The 2024 PPA Veolia North Carolina Open isn’t just another tournament—it’s a spotlight moment in pickleball’s growth story
For Bouchard, Sock, and Querrey, it’s a fresh chapter in their athletic careers. For fans, it’s an opportunity to witness something exciting, new, and unpredictable.
Whether it’s the fierce rallies, the unexpected upsets, or the celebrity allure, this event is proving that pickleball has firmly arrived in the spotlight—and it’s here to stay.
Pickleball Slam 3 was a testament to the power of sport to bring people together — across generations, across disciplines, and across different stages of life.
With its perfect mix of entertainment, skill, and light-hearted rivalry, the event captivated audiences and further cemented pickleball’s status as a sport with serious star power.
Steffi Graf’s surprising sass, Agassi’s steady brilliance, Bouchard’s charm, and Roddick’s passion all combined to create an unforgettable spectacle.
Whether you tuned in for the competition, the banter, or the nostalgia, one thing was certain — Pickleball Slam 3 served up a grand slam of fun.
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Eugenie Bouchard Brings Star Power to PPA Veolia North Carolina Open
Eugenie Bouchard, once a household name in women’s tennis, has become the latest high-profile athlete to make waves in the world of pickleball.1
She joins former ATP stars Jack Sock and Sam Querrey at the PPA Veolia North Carolina Open, an increasingly popular tournament that blends sporting intensity with a vibrant community atmosphere.
Bouchard, a former WTA No. 5 and 2014 Wimbledon finalist, has yet to officially hang up her tennis racquet.
Unlike Sock and Querrey—both of whom have formally retired from professional tennis—Bouchard still straddles the line between two sports. However, her consistent participation in pickleball events may be a sign of where her competitive future lies.
Realizing friends & family make group chats without me makes me sick
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) March 27, 2025
The Pickleball Revolution
Pickleball has exploded in popularity in recent years, attracting former athletes from various disciplines, especially tennis.
Its fast pace, shorter matches, and social appeal make it a perfect outlet for tennis retirees who want to stay active and competitive.
The transition is particularly smooth for tennis players, as many of the foundational skills—like hand-eye coordination, footwork, and racquet technique—transfer seamlessly.
With stars like Bouchard, Sock, and Querrey now competing, pickleball is no longer just a recreational pastime. It’s a booming professional sport drawing significant attention, sponsors, and media coverage.
Eugenie Bouchard: Singles Results Set the Stage
While the tournament is currently abuzz with anticipation for the doubles events, the singles rounds have already delivered plenty of drama.2
Both Bouchard and Sock participated in the singles draw earlier this week, starting on Wednesday, April 2. Their results have helped set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
Sock, once ranked as high as No. 8 in ATP singles and No. 2 in doubles, faced a surprising early exit after a tough match against Max Freeman.
In a tightly contested battle, Sock lost 10-12, 8-11, signaling just how fierce the competition has become in this evolving sport.
Meanwhile, Bouchard fared slightly better, advancing to the women’s singles quarterfinals. Her run came to an end at the hands of Lea Jansen, a seasoned pickleball pro.
Despite the loss, Bouchard’s performance demonstrated her growing competence in pickleball and her serious intent to compete at the top level.
Querrey’s Quiet Start
Sam Querrey, known for his powerful serve during his ATP career, didn’t participate in singles but signed up for both men’s and mixed doubles. Unfortunately for him, his debut in mixed doubles ended in a loss.
Ironically, it was Lea Jansen—who defeated Bouchard in singles—who also bested Querrey in his opening mixed doubles match, though she was on the opposite side of the court this time.
Querrey’s doubles campaign, however, is just beginning, and he remains a player to watch as the tournament continues.
Now, with the singles rounds wrapped up for these stars, the focus shifts to the doubles brackets, where the excitement continues to build. Friday, April 4, marks the official start of their doubles journeys in the tournament.
Eugenie Bouchard will partner with Marcela Hones in the women’s doubles category. The duo promises a compelling mix of experience and ambition, with both athletes hoping to make a deep run.
Jack Sock, meanwhile, is set to team up with Eric Roddy. They will begin their tournament directly in the Round of 32, giving them a slight strategic advantage by avoiding early-round fatigue.
Sam Querrey and his partner Wesley Burrows will start their journey from the Round of 64. This means they’ll have to win an extra match to reach the same stage as Sock, but it could also serve as a valuable warm-up opportunity.
Pickleball Slam 3: A Prelude to Greatness
Bouchard’s pickleball prowess was on full display earlier this year at Pickleball Slam 3, where she played alongside tennis legend Andy Roddick.
The duo faced off against the iconic team of Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. Although they didn’t emerge victorious, the event was a huge draw, capturing mainstream attention and generating further buzz around Bouchard’s involvement in the sport.
This match not only brought together past tennis champions in a new format but also showcased the high entertainment value pickleball offers.
The Slam served as a precursor to events like the North Carolina Open, helping to fuel the crossover phenomenon of tennis stars to pickleball.
The Unique Appeal of Celebrity Crossovers
One of the most exciting aspects of this tournament is the celebrity factor. The presence of Bouchard, Sock, and Querrey adds undeniable star power, drawing in fans who may have previously only followed tennis.
It also boosts the profile of pickleball itself, legitimizing it as a serious sport capable of attracting elite-level talent.
