The short answer: Aleksandar Kovacevic, ranked 79th in men’s tennis, told CLAY and RG Media that he does not respect pickleball as a professional sport, calling it a “very dumbed-down version of tennis”. He accepted it is good for exercise and family fun, but said that as a professional sport “it’s a joke”.
What’s the score?
Professional tennis player Aleksandar Kovacevic, currently ranked 79th in the world, has publicly voiced his strong disapproval of pickleball as a professional sport, labelling it a “very dumbed-down version of tennis” and stating, “As a serious professional sport, I don’t respect it. At all”. While acknowledging its recreational appeal for exercise and family fun, Kovacevic believes pickleball falls far short of being a legitimate professional endeavour. He even suggests his grandfather could become proficient in about 20 minutes.
Hit it deeper!
In an interview with CLAY and RG Media, the 26-year-old Kovacevic didn’t hold back his critical assessment of pickleball. He explicitly stated, “I hate pickleball! I think it’s it’s a very dumbed down version of tennis. As a serious professional sport, I don’t respect it. At all”. Kovacevic conceded that pickleball serves a purpose for recreational activities, particularly in getting people to exercise in the United States due to its accessibility, comparing it to a game like cornhole. He recognises its potential for family engagement and its ease of learning. However, his disdain for its professional status remains firm, asserting, “But for a real professional sport, it’s a joke”.
Interestingly, Kovacevic admitted to having experienced periods of dislike for tennis himself, describing its competition as “both exhilarating and horrible”. This suggests a potentially high standard he applies to what constitutes a respected professional sport. He later realised his talent in tennis was a “great ability” and began pushing himself harder, acknowledging the demanding and sometimes “dark places” tennis can take athletes. His background and perspective as a highly ranked professional in a demanding sport like tennis likely inform his critical view of professional pickleball. He further commented that many of the top-ranked pickleball players are former tennis players who “couldn’t make it in tennis”.
The World Pickleball verdict
Aleksandar Kovacevic’s blunt critique adds to the ongoing debate surrounding the legitimacy and appeal of professional pickleball. While his viewpoint represents that of a purist from a more established racquet sport, it highlights a potential perception gap between traditional sports and the rapidly growing world of professional pickleball. Despite his personal feelings, the increasing professionalisation of pickleball, evidenced by growing leagues, sponsorships, and media attention, suggests a sport that is carving out its own significant space in sport. Kovacevic’s comments may fuel discussion about the skill level and competitive rigour at the highest levels of pickleball, but the sport’s accessibility and broad appeal continue to drive its expansion, regardless of criticism from some corners of the tennis world.
