Tennis Stars Turned Pickleball Pros: Pickleball, a fast-growing sport, has attracted many tennis players seeking a new challenge. Easier on the body and with less financial commitment, pickleball is becoming a popular alternative for retired or transitioning athletes. As tennis stars embrace pickleball, here are five notable players who have made the switch.
1. Jack Sock
Jack Sock, known for his successful tennis career, made the switch to pickleball after retiring from professional tennis in 2023. Sock had a remarkable tennis career, including a Paris Masters title in 2017, three singles titles, and a gold medal in men’s doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
In pickleball, Sock quickly made his mark, joining the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and rising into the top 10 rankings. He even won a mixed doubles title, establishing himself as a strong contender in the pickleball world.
2. Eugenie Bouchard
Eugenie Bouchard gained international fame in 2014 when she reached the Wimbledon final, but injuries and inconsistent form stalled her tennis career in subsequent years. After undergoing shoulder surgery in 2021, Bouchard made a comeback in 2022 but found limited success.
She has since turned her attention to pickleball, competing actively on the PPA Tour and promoting the sport. Bouchard even secured a victory over top-ranked player Lea Jansen, showcasing her potential in pickleball.
3. John Isner
John Isner, a towering figure in tennis, retired in 2023 after a successful career. Known for his strong serve, Isner reached the Wimbledon semifinals and won 16 career titles. A year after retiring, Isner began exploring pickleball, making his debut at the 2024 Texas Open in men’s doubles. While he isn’t as active in pickleball as some of the others on this list, Isner has shown interest in the sport and is steadily increasing his presence on the circuit.
4. Sam Querrey
Sam Querrey, another tennis star who retired in 2022, found a new outlet in pickleball. With 10 career singles titles and a career-high ranking of No. 11, Querrey had an accomplished tennis career, including a memorable semifinal appearance at Wimbledon in 2017.
Since switching to pickleball in 2023, Querrey has enjoyed success, winning a mixed doubles title and joining the Atlanta Bouncers team in Major League Pickleball. He continues to compete on the PPA Tour, showcasing his transition from tennis to pickleball.
5. Donald Young
Donald Young, who reached a career-high No. 38 in singles, retired from tennis after a notable career. Young’s final tennis tournament was the 2024 US Open, where he made a mixed doubles final alongside Taylor Townsend.
Following his retirement, Young swiftly joined the PPA Tour and has been competing in pickleball, climbing to No. 24 in the singles rankings. His swift transition into the sport marks him as one of the most recent tennis players to successfully switch to pickleball.
News in Brief: Tennis Stars Turned Pickleball Pros
Several former tennis stars, including Jack Sock, Eugenie Bouchard, John Isner, Sam Querrey, and Donald Young, have transitioned to pickleball after their tennis careers. These athletes are making waves in the Professional Pickleball Association, with Sock and Querrey achieving notable success in their new sport.