Ivan Jakovljevic’s Pickleball Rise: When Ivan Jakovljevic arrived in the United States from Croatia in 2017, pickleball was far from his radar. At that time, the only thing on his mind was soccer—kicking, dribbling, and scoring goals were his passions. Jakovljevic, who had just joined the Oklahoma City Energy FC, was deeply entrenched in the world of professional soccer. But as fate would have it, his journey would soon take an unexpected turn.
Fast forward five years, and Jakovljevic found himself transitioning from the soccer pitch to the pickleball court. After wrapping up his time with the Houston Dynamo organization, Jakovljevic discovered pickleball while teaching tennis alongside his brother in Tyler, TX. It was a serendipitous moment that would set the stage for an extraordinary new chapter in his athletic career.
A Dual-Sport Achiever
Achieving professional status in any sport requires relentless dedication and a unique set of skills. Jakovljevic has not only reached the top tier in soccer but is now making significant strides in pickleball. As he reflects on his journey, he emphasizes the importance of discipline and perseverance.
“A lot of it comes down to who’s spending more time on the court and just being smart in the big moments,” Jakovljevic explains. “It’s also important to be aware of your weaknesses and to be intentional about working on them. It sounds simple, but you really just need to put in the hours.”
Handling pressure is another crucial component of Jakovljevic’s success. “You need to be able to deal with the pressure of knowing that everybody’s coming after you and coming for your spot, just like I’m coming after other people,” he notes. “It takes an unwavering belief in yourself. Pressure is a big thing in every sport, and you need to know that everybody’s replaceable, if that’s the right word. It’s just the reality.”
Life Beyond the Court
As Jakovljevic’s pickleball career continues to flourish, he is also navigating significant changes in his personal life. In May, he and his wife Katie welcomed their first child, Banks McCoy Jakovljevic.
Despite these new responsibilities, Jakovljevic remains committed to his pickleball career. He is set to compete at the Selkirk Kansas City Open, where he will play men’s singles, men’s doubles with Noe Khlif, and mixed doubles with Sarah Ansboury. His journey from soccer to pickleball exemplifies the versatility and determination required to excel in multiple sports and highlights his ongoing contributions to the vibrant world of professional pickleball.
The Mental Shift
Transitioning from soccer to pickleball presents a unique set of challenges. The timing and dynamics of the games are markedly different. Soccer’s 90-minute format contrasts sharply with pickleball’s more immediate win-or-lose scenarios. Jakovljevic admits this shift required a significant mental adjustment.
“In soccer, you have 90 minutes to play before you win or lose. The match finishes after that time regardless of how each team plays,” he describes. “In pickleball, though, it’s a true win-lose scenario. That’s what I was struggling with the most because you can get tight, and it’s an adjustment switching that mentality.”
The mental aspect of pickleball has become a focal point for Jakovljevic. “I think the mental aspect of the game is so huge because you can see that a lot of the top players are essentially equal in skill,” he shares. “A lot of the matches come down to who is mentally stronger when things are tight, so I’m trying to figure out how to bring out my highest level in those moments because that’s when you need to be at your best.”
Rising Star in Pickleball
Since joining the UPA Tour in January, Jakovljevic has made notable progress, with impressive tournament performances including a fifth-place finish in North Carolina with Brandon French and a tenth-place finish in Los Angeles with Steve Deakin. His imposing six-foot-two frame and left-handed play have made him a formidable competitor at the kitchen line.
“I think my biggest strength is that I’m a lefty because everything is a little different,” Jakovljevic notes. “I also think the attacking part of my game is good because I’m tricky. I don’t have as strong of a tennis background as most other pros, so it’s a little bit harder for my opponents to read me.”
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News in Brief: Ivan Jakovljevic’s Pickleball Rise
Ivan Jakovljevic, who moved from Croatia to the U.S. in 2017, initially pursued a career in professional soccer with teams like the Oklahoma City Energy FC and Houston Dynamo. However, a chance encounter with pickleball while teaching tennis led him to pivot to the sport.
Now a rising star in pickleball, Jakovljevic has achieved notable tournament successes, including a fifth-place finish in North Carolina and a tenth in Los Angeles. His left-handed play and attacking style have made him a formidable competitor. Balancing his pickleball career with new fatherhood, Jakovljevic remains dedicated to excelling in the sport and will compete at the Selkirk Kansas City Open.
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