Unforgettable Matchup: John McEnroe vs. Drew Brees in Pickleball Singles

In this unforgettable matchup, tennis legend John McEnroe and Pickleball phenom Drew Brees go head-to-head in singles. Watch as McEnroe uses his legendary court sense to outmaneuver Breeze at the NOLA Pickleball Fest
This matchup is sure to be a surprise and a treat for fans of both sports. Whether you're a tennis fan or a Pickleball enthusiast, don't miss this unbelievable matchup!

[@tsar5117]

For someone who hates Pickleball, McEnroe sure does play a lot.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

That’s so true, he is just die hard tennis guy, he seems to enjoy the game secretly

[@tsar5117]

@@sportsenthusiast7360 All tennis players that hate Pickleball secretly really enjoy playing 😂

[@whatsfordinner1695]

if they could get the same prize money playing either sport, which one would they choose@@tsar5117

[@eyeofhorus1301]

@@tsar5117 I mean he'd obviously crush Brees in tennis so he has to meet him in pickleball for a challenge, thats why

[@eyeofhorus1301]

also pickleball can be addicting in a masochistic way... like damn this sport sucks but its addicting to hit that ball@@sportsenthusiast7360

[@OzzyCoop]

I have to see McEnroe in his prime. Damn

[@carlrodrigues6919]

KZbin

[@webguru22]

McEnroe is a freaking national treasure. Dude is 64, moves better than most 50 year olds. How many guys his age you see playing court sports with no knee braces or anything? He's done a great job keeping himself in shape! Which I'm thankful for, so we get to see him in events like this.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

He looked so fit and ready to play all day

[@jonas8993]

Yeah that's crazy, mind you my dad who never really competed at high level except in boxing long time ago, is playing tennis, good movement too and he'll be 70 in December. When I think about it it's crazy I get to still do sport with him, most people that age just can't

[@williewasahippie]

Yes, John always looks fit and trim. He has the best hands and that really helps with pickleball. I'm about the same age as his brother, Patrick, and used to practice at Stanford when he played there. As I plan to play 55+ 4.5 singles tournaments, I'll probably face some older guys with knee braces. I cannot feel sorry for them just because I'm in better shape! :)

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

@@williewasahippie I usually play 5.0, 19+,35+ or sometimes pro singles. Glad I don’t have to face you with your good knees. Smiles

[@williewasahippie]

@@sportsenthusiast7360 Good for you! :) I might play some 18+ 4.5 tournaments if I get in shape. I have not played a match in a couple of years. So, I'll just play a 55+ 4.5 and see how it goes. :)

[@pulldpin67]

Drew Brees.... took a knee during our National Anthem...... Heck with him ...

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

HE DID, THAT SO NOT COOL

[@blueststar4u]

Devi should be narrating McEnroe's internal dialogue.

[@andymeek5022]

Brees has a win over 2001 US Open champ Andy Roddick in junior tennis so he has some natural skills.

[@stacitowery4461]

Really??

[@BenjaminSchofield-u2x]

The crowds comments Jesus shut up

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Was a little over bearing to be honest, they were right behind me too, had me to lower my tripod so they could take better pictures. Lol

[@theoppiesghost]

The Greatest Talent to ever pick up a racket. Love ya Mac

[@jeffizcool]

In case anyone doesn't know drew was a serious junior tennis player. From what i heard he has beaten andy roddick as a junior player. So not surprising his pickleball game is stout

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

This to know, thanks for the info, makes sense now

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

All of you that hate pickleball you should like this video and subscribe to the Channel so you will be the first to know when I post another video containing Pickleball you hate so much. I actually enjoy your comments. For Everyone else, subscribe because you love pickleball so much. Tomorrow you can see my pickleball happy dance. Will be availabe at 9:30 am Central Time.

[@webguru22]

Hater views are views amirite?

[@thomassicard3733]

McEnroe: THE MOST ENTERTAINING tennis player, EVER.

[@MRB96]

and the other guy plays this game for a living?

[@BajaSurf]

can somebody tell me the model of nike shoes that Mcroe is using... much appreciate

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Good question, that show did look great. Hope someone respond with an answer

[@miketomlin6040]

Tennis players ranked under 200 should move into Pickleball, would soon win most of the tournaments.

[@g.shumway5925]

It's weird to think that only one of these guys has beaten Andy Roddick in an organized tennis match.

[@thomassicard3733]

The old classic McEnroe 'return and volley' LMAO!!!

[@ConcernedCitizenSays]

Mac and Brees (get it?) is the best comfort food!

