One year ago, tennis legend Andre Agassi stepped onto the court at the U.S. Open in a historic moment, his first competitive pickleball match. Partnering with one of the sport’s brightest stars, Anna Leigh Waters, Agassi competed in mixed doubles, drawing widespread attention to the rapidly growing game.

While the duo found success in their opening match, the outcome itself was secondary. What mattered most was the statement Agassi made: a clear and lasting commitment to the growth of pickleball.

In the year since, that commitment has translated into action. Everything outlined in the original partnership announcement between Agassi and JOOLA has not only come to life but has done so at an impressive pace.

The collaboration began with the launch of a full line of Agassi and Graf paddles, bringing elite performance and star power to players of all levels. It was followed by the introduction of the Agassi x JOOLA “Let’s Play!” program, an initiative dedicated to expanding access to the sport by donating Agassi paddles to deserving organizations and communities across the United States. On the court, team Agassi has doubled in size, first adding Brooke Buckner in 2025, and this year, with the announcement of Kate Fahey joining the fold.

As the U.S. Open returns and marks the first anniversary of the Agassi x JOOLA partnership, it’s clear that Agassi and JOOLA have done more than make promises; they’ve delivered measurable impact on and off the court.

Today, we’re breaking down the latest chapter in the Agassi x JOOLA partnership and exploring why shape matters. Now let’s take a closer look at the Agassi and Graf shape and how they've already become defining paddles in the Pro V collection. 

Jump To

• Shape Matters
• How it Plays
• Paddle Specs
• Team Agassi

Shape Matters

Attracting more players to the sport is paramount in ensuring not just the rapid growth of the sport, but long-term viability. With that in mind, creating a paddle with added length, a tapered throat, and an expanded sweet spot in the upper area of the paddle translates flawlessly for players coming over from tennis to pickleball. Or as we affectionatly call it, the Agassi pipeline.

The Agassi shape is a great elongated paddle for players looking for reliable performance across the entire court, delivering confidence on aggressive drives, and precise touch for well-timed dinks that catch opponents off guard.

And it's why it's the paddle of choice for both Brooke Buckner and Kate Fahey, two highly decorated collegiate tennis standouts who are now top-five pickleball pros.

Sweet Spot Location		What is an Elongated class paddle?
		A longer, narrower paddle shape (usually 16.5–17" long x 7.5" wide) designed to increase reach, leverage, and power potential. The added length helps with drives, spin, and covering more court, but typically reduces forgiveness due to a smaller sweet spot.

How it Plays

As mentioned before, the Agassi and Graf paddle shapes make for a smooth transition for players coming over from tennis. But what if you're not coming over from tennis? How can the Agassi and Graf shape enhance your game?

For starters, with a tapered throat and enlarged sweet spot, the elongated shape suits players who strike the ball towards the top of the paddle, and delivers reliable performance across the court, providing confidence on aggressive drives and touch for well-timed dinks.

14mm: For players who value ball speed and offensive performance. Its thinner core allows for faster maneuverability and a more responsive feel, delivering added pop on contact. This translates to increased pace on drives and quicker reactions during fast exchanges, making it a strong fit for players who look to apply pressure and dictate play.

16mm: By comparison, the 16mm is designed with control and consistency in mind. Its thicker core helps absorb impact, creating a softer feel and enhanced touch, particularly in the short game. The added stability also increases forgiveness on off-center hits, giving players greater confidence in resets, dinks, and precision placement.

Paddle Specs

Paddle specs shape how a paddle performs on the court. Weight, core thickness, surface material, and shape all influence power, control, spin, and stability. The key is finding specs that match how you play. Do you want more pop on drives, more spin on serves, or more control in the soft game? Understanding paddle specs helps you choose the right tool for the attributes that matter most in your game.

The Graf Pro V 16mm comes with a smaller 4.125-inch grip circumference for players with smaller hands looking for a stronger, steadier grip feel that minimizes unwanted vibration. Available in unique Seaside Green colorway.

The Agassi 14mm and 16mm versions each feature JOOLA’s standard 4.25-inch grip circumference in a new royal blue colorway. Check out the full paddle specs below:

16mm	14mm	16mm

Team Agassi

Team Agassi recently added Kate Fahey to the fold, adding to a strong team that already includes Brooke Buckner, Steffi Graf, and Agassi himself. See what the team thinks about the latest in the Agassi/Graf paddle collection.

“The shape has the perfect amount of power, so if you like to hit the ball hard and still be able to control it, this is the perfect paddle.” – Brooke Buckner

Andre Agassi (16mm and 14mm): Tennis legend and multiple Grand Slam winner Andre Agassi made the jump to pickleball in 2024, and with it came the Agassi paddle shape. Featuring a tapered throat and an enlarged sweet spot, this paddle gives him the precision and power he needs to make his transition from tennis to pickleball seamless.

“I really like how the sweet spot is extended, and you can see the face of the paddle gets wider as it gets higher to replicate the feeling of playing with a tennis racket.” - Kate Fahey

Steffi Graf (16mm): Steffi Graf, the record-holder for most Grand Slam titles in women’s tennis, relies on the Agassi/Graf paddle shape to deliver confidence on her aggressive drives while providing precise touch for well-timed dinks. This paddle gives her the balance and control she needs to dominate every corner of the court.

The Agassi and Graf Pro V paddles combine reach, responsiveness, and stability in one performance-driven design. Choose 14mm for added pop or 16mm for enhanced touch, either way, you get the consistency and confidence trusted by top pros. With the details covered and the insights in hand, there’s only one thing left to do: Unlock the Energy of Pro V!

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