Inspired by Thanksgiving, Tennis Legend Andy Roddick Creates Fresh Pickleball ‘Turkey’ Shot

The racquet sport comes with a lot of variations. Pick anyone from the lot, tennis, badminton, table tennis, squash, or even pickleball. However, for American sensation Andy Roddick, pickleball wins as his go-to choice for contesting or recreation, years after retiring from the ATP Tour. As Roddick gears up for the third edition of the Pickleball Slam – slated to commence on February 16 next year – he presented fans with a new invention he made in the game.

Roddick’s competitiveness in pickleball has not sidelined his interest in the sport, which is responsible for earning him laudable feats. The 2003 US Open champion has quite actively pursued the latest topics on the tour and regularly provides insights into trending updates via his podcast. Just recently, Roddick shared his interesting take on Novak Djokovic‘s latest partnership with arch-rival Andy Murray for the upcoming Australian Open.

However, for now, the American star is focused on sorting his Pickleball commitments and, fine-tuning his skills before the showdown next year. The former ATP World No. 1 won the event’s inaugural edition in 2023 when he partnered with compatriot Andre Agassi to defeat the pair of John McEnroe and Michael Chang. And now, the American sensation is set to return in the event’s third edition, but, only this time, as Agassi’s opponent. Roddick and Canadian Eugenie Bouchard will take on Agassi and Steffi Graf – winner of the Pickleball Slam 2.

Hoping to polish his skills before his much-awaited tournament in Las Vegas, Roddick seemingly found his groove when he invented a new shot. While he didn’t disclose or showcase intricate details about his invention, the 42-year-old labeled it as ‘The Turkey Shot’ amid the celebratory spirit of thanksgiving. In a post on Instagram, he was spotted executing the mysterious shot.

Roddick will have to tread carefully though. His opponent Agassi is likely onto something as he issued a warning to his countryman merely days after the teams for the Pickleball Slam 3 were announced.

Andre Agassi issues stern ‘b–t-kicking’ warning to Andy Roddick

It’s all fun and games, until, a player decides to issue a nerving warning ahead of their clash in a sport. Andre Agassi did not shy from that as he proceeded to notify Andy Roddick about his seriousness to clinch the Pickleball Slam 3 title. In a video uploaded on Instagram, the American superstar bluntly cleared his reservations, just in case Roddick is looking to quash the former’s chances for a three-peat victory at the event next year.

He said, “Yo Andy, I heard that the teams are all set for the Pickleball Slam 3. You and Genie got the ‘Big’ John Isner. Me and Stef got Mardy Fish. Well, we welcome Mardy Fish. And we also welcome the b–t-kicking that we’re gonna drop on you guys. Feb 16, right here in our hometown in Las Vegas. Better show up.”

Both players will have to prepare if they wish to deliver a laudable defense against each other’s tactics. With fans awaiting the upcoming thriller, it is likely that is duo is working on forming a suitable strategy that will help them walk away with a $1M winner’s purse.