[@OmegaMouse]

I need to start playing Pickleball again. It was so much fun and my tennis/ping pong experience translated very well.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Well said, definitely start playing again

[@brianbanks3044]

just goes to show you, racket players can play just about any sport with a ball and paddle etc...Mac just had to learn the finer points and took his playing pickleball to another level from his first exhibition....I bet he is liking the sport a bit more now

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Having racquet sports background sure do help when playing pickleball. Based on my opinion, it’s pickleball helps your tennis game

[@ProfessorB.]

Tennis players just have to get used to the feel of the paddle and the size of the court. Beware of the racquetball players because they already know how to use a short handle racquet so transitioning to a paddle is easier.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

@@ProfessorB. very well said. thanks

[@eyeofhorus1301]

@@sportsenthusiast7360 I could definitely see pickleball being good serve and volley practice for tennis since its kinda similar and you can serve and volley all the time in pickleball so lots of practice

[@vubot1]

Tennis players can play pickeball. Pickleball players can't play tennis.

[@nonspecifie4351]

Commentary ruins the match... And pickelball is like bowling; not a real sport

[@simpleagain1]

For an NFL QB Drew Brees has terrible foot work. I know he’s not a tennis player but he was all hands no legs. You gotta step into your shots just like you step into your throws

[@ugaais]

For those who can’t play tennis there’s this….my club has 4 pickle ball courts and 7har tru tennis courts you never see tennis playing pickle ball or vice versa….

[@CWK090]

I haven't played tennis in years but I play pickleball every day with players who also play tennis.

[@EXCEDRIN10]

Not a sport. A game.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

whatever it is, lots and lots of people find it very interesting

[@CWK090]

Referring to tennis, I am sure you have heard someone say "GAME, set, match" Tennis is a game. Pickleball is a game. Both are sports.

[@Simon-oq6ds]

Can I just say that I have never played pickleball but I like the concept. I just wish it had a different name.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

its a great soprt, you should start playing. you can't go wrong with that

[@WayCoolJr27]

Keep the ball deep on the returns Drew....only chance.

[@offthefront7537]

When john should be saying something like "out" he keeps his mouth shut.

[@eddiemunster8634]

I watched in hopes of hearing a "ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!"

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

He did, not in this match, I will be posting the doubles match tomorrow so hopefully you will hear it, it’s was load in there so not sure though. But was funny with all his theatrics

[@TimTheMusicMan]

I think you mean ‘you cannot be serious’.

[@eddiemunster8634]

@@TimTheMusicMan yeah that sounds more like it

[@sunnavailable]

You can't be serious!!!

[@carseye1219]

I remember reading about Bree's recruitment, that he played a lot of tennis in HS.

[@capricornmagic63]

He was a ranked junior I think and his mom was pretty good too

[@simpleagain1]

@@capricornmagic63-he’s got pretty bad foot work for being a former tennis player

[@ncg4132]

@@simpleagain1 Can you explain more about how his footwork is pretty bad?

[@orthopraxis235]

@@simpleagain1 no...hes got great footwork, especially the quick steps toward the net.

[@giuseppetarabella4018]

...John you too....the end of the tennis is claimed....

[@ronp5615]

I want to face them BOTH on the cout.

[@coreygavin9134]

Ì kept holding my breath thinking Mcenroe was going to fall off the stage...Sometimrs seeing the trees instead of the forest works too.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

lol, nice

[@gomezsandy]

maybe it was the camera angle....probably, but this was really boring..

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Maybe the camera angle was bad but as far as the match, wasn’t even close to being boring. It was just a great time to everyone in attendance

[@luyin1961]

This is a little unfair. Can't they get Connor or Borg to play pickleball as well?

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

That’s was a Drew Brees Charity Event so it made sense he played, very well liked in New Orleans

[@luyin1961]

@@sportsenthusiast7360 That makes sense

[@doug186]

Thank you for posting. That was wonderful 🙏🏼

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

It was a wonderful charity even. The MADD Drops MLP team was their also, tomorrow am posting up the doubles match, very interesting take on pickleball. McENroe is always going to be McENroe.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

most welcome. Not many times you get to see these two greats together playing a friendly game. I just had to share. 500 Plus spectators having a blast in New Orleans

[@tjenissa]

Perfect for Mac 😠 😡

[@929mmr]

I've seen Brees play really well in doubles. Either an off day or it doesn't translate.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

He was pretty good in the match am posting tomorrow. Got a little careless sometimes, but thats like all of us players

[@eyeofhorus1301]

+@929mmr He looks good when he's not playing John Mcenroe

[@929mmr]

@@eyeofhorus1301 Yeah, or singles aren't his thing. Missing serves and a lot of unforced errors with the drive shot tells me he could do better but maybe MeEnroe got in his head with all the yapping. Either way, one game in pickleball is a really small sample. Would love to see a 5 game rematch.. Maybe it would be different now but conversely, McEnroe looked pretty mediocre when I saw him playing doubles last year..

