‘Anyone can pickleball’: boom sport a hit over rugby ahead of Australian Open debut | Jack Snape Tennis Australia is courting new fans with first ‘pickleball slam’ as participation soars and prize money starts to grow.
Pickleball Association Australia – which sits outside the Tennis Australia organisation – reports it has 16,000 registered players, roughly doubling its membership annually in recent years.
Pickleball will now make its Australian Open debut in a milestone that marks the fledgling sport’s legitimacy, as participation booms and professional opportunities mature.
Chair Jen Ramamurthy believes many like her have enjoyed tennis in their youth and are now drawn to a game that isn’t as demanding on their bodies but just as fun, skilful and competitive.
With popularity soaring, local pickleballers are lobbying the government for official status to help with funding for court shortages and integrity measures to police burgeoning elite competitions.
