Ivan Lendl hitting a pickleball serve at the Daytona Beach Open.
Ivan Lendl and partner James Chiado took home bronze in the 5.0 men's doubles, 50-and-above division on Wednesday afternoon. PPA Tour

Tennis legend Lendl competes in senior division at Daytona Beach Open

On a day that has already seen pickleball and tennis clash on social media, one tennis great is showing that the two can, in fact, coexist.

Former ATP World No. 1 and eight-time Grand Slam champion Ivan Lendl competed Wednesday afternoon at the Daytona Beach Open, coming away with a bronze medal in 5.0 men’s doubles, 50-and-above division alongside James Chiado.

 

Even though you probably won’t see Lendl running around the tennis court like he used to, the 64-year-old appreciates that he can still compete at a high level in pickleball.

“I’m a little too old to play tennis and keep running around too much, so I picked up doubles in pickleball and enjoy it,” he shared.

 

As is common for tennis players, Lendl’s initial distaste for pickleball has turned into an affinity for it as he’s spent more time on the 20x44.

“I hated it too, at first, and then I played a few times and changed my mind,” he explained.

The action will continue from Pictona on Thursday with the main draw of pro men’s and women’s singles. You can watch live coverage from the Sunshine State on Pickleballtv.