For fans, watching their favorite tennis stars reinvent themselves in a new competitive arena is fascinating. It adds depth to the viewing experience, blending nostalgia with the thrill of discovering new athletic dynamics.
Eugenie Bouchard: Growing Rivalries and New Challenges
Bouchard, Sock, and Querrey are entering a domain where traditional tennis rankings hold little weight.3
In pickleball, they’re relative newcomers, facing opponents who may not be household names but possess years of experience and refined skills in this specific sport.
This sets the stage for potential upsets and underdog victories. It also fosters new rivalries, particularly as more tennis professionals transition into pickleball.
For example, the emergence of Lea Jansen as a recurring opponent for both Bouchard and Querrey may develop into a compelling narrative throughout the season.
Eyes on the Future: A Full-Time Switch?
While Sock and Querrey have fully embraced their pickleball careers, questions still linger around Eugenie Bouchard’s future.
Will she formally retire from tennis, or continue to divide her time between both sports? Her performance at the North Carolina Open may provide clues.
If Bouchard decides to go all-in on pickleball, her fanbase will likely follow.
She brings not only technical skill but also charisma, media attention, and a marketable personality—traits that are invaluable in building pickleball’s public profile.
A New Era for Pickleball
As the PPA Veolia North Carolina Open continues, it becomes increasingly clear that pickleball is undergoing a transformative moment.
The inclusion of high-profile athletes like Eugenie Bouchard, Jack Sock, and Sam Querrey adds legitimacy and entertainment value to the tour.
What was once considered a backyard sport has evolved into a legitimate professional arena. With more crossover stars likely to join in the coming months and years, the pickleball scene is set for a meteoric rise.
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Eugenie Bouchard’s Lighthearted Response
“Wait, Steffi Trash Talked Me?”
Eugenie Bouchard took the quip in stride. Sharing Graf’s video on her Instagram Story, she wrote, “Wait… Steffi trash talked me?” accompanied by laughing emojis.
It was a delightful moment that showcased the fun-loving nature of the event and reminded fans that, while competitive, Pickleball Slam 3 was all about entertainment and camaraderie.
The light-hearted trash talk set the perfect tone for what would be an exhilarating series of matches.
Three Matches and a Tiebreak: The Pickleball Action Unfolds
Pickleball Slam 3 followed an exhibition format consisting of three doubles matches and a final tiebreak to decide the winner. Each match tested the skill, strategy, and chemistry of the teams.
Despite the valiant efforts of Bouchard and Roddick — and the powerhouse addition of the towering John Isner — it was Team Agassi that emerged victorious.
Agassi and Graf, showing glimpses of their timeless coordination and athletic prowess, held firm against every challenge. With Mardy Fish complementing their experience with youthful energy, the team rallied to claim the title.
Eugenie Bouchard: Giveaway
Eugenie Bouchard’s friend was giving away 35 pairs of tickets each week to see her in Vancouver or Toronto.
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The $1 Million Prize: Victory for Team Agassi
The stakes may have been friendly, but the prize was serious. A whopping $1 million awaited the winners — and it was Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, and Mardy Fish who walked away with the spoils.
While the monetary reward was impressive, the real prize was the crowd’s reaction, the nostalgia it evoked, and the widespread media attention that followed.
This triumph marked another successful venture into pickleball for retired tennis players and further validated the sport’s growing credibility as a competitive platform.
From Grand Slams to Pickleball Slams: A New Chapter for Tennis Stars
For tennis icons like Agassi, Graf, Roddick, and Isner, transitioning from grueling Grand Slam seasons to a more relaxed pickleball format offers a refreshing change.
These events allow them to continue performing in front of adoring fans while having fun on the court.
It’s particularly heartwarming to see couples like Agassi and Graf teaming up in doubles competition — a dream pairing that fans would never have seen during their tennis days.
Their chemistry, both on and off the court, was evident throughout the event.
Eugenie Bouchard: Social Media Reactions
Fans Love the Nostalgia
Pickleball Slam 3 created a buzz on social media platforms, with clips of the action and witty commentary going viral.
Fans praised the players for their competitive spirit and entertainment value, while also commenting on the growing popularity of pickleball among retired pros.
Graf’s “genie in the bottle” line became a meme almost instantly, with fans applauding her rarely-seen sassy side. Bouchard’s humorous response further amplified the feel-good atmosphere surrounding the event.
A Celebration of Legends and New Beginnings
While the result may have gone in favor of Team Agassi, the real victory was the celebration of sport and togetherness.
Pickleball Slam 3 was more than just a match — it was a gathering of legends, a showcase of respect, and a demonstration that athletes never lose their competitive fire.
It also highlighted how sport can evolve. By adapting to new formats and platforms, former champions remain relevant and inspiring to both seasoned fans and new audiences alike.
The Future of Pickleball Slams: What’s Next?
With the success of Pickleball Slam 3, expectations are high for future editions.
Will more tennis icons join the pickleball movement? Could we see mixed-gender pairings become a regular feature? Perhaps legends like Serena Williams, Roger Federer, or even Rafael Nadal might take up a paddle in the future.
As pickleball continues its meteoric rise, exhibition events like these will likely become fixtures in the sporting calendar, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia, competitiveness, and fun.
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