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By Duc Dong  March 27, 2025 | 05:00 am PT
Former tennis star Andre Agassi lit up a crowd of 1,200 spectators in Ho Chi Minh City with his charisma, charm and pickleball talent.
Appearing at the Pickleball Legends Tour at Rach Mieu Gymnasium on Wednesday, Agassi delighted fans with his signature smile, walking around the court to greet spectators, sign autographs, and pose for photos.
The event gathered some of the world's best pickleball players, including world number one Ben Johns, number three Tyson McGuffin, Anna Bright, Collin Johns, Brooke Buckner and Zoey Chao. 1,200 fans filled the venue to watch the event.
The 54-year-old, despite his age, moved fluidly on the court, showcasing precise strokes and smart footwork rooted in decades of professional tennis experience.
Between points, Agassi celebrated with his teammates and responded warmly to the crowd's energy.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., where the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) estimates over 48.3 million players nationwide.
The sport is also gaining traction in Vietnam, drawing athletes such as Vietnam number one tennis star Ly Hoang Nam to the courts.
"This is so satisfying," said Nguyen Hoang Phuc, 46. "I idolized him during his tennis days and now I feel so lucky to watch him play in Vietnam."
Besides Agassi, Vietnamese fans also got to watch Ben Johns, who is considered a pickleball legend for his dominance across men’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
He is considered one of the biggest pickleball players at the moment.
"Vietnamese people are incredibly passionate about pickleball," Johns said. "I've seen courts in HCMC that are even nicer than some in the U.S. That is a strong foundation for this sport to grow in Vietnam."
Also on display was Tyson McGuffin, currently ranked world number three, known for his explosive power and dynamic presence.
McGuffin's athleticism and fierce style have earned him titles at events like the US Open Pickleball Championships and USAPA Nationals.
