Pickleball’s rise as a popular sport continues, yet tennis legend John McEnroe remains critical. During an alternate broadcast of the French Open, titled “The MacZone,” McEnroe and his brother Patrick spoke with Genie Bouchard, a tennis player-turned-pickleballer.

McEnroe, known for his candidness, expressed skepticism about pickleball’s appeal. He remarked, “She leaves the sport to play that damn stupid pickleball.” Bouchard countered, noting that McEnroe himself has played the sport.

Addressing this, McEnroe mentioned, “I played two weekends, and they paid me more money for that than I got paid for tennis,” highlighting his participation in events with tennis players rather than typical pickleball games.

Despite his remarks, McEnroe identified an aspect of pickleball he believes needs improvement: the sound. He criticized the noise of the plastic ball, describing it as a “big negative” compared to the pleasing sound of a tennis ball.

The quirky name of the sport also adds to its unconventional perception. McEnroe shared that during his high school years, he doubted pickleball’s authenticity. It wasn’t until later he realized the sport’s genuine existence.

This perspective highlights a generational view and the growing divide between established sports and newer recreations.