Well, if you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t heard, pickleball is the underdog-turned-champion of the sports world, and it’s not just here to stay – it’s here to thrive. And guess who’s stepping up to the plate to give it a massive boost? None other than Sania Mirza, the six-time Grand Slam champion herself.
Not to mention, this partnership isn't just a promotional move – it's a personal mission for her. Sania is “super excited about bringing a new sport to this region,” and as she told MyKhel, her goal is to make this community sport something every household can enjoy.

So, what does all of this mean for the sport? And for Sania? Let's dive in.
If there's one thing we know about Sania Mirza, it’s that she’s always been about breaking barriers. Whether it was fighting for her spot in the tennis world or stepping into the entrepreneurial sphere, she’s never shied away from blazing trails. That same tenacity is what makes her partnership with the Pickleball Open 2025 in Dubai so special.
Now, you might be wondering, "Pickleball? What’s the big deal?" Well, let us tell you: it’s a sport that's slowly but surely making waves (and no, we’re not talking about 'glitz and glamour' here). As Sania herself put it,
“As we all know, pickleball is a fast-growing sport, and it's a sport that everybody has gotten hooked onto in the last few years. A lot of people thought that maybe it would last, maybe it's a fad, but it has lasted! And I do think that collaborating with pickleball, as an athlete, for me to grow any kind of sport in any region, is amazing. And Dubai, being my second home, it's been a great experience.”
As Sania herself says, pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a “community sport” that brings people together. It’s a way to get a little cardio in, have fun, and even get competitive with friends, family, or strangers alike.
Her enthusiasm for the game is contagious. “Pickleball is something that every household feels like you can play,” she adds. And we couldn’t agree more. It’s easy, accessible, and most importantly, fun. In a world full of complex and expensive sports, this is a breath of fresh air. You don’t need to be a professional athlete to enjoy a good game of pickleball – just a willingness to have fun.
What does the future hold for pickleball in the UAE? Well, with Dubai being a global hub for sports, this is just the beginning. Sania’s partnership with Global Sports, PickleTurf Pickleball Club Dubai, and the Dubai Sports Council marks a pivotal moment for the game in the region. It’s an exciting time for the sport, and as Sania points out:
"I'm super excited about bringing a new sport to this region and we're really looking forward to really growing pickleball by leaps and bounds in this region. Pickleball is something that every household feels like you can play. It's like a community sport. It's a social sport. So it's an amazing sport for everybody to come and get some cardio in as well, and also obviously be very competitive at."
This is more than just an opportunity to watch the game grow—it’s an invitation to be part of something bigger. From youth to seasoned athletes, pickleball offers a chance to compete, socialize, and stay fit without needing to break the bank or dedicate years to mastering it.
Of course, with all the excitement around her new venture, we’re sure many of us wonder how she balances it all. After all, she’s a mother, a businesswoman, a champion athlete, and now a partner in a major international sports event. So, how does she juggle all of these roles? The answer might surprise you: family comes first.
Sania's day is a carefully crafted routine, one that revolves around her son, Izhaan. From school runs to workouts, and managing her commitments between Dubai and India, Sania has truly mastered the art of balance. In her own words,
“But I try to schedule it all around Izhaan to be very honest with you. I think that one of the reasons that I retired a couple of years ago was to try to give that priority and time to him."
As for advice, Sania’s wisdom extends far beyond the tennis court. She mentions that if she could mentor her younger self, she’d say, “Don’t be so hard on yourself.” It’s a sentiment that resonates with anyone striving to achieve greatness while juggling the pressures of life.
We often set sky-high standards for ourselves, but the truth is, that perfection is an illusion. Learning to let go is sometimes the hardest lesson, but it’s the one that allows us to grow.
Looking ahead, the Pickleball Open 2025 in Dubai will undoubtedly be a game-changer, thanks in part to Sania’s partnership. With a hefty prize pool of 50,000 USD, it’s clear that this isn’t just a passing trend. It’s here to stay—and Sania is leading the charge. “Pickleball is a sport for everyone,” she says.
Ergo, whether you're a seasoned athlete or just someone looking to have a good time with friends, pickleball has a place for you!
The highly anticipated Pickleball Open 2025 in Dubai is scheduled to take place from May 8-11.