When tennis stars Sinner and Osaka play pickleball before the Australian Open

With the 2026 Australian Open approaching, a highlight of the world tennis calendar, two of the biggest names on the circuit surprised their fans… by exchanging balls… in a pickleball match!

Jannik Sinner and Naomi Osaka were recently spotted playing pickleball in an informal setting in Melbourne, an activity that combines fun, promotion of sport and a modern image of elite tennis. 

This episode reflects two important phenomena: the considerable rise of pickleball among the general public and the tendency of professional athletes to use this sport to prepare for, relax or simply promote their presence at major events, such as Grand Slam tournaments.

A game of pickleball in the Grand Slam bubble

According to several social media posts, Jannik Sinner, world number two in men's tennis, and Naomi Osaka, four-time Grand Slam champion, met up at a luxury hotel in Melbourne for a friendly game of pickleball just before the start of the 2026 Australian Open . 

The activity was not an officially structured duel or competition, but rather an informal demonstration , symbolic of both the friendship between the two players and the growing popularity of pickleball in professional sports circles. 

In some videos and posts, the two players can be seen exchanging shots in a relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by a few fans or guests, in what looks more like a social and promotional moment than a real match. 

Why does this tennis-pickleball crossover make sense?

Pickleball has become an extremely popular sport in recent years, sometimes even surpassing some traditional disciplines in terms of participation growth. Its accessible and fun nature has made it an ideal arena for high-level athletes to try their hand at, whether for enjoyment, promotion, or even cross-training. 

Several reasons explain this interest of tennis stars in pickleball:

• A sport that complements mental and physical preparation : pickleball requires precision, coordination and speed, qualities also useful in tennis.
• A tool for promotion and connection with fans : by playing a sport that many people practice, players create a stronger bond with the public.
• A moment of relaxation before the pressure of a Grand Slam : the less formal atmosphere of pickleball can help to release pressure during periods of intense preparation.

Sinner and Osaka: two champions in different contexts

Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner, already the reigning Australian Open champion (with several consecutive finals to his credit), approaches each Grand Slam with a very high level of preparation. 

In Melbourne, he not only participated in the main tournament, but also gave himself this moment of relaxation in a different setting, showing that even at the highest level, one can find pleasure in other forms of play.

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka, former world number one and two-time champion in Melbourne, is known for her open personality and initiatives off the court. 

Her participation in this mini pickleball event shows that she is looking to take full advantage of every aspect of the professional tennis experience — including the side activities that bring athletes and spectators closer together.

Pickleball, a phenomenon that attracts stars

This isn't the first time that major names in tennis have shown an interest in pickleball. In recent years, we've seen many players, both active and retired, pick up a paddle for exhibitions or to participate in special events. 

For example, former champions like Andre Agassi or contemporary players have already been associated with pickleball events, helping to increase the visibility of this sport internationally. 

This convergence between tennis and pickleball helps to normalize the transition between the two disciplines and shows that one can enrich the other rather than oppose it.

A shared visibility strategy

For pickleball, having world tennis stars involved in promotional activities is a huge advantage. It allows:

• to attract the attention of an audience that may not yet be familiar with pickleball;
• to show that sport is not reserved for a specific group or generation;
• to build a dynamic and inclusive image around pickleball.

For tennis players, it is also an opportunity to show another side of their personality , often more relaxed and approachable than on the official court.

In conclusion: an exchange of sporting cultures

The encounter between Jannik Sinner and Naomi Osaka on a pickleball court in Melbourne before the Australian Open is not simply an anecdotal moment. It is a sign of the evolution of racket sports in the modern world:

• a mix of performance, sports culture and social interaction;
• a synergy between complementary disciplines;
• and an example of the growing impact of pickleball in the world of professional sports. 

This type of event helps to open up new perspectives for racket sports in general — where tennis and pickleball are no longer opposed, but connected in the same dynamic of popularity and enjoyment of the game .

FAQ

1. What happened between Sinner and Osaka before the Australian Open?

They played a friendly game of pickleball in Melbourne in an informal setting before the start of the tournament. 

2. Where did this pickleball match take place?

In a Melbourne hotel, probably during an activation related to the atmosphere of the Australian Open. 

3. Is this an official competition?

No, it was a friendly, non-competitive exhibition. 

4. Why are these players interested in pickleball?

Pickleball is a fun sport, complementary to tennis, and attracts many athletes for social and promotional reasons. 

5. Is this type of event becoming more frequent?

Yes, the presence of tennis athletes in pickleball events is becoming more frequent, increasing the visibility of the sport.