[@eyeofhorus1301]

@@929mmr missing is likely caused by being forced to go for more than you're capable of to win points cause opponent too good

[@stevemawdsley9798]

Uh, it is a sport. Where is the score?!

[@stevemawdsley9798]

Just heard the ref calling score,ooops.

[@212days]

All the colors and balloons.... that's for all the tennis players out there who still think of pickle ball as mickey mouse material.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Where do you all get these saying from, so funny. Guess am going to Disney

[@billbrandine5857]

It's like Flag Football compared to the NFL. 😂

[@l.rongardner2150]

I do the next best thing to playing pickleball: I eat pickles.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Not that comment, tops all others, am going to let it ride since I can find no response. Lmao

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

It would be more interesting if the players tied their sneakers together.

[@michaelpatterson6062]

McEnroe’s shtick is so tired….yawn.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Wow, ok

[@danielbeeman5452]

Would be more interesting to see them play tennis.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

We have seen McEnroe play tennis all our life’s so pickleball was a great change.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Yes, it’s played and felt like a portable court.

[@RichardsWorld]

This dream for Drew didn't come true.

[@eventtrading]

Singles is much better than dubs in Pickle. And that's the way it was.

[@bleuShoErn]

McEnroe is always entertaining. He’s actually pretty good for a guy that don’t like to move much. But after all, he is John McEnroe. Anytime he can be center court he loves it.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

can't dispute anything you said. so true. thanks

[@williewasahippie]

Uh, it's pickleball. You DON'T move much, compared to tennis that is. :)

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

@@williewasahippie well i might question that. I singles you do move alot and at a faster pace

[@webguru22]

@@sportsenthusiast7360 Agree. Singles is much more like tennis. Not much dinking, mostly groundstrokes and passing shots. Court is smaller, but that means you don't have much time to reset between shots. It's physical in a different way. Doubles is more static for sure.

[@williewasahippie]

@@sportsenthusiast7360 Not compared to the court coverage on a tennis court. I was a pro for ten years and I'm used to running more. My first time playing pickleball, I ran into the back fence and also hit my bh follow through on the fence. I'm used to running more and covering twice the space of a pickleball court. 😂 Then again, I was playing doubles on the pickleball court so I do see what you guys are saying. :)

[@nealk999]

The fan commentary on this is so terrible and distracting I had to stop watching

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Sorry about that, wanted to shut them up too, but that wouldn’t have turn our right for me. Lol

[@TC-dw6wg]

Wow! This isn’t a serious match and fans came to see AND Hear all the talking on and off court. Charity event!

[@nealk999]

@@TC-dw6wg the “fans” were cringe with their comments. Like they thought McEnroe was coming over to their house for egg salad sandwiches after the match.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

@@TC-dw6wg interesting take. Nice

[@sotoyogi]

Does anyone know what kind of pickleball court this is? Is it a portable court type?

[@terrymunoztrujillo483]

This is the saddest, and most boring thing I've ever seen.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

You must have never been sad or bored before, the spectators were loving it and that all that matters. Also raised lots of money the help needy kids. So for that, boring is great. Thanks for your comment

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Let me know what you like and I will try to find some cheerful and non boring to you. Hate to see you leave this channel sad

[@terrymunoztrujillo483]

@@sportsenthusiast7360 that's a good cause so I supoort helping the kids! But you need to play more tennis ;)

[@jeffglass7348]

That was boring as hell

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

To you? Well lots of people think otherwise. Do you play or you just dint like that match?

[@bretts5571]

McEnroe is a good player!

