Bill Gates Credits Tennis for His Improved Fitness

In a recent podcast with Nikhil Kamath, Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, revealed that he has been playing tennis more frequently, which has improved his fitness.

When Kamath remarked on Gates’ fitter appearance and asked about his fitness secret, Gates responded, “I have been playing more tennis and a little bit of pickleball. I also take vitamins because there is no downside to it.”

Pickleball and Its Origins:

Bill Gates also took up pickleball, a sport invented in the 1960s by friends seeking a new recreational activity.

In a post on GatesNotes, Gates explained the origins of the game, noting, “So, they found a net, a Wiffle ball, some ping-pong paddles, and made a game on an old badminton court that the whole family could play together.”

Playing Tennis with Roger Federer:

Gates shared a memorable experience of playing tennis with legendary player Roger Federer. He recounted the nervousness he felt during the match, stating, “He asked me to be his mate in a doubles match at Seattle’s KeyArena versus John Isner, who is rated in the top 25 worldwide, and another Seattleite, Mike McCready from the band Pearl Jam.”

Reflecting on the pressure of playing in front of a large audience, Gates added, “I play a lot of tennis, but it is one thing to rehearse drills with your coach or go up against a mate.

It is another to play in front of 16,000 people in a basketball arena. If you feel too much or let your muscles tense up, you hit bad shots, making you more tense, and suddenly you’re stuck in a vicious cycle.”