transitioned to pickleball.

The Growing Influence of Pickleball and Padel

Both pickleball and padel have seen exponential growth worldwide. In the U.S., pickleball—a sport blending elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis—has become the nation’s fastest-growing sport, with nearly 20 million players. Asia is also embracing the sport, with the Pickleball Legends Tour gaining traction in China and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, padel, a fusion of tennis and squash, has seen major investments, with Chile allocating $4.5 million to develop the sport. The increasing financial viability of pickleball and padel has made them attractive to sports clubs and investors, further intensifying competition with tennis.

With these developments in mind, Djokovic's proposal for a tri-racket event could serve as an innovative way to bridge the gap between the three sports while ensuring that tennis remains at the forefront of the racket sports landscape.