Andy Murray gives his thoughts on pickleball as a sport after retiring from tennis

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Andy Murray enjoyed a legendary career in tennis, winning three Grand Slam titles and reaching world number one.

After 20 years as a professional, Andy Murray retired from tennis in 2024, having reached legendary status many years ago.

Following his exit from the ATP Tour there was plenty of speculation as to what the two-time Wimbledon champion would do upon retirement.

Some speculated that Murray could become a pundit, whilst others suggested that he could move into commentary.

Instead, Murray joined Novak Djokovic as his coach, in one of the stories of the year, with the two former rivals teaming up in search of a 25th Major title for the Serb.

Their partnership got off to a strong start, as Djokovic beat Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round of the Australian Open.

With his new career move proving successful, Murray took the time to comment on a new sport, that several tennis stars have recently picked up.

Andy Murray says he is ‘really not a fan of pickleball’

Speaking in an interview with Pedestrian TV, Murray gave his thoughts on pickleball, a sport that has gained significant popularity over the past few years.

“I’m really not a fan of pickleball,” he said.

“I don’t like pickleball, I know it’s really popular, particular in the [United] States, but yeah it’s just not for me.

“I don’t like it, I find the noise a bit annoying, I think it’s quite an easy game.”

Murray did however concede that the game is ‘fun’, even if he isn’t the biggest fan.

“Look as a game to play, I think it’s fun,” he said.

“It’s a nice way of socializing, with a bit of an active component to it, but I’m not a huge fan, no.”

The sport was first invented in 1965 but has seen a mass increase in its player base over recent years, with over 36.5 million Americans playing pickleball last year.

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and can be played either outdoors or indoors.

Unlike tennis, doubles is far more common and popular in pickleball, with four players often competing on the smaller courts.

Have any top ATP and WTA stars switched to pickleball?

Murray may not be the sport’s biggest fan, but have any other players made the switch over to pickleball?

WTA number one Aryna Sabalenka recently took part in a pickleball event in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open but has shown no signs of switching sports.

2017 Paris Masters winner Jack Sock did make the switch after his retirement, however, achieving some real success on the pickleball tour.

The American reached number nine in the rankings since turning pro in the sport in 2023, becoming one of the world’s best players.

Sock isn’t the only tennis star to have switched sports, as former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard also made the move last year.

Newer to the game, the Canadian is just getting started in the world of pickleball, but could well go on to achieve great things in the sport.

It remains to be seen who the next start# to make the switch will be, but whilst Murray seems an unlikely candidate, it certainly looks as if pickleball is here to stay.