Judy Murray, the well-known Scottish tennis coach and mother of Andy Murray, has found a new passion in pickleball. She recently spoke at the Skechers Pickleball Scottish Open event held at the National Badminton Centre at Glasgow Club Scotstoun. The tournament saw a record-breaking 380 competitors participate in over 900 matches.
Having first tried pickleball during a visit to South Carolina in 2019, Judy has since become a strong advocate for the sport. She highlighted the fun and inclusive nature of pickleball, describing it as a perfect fit for Scotland due to its accessibility. With badminton courts widely available across the country, Judy believes that pickleball can help get more people active in Scotland, especially given the unpredictable weather conditions.
The rise in popularity of pickleball in Scotland is evident, with participation in the sport increasing by over 10,000% in just a few years. From only 50 players in 2018, the number has skyrocketed to more than 5,200 in 2021. Anne Smillie, a former chief executive of Badminton Scotland and current board member of Pickleball Scotland, even predicts that pickleball could surpass tennis as Scotland’s most popular racket sport by 2030.
The recent tournament drew players from 14 countries, showcasing the international appeal of pickleball. Among the participants were renowned athletes like European champion Louis Laville and former Team Scotland Commonwealth Games table tennis stars Lucy Elliot and Corinna Whitaker-Stone. The sport, played on a smaller court with specialized equipment, is designed to be easy to learn and suitable for individuals of all ages and skill levels.
With its rapid growth and enthusiastic support from key figures like Judy Murray and Anne Smillie, pickleball is poised to become a leading sport in Scotland. The potential for increased funding and institutional backing from Sportscotland could further propel the sport’s popularity and solidify its position in the sporting landscape. As more people discover the joy and benefits of pickleball, it may soon become a staple recreational activity for individuals across the country.