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Real funny guy too

[@eyeofhorus1301]

+@bretts5571 Duh he's john mcenroe, a serve and volley tennis champ will own you in pickleball

[@conjoeadams899]

I have a new Love, PickleBall. John McEnroe has mellowed a Lot with age. No more Hissy Fits. AND, He still has the moves. Sure wish that the audio was better. I did hear John say, Drew plays well "For a Football Player". Jus4Fun John McEnroe American former tennis player John Patrick McEnroe Jr. is an American former professional tennis player. He was known for his shot-making and volleying skills, his rivalries with Björn Borg and Jimmy Connors, and his confrontational on-court behavior, which frequently landed him in trouble with umpires and tennis authorities. Wikipedia Born: February 16, 1959 (age 64 years)

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Well said, appreciate the comment

[@waveblast2]

jm should wear a poor sport t shirt. His tennis form was beautiful artistry

[@eddiethomas7948]

Misspelled Drew’s last name. It’s Brees

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Yes I realized that after posting, thinking of going back to spelling school. Lol

[@eyeofhorus1301]

@@sportsenthusiast7360 what did you spell it as, breeze? LOL

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

@@eyeofhorus1301 yes, that’s was funny

[@CoryRau]

This is very boring.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Boring, that was really an interesting event

[@Roadrunner65553]

Pickleball sucks. Get in SHAPE by playing Tennis 😅 Mac… still a talented magician.

[@JackandJanis]

Terrible camera angle.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Best one I could get at that moment

[@AlphaTennisinPittsburgh]

Pickleball is America's fastest-growing sport and we like it #Pickleball

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

So true so true

[@bmurray330]

I would have never thought McEnroe would be an athlete of any kind. Kinda dorky, skinny, just has that “I play the clarinet in school” look. Obviously I was wrong thank God as he made me a pretty good tennis player.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

So informative. Thanks

[@christopherlowrie9484]

Not a real sport

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

I beg to differ. You should try it

[@williamboike7276]

These guys don't look serious at all. What a joke!

[@jorowi]

Brees was short for a QB. Mac is 5'11" and Brees is 6'0".

[@antigravitytea]

Is it me, or does JM look taller than DB at the end???

[@stevemundy9886]

Is this not just tennis

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Not exactly, but they did make it look like tennis though

[@Luiz-di7yf]

Phenom Drew Brees?!?! The guy missed balls too easily to be a phenomenon. Or else he was scared shitless about playing against McEnroe

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Only he would know but he did miss a lot

[@AlexanderStHill]

Pickle ball is for dopes

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Well, there are millions of dopes out there and the numbers keep climbing? Being a dopes is what’s trending now, don’t be left behind, join the dope crowd

[@TimTheMusicMan]

30 million.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

The key to PB is couples can play. They enjoy it. They laugh. The women can be as good or better than the men. There is no gender that is clearly better. Couples cannot do this is hardly any sport.

[@NMartinelli79]

Brees is terrible

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

I would go that far but he is not the best. This was a charity event for the kids so with that in mind, he was terrific

[@biounit5]

good playing. but they're still playing tennis. once they learn how to translate their strokes to pickleball, they will be way better.

[@CWK090]

Exactly!

[@ST-xg3gy]

Why not have a little background music while warming up? The atmosphere here is drab at best. Another Pickleball flaw. Oh yeah, the ball is annoying.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Lol, you all are so funny. Thought everyone love people ball, at least secretly loves it, like you maybe. Lol

[@neikmahp2473]

Unforgettable? Remind everyone this is pickle ball. Ping pong is more exciting.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Well, nothing to add to this one, thanks for your comment. I love ping pong too

[@CurtPrice]

I know this was all in fun and all... but a foot fault was called on Breese early... but on the last point, McEnroe committed a continuation fault and stepped waaaaaay into the kitchen after a volley... wasn't called. :)

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

I must check that point out. People was just so happy to see McEnroe that everyone missed that. Remember that the ref called footfall on Brees. I must watch the match again

[@mikehoward9211]

boring

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

The people that filled the stands would disagree with you for sure. Actually, it was really fun, and always exciting to see McEnroe

[@Brian_Pathitta_Life_Journey]

watching Drew's backhand here and i had to research about his tennis game. He is a legit tennis player. Look at his split step when he approaches for a volley @4:05

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

You all are so insightful, how did you even see that? You are so correct though

[@williamstyron2156]

those Mac passing shots had real sting. Atta boy Mac!

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

yes there were stinging

[@pokrstr7537]

McEnroe is in incredible shape. Damn, I need to work out!

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

We all need to work out. This guy moves well

[@JohnA000]

we know Johnny Mac is getting old when he starts playing pickle ball.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Not just old but maybe smart to start playing pickleball, easier on the body

[@brianshin3209]

Drew Brees was a very good tennis player in high school and college.

[@kevwwong]

Still, that football thing seemed to work out for him.

[@stevenmeyer9674]

The dorkiest non sport ever invented.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Wow, dorkiest, that’s might be a stretch isn’t it?

[@stevenmeyer9674]

@@sportsenthusiast7360 maybe a little

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

@@stevenmeyer9674 lol

[@-0rbital-]

Johnny Mac's still a serve and volley guy! 👍

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

His volleys were so on point.

