Headline:
Rift on the Court: Prize Money Dispute Sparks Tension Between Anna Leigh Waters and Andre Agassi in Pickleball Crossover
Story:
Naples, FL — June 4, 2025
What began as a headline-making partnership between pickleball’s teenage phenom Anna Leigh Waters and tennis legend Andre Agassi has taken an unexpected turn, as insiders report growing tension between the two athletes over the distribution of prize money earned at the recent U.S. Open Pickleball Championships.
The duo, whose unlikely team-up drew massive crowds and elevated the sport’s visibility, claimed second place in the mixed doubles division—netting a reported $250,000 prize. However, behind the smiles and post-match interviews, sources close to both camps say disagreements over how the winnings should be split have led to friction.
Waters, 18, widely regarded as the face of modern pickleball, is said to have expected an even 50-50 share, citing her dominant performance and long-standing commitment to the sport. Agassi, 55, who brought in major sponsorships and media attention, allegedly believed a larger cut was warranted due to his global brand influence and draw.
“It wasn’t just about money—it was about respect,” said a source close to Waters. “Anna Leigh felt she was being treated like a sidekick in her own sport.”
Agassi’s representatives have not publicly commented, though insiders claim he was “surprised” by the backlash, viewing his participation as a gesture of support for pickleball’s growth. Meanwhile, Waters has remained publicly silent, though she noticeably unfollowed Agassi on social media days after the tournament.
While fans were initially thrilled by the pairing, the fallout has sparked debate online about the commercialization of pickleball and the growing pains of a sport rapidly transitioning from grassroots fun to professional spectacle.
Organizers of the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships have declined to weigh in, but insiders say they had hoped to build an annual “Legends x Rising Stars” exhibition around the duo. That now appears unlikely.
For a sport built on camaraderie and accessibility, this rift marks a turning point—and perhaps a warning—as pickleball steps into the
global spotlight.
