Parris Todd and Hunter Johnson may have found love through pickleball, but their first match together was anything but romantic. When they first faced off, Todd completely dominated Johnson in a Major League Pickleball (MLP) match, leaving a lasting impression.
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Todd Crushes Johnson in Their First Match
Johnson recalled their first MLP encounter, explaining that he had just transitioned from professional tennis and was experiencing his first-ever MLP event. Meanwhile, Todd, already an experienced player, wasted no time in asserting her dominance.
“The first time we played together was MLP and I got drafted midseason to the Jackrabbits. She was on a winning team and we played her team at 8 a.m. It was my first MLP experience and she’s in front of me, and I got destroyed.” – (Hunter Johnson)
Todd was quick to tease Johnson, joking that she always knew he would become her boyfriend.
“I was like, ‘You’re gonna be my boyfriend one day, get used to it.’” – (Parris Todd)
A Rough Start for Johnson
Johnson admitted he was nervous entering the match, still adjusting to professional pickleball after retiring from tennis. Todd, on the other hand, was completely at ease.
“We were staying at the same Airbnb and she rolls out of bed, almost misses the match, and then destroys me on the court.” – (Hunter Johnson)
Todd playfully added that Johnson had to face the reality of being beaten by his future girlfriend.
“He’s staring straight ahead at this girl who’s just ripping him to shreds, so it’s got to tear down your confidence a little bit.” – (Parris Todd)
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Seeking Revenge in Las Vegas
Despite Todd’s early dominance, Johnson improved his game over time, and when they faced off again at an MLP tournament in Las Vegas, he was ready to fight back.
“I was playing too aggressive with him.” – (Parris Todd)
“She was trying to body bag me.” – (Hunter Johnson)
Todd confessed that she wanted to assert her dominance while still holding back slightly.
“The problem is, I was trying to be too aggressive because I didn’t want to show off, but I kind of wanted to assert my dominance and he ended up bodybagging me a few times and he didn’t even say sorry.” – (Parris Todd)
The match ended in heated emotions, with Todd brushing off Johnson’s attempt to smooth things over.
“He comes up to me after the match and I’m like, ‘No, I don’t want to hear it right now. I don’t want to look at you, don’t talk to me.’” – (Parris Todd)
Johnson claimed he apologized, but Todd insisted he didn’t say it properly.
“He should have jumped over the net, kissed me on the cheek, and really said sorry.” – (Parris Todd)
Competitive Spirit Strengthens Their Relationship
Fellow player Roscoe Bellamy added fuel to the rivalry, encouraging Johnson to beat Todd and establish his place in their relationship dynamic.
“He said if you end up playing Parris, you better assert yourself because this is a big deal in the relationship.” – (Hunter Johnson)
After securing the win, Johnson sought Bellamy’s advice on handling the situation.
“And then after I beat her, I go up to Roscoe and say, ‘Hey what’s your advice here? How do I manage this?’ And he said, ‘It’s going to blow over. You did what you needed to do.’ I asserted my dominance and she didn’t like it at first, but towards the end I think it made us stronger.” – (Hunter Johnson)
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What’s Next for Todd and Johnson?
Their competitive dynamic continues to play a role in their relationship, and fans are eager to see them face off again in future MLP events. Their friendly rivalry adds an entertaining element to the sport, proving that pickleball can be just as personal as it is competitive.
News in Brief: Parris Todd and Hunter Johnson
Parris Todd and Hunter Johnson’s first pickleball match together ended in Todd dominating Johnson, but their competitive spirit fueled their relationship. In a rematch, Johnson fought back, proving himself on the court. Their rivalry-turned-romance continues to make them one of pickleball’s most exciting duos.
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