Ly Hoang Nam Eyes Pickleball Championships: Vietnam’s top male tennis player, Ly Hoang Nam, has officially announced his transition to pickleball, marking a major shift in his athletic career. On March 19 in Hanoi, Nam was introduced as a pickleball ambassador for a Vietnamese sportswear brand. At the event, he confirmed he is stepping away from tennis to focus on the fast-growing sport.
I have decided to temporarily stop my tennis career to focus on pickleball,. “Right now, I’m competing in domestic tournaments, but after a period of gaining experience, I plan to compete across Asia, then Europe and America.”(Ly Hoang Nam)
Rising Popularity of Pickleball in Vietnam
Pickleball, a mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, was invented in the U.S. in 1965. It is played on a smaller court than tennis and uses a perforated plastic ball. Although pickleball first appeared in Vietnam in 2018, it gained widespread popularity in early 2024.
The sport’s accessibility has attracted many former tennis players, including Nam’s friend Trinh Linh Giang, who made the switch earlier. Nam initially played out of curiosity but soon committed to the sport.
“Pickleball is growing quickly in Vietnam, with many tournaments being held,”. “We’re also seeing international players coming here to compete and exchange experiences. I see this as a great opportunity to learn and grow.”(Ly Hoang Nam)
Success in Pickleball and Future Goals
Since late 2024, Nam has quickly adapted to pickleball, winning six men’s doubles titles with Giang. The duo competed in tournaments across Lao Cai, Ba Ria–Vung Tau, Hai Duong, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. They also won the men’s doubles under-35 title at the 2025 national championship. Nam now aims to win a singles title in pickleball.
His last professional tennis match was at the M25 Nakhon Si Thammarat tournament in Thailand in September 2024, where he lost in the first round. Despite stepping away from tennis, he remains Vietnam’s highest-ranked male player at No. 744 on the ATP Tour.
Born in Tay Ninh, Nam was a tennis prodigy from a young age. He turned professional at 9 and won the Wimbledon junior doubles title in 2015 with Sumit Nagal. Over his career, he won 11 ITF titles, claimed two SEA Games gold medals, and reached No. 231 in the ATP rankings in 2022.
Nam once aimed to break into the ATP top 100 and qualify for a Grand Slam. His biggest event was the 2023 Shanghai Masters 1000, where he competed as a wildcard. Now, he looks forward to a new chapter in pickleball, hoping to make his mark on the international stage.
News in Brief: Ly Hoang Nam Eyes Pickleball Championships
Vietnam’s top tennis player, Ly Hoang Nam, has announced his transition to pickleball. He aims to compete internationally after winning six doubles titles. Pickleball is rapidly growing in Vietnam, attracting former tennis players. Nam, once an ATP Challenger contender, now seeks success in pickleball singles and doubles competitions.
ALSO READ: Jake Elliott’s Tennis Roots Shine in Pickleball: How the Eagles Kicker Stands Out