[@orthopraxis235]

Didnd't know drew breeze was under 6 feet tall.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Thought he was taller too

[@transklutz]

Those pickle balls hardly bounce at all.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

That was one of the most heard complaint in this tournament

[@benphillips66]

That sound.

[@offthefront7537]

Johns serve is illegal.

[@ProfessorB.]

Agreed, but the same can be said of several pickleball pros! The Pickleball "authorities" really have to do something about the service rules (either change the rules of start enforcing them) if they want the game to gain more credibility.

[@williewasahippie]

@@ProfessorB. I dislike the scoring method. I'd prefer tennis scoring such that you serve an entire game, then switch serves, etc. Only 1 serve though, of course.

[@TC-dw6wg]

Scoring set up so all players get to serve. This game was originally designed for children to get them out of house and parents hair, but once the originators realized the fun they took over the game. 😂

[@TimTheMusicMan]

@@TC-dw6wgyou are correct

[@keithloucks7167]

The court size and scoring came from Badminton. The net height and bounce plus many rules from tennis. Yes most refs cannot call the serve properly unless they came from Badminton where the rule came from.

[@matthewkelso3280]

That was lit

[@TC-dw6wg]

Great video.

[@chesterxman]

There's no such thing as an unforgettable pickleball match. It's all very forgettable.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

To you it might be but to others it sure is, think you should give it a like. Lol

[@chesterxman]

@@sportsenthusiast7360 ok, for you I will : )

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

@@chesterxman you seem like a cool dude, funny too

[@jimcoughlin9932]

Love watching John

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Yes, he is so exciting

[@joe22589]

Boring sport

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Boring to you or to the many people that loves it?

[@akio2730]

Super Mac !!!

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

And cheese, lol

[@jimmason2080]

Love them both.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Well said

[@jaymoraski]

A legend !!!

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Sure is

[@bobmalack481]

"You can't be serious!!"..

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Meaning?

[@bobmalack481]

@@sportsenthusiast7360 Boy..you don't know a thing about Tennis, John Mcenroe, or sports trivia/history. Do I have to explain?

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

@@bobmalack481 wow, how do you know what I know? Anyway, for your info, I have been flocking tennis for a while, and am also pretty good at it. But again, thanks for your comment

[@bobmalack481]

@@sportsenthusiast7360 Gotta be the greatest Tennis player quote of all time, and at Wimbledon.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

@@bobmalack481 growing up I was always a big fan of McEnroe. He was the main reason I started playing pickleball

[@heinekenczech]

That was the worst ever. Embarrassing to watch.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

You sure we watch the same match? lol

[@datapro007]

Pickleball is so lame

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Are you saying pickleball can’t walk? Lol. You must try it, guarantee to change your mind

[@TC-dw6wg]

Words from someone whose never tried.

[@datapro007]

I'll take up Pickleball when I'm too old, slow and blind to play tennis.

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

@@datapro007 when you start playing this year let me know do I can give you a good paddle. I heard one said that he wouldn’t play until he died, he is not dead and now practically play everyday. Don’t be scare to love the sport, come joins us normal folks. Lol

[@datapro007]

@@sportsenthusiast7360 I'm too busy playing in the men's over 60 Wiffle Ball league, but thanks.

[@speedymr]

McEnroe can beat all top pickle ball pros.

[@ryanb3721]

no he cant. he's like a 4.5 player.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

Haha. Nooooooo.

[@bentducks]

It's best if that match never happens. Apples and Oranges.

[@matthewwest5850]

I'd say more like a 3.5 or 4 at best

[@RobertMoylan]

McEnroe is not top 200 in either tennis or pickleball. No wrist action

[@ntandolugwazi9521]

How do people enjoy watching or playing this 😅

[@TC-dw6wg]

If you ever try it, you’ll find out why. Play with friends and the joking makes it 100% better.

[@frankiejoe10]

You just did

[@offthefront7537]

His, Johns, actions show totally disrespect to his opponent.

[@tomkabbash]

unforgettable for the horrendous camera angle

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Thanks, wish you were there to get me pass security and a better seat for a better camera angle? Thanks for the comment though, appreciated

[@patfinn8859]

Brees serves are to high

[@zagortenay2797]

very, very, veryveryvery sad...

[@sportsenthusiast7360]

Oh no, why is that so? Hope you feel better

[@zagortenay2797]

@@sportsenthusiast7360 yes, now that I've seen again "FULL VERSION 1984 - McEnroe vs Connors - US Open" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXq8ZYKDaZKNo7c)