Dekel Bar Pickleball Rise to Pro: Dekel Bar’s rise to professional pickleball began through connections with the Johns family and early exposure to tournaments in the United States and Canada. Initially a tennis player, Bar transitioned to pickleball after injuries and quickly progressed, competing in his first major events, earning sponsorships, and establishing himself as a pro.
Early Connections and Introduction to Pickleball
Bar first met Collin Johns while traveling to tournaments in the U.S. and Canada. During these trips, he stayed with the Johns family, forming close ties with Collin and Ben Johns. Although Bar continued playing tennis, he was gradually introduced to pickleball through Ben Johns’ growing interest in the sport around 2015-2016.
First Experiences and Learning the Game
Bar began playing casually in Israel and the U.S., gradually participating in local money tournaments. Despite early losses to top players such as Ben Johns, Collin Johns, and Simone Jardim, Bar gained experience and started understanding the competitive structure of professional pickleball. Injuries and a shift away from tennis allowed him to focus on pickleball full-time.
Breakthrough Tournament and Partnering with Adam Stone
Bar’s first major exposure came at the Atlanta Open, before it became part of the PPA Tour. He partnered with Adam Stone after Chris Miller withdrew due to injury. The duo gradually improved during the tournament, winning several matches in the back draw and ultimately finishing in the top four. Bar noted, “Stone was carrying hard for sure. I couldn’t do anything besides dink crosscourt with my forehand side and counter if somebody attacked me.”
Singles Play and Professional Growth
Following the doubles success, Bar also competed in singles and achieved a fourth-place finish. These strong performances helped him secure a starter sponsorship with Paddletech, enabling him to travel while completing his studies and commit fully to pickleball.
Impact of Early Support and Opportunities
The guidance from the Johns family and early tournament experience were pivotal in Bar’s transition to pro pickleball. Close mentorship and strategic exposure allowed him to develop skills rapidly and compete against established players, establishing a foundation for a long-term professional career.
News in Brief: Dekel Bar Pickleball Rise to Pro
Dekel Bar became a professional pickleball player after transitioning from tennis. Introduced to the sport by Ben and Collin Johns, he gained experience through early U.S. tournaments. Bar’s breakthrough came partnering with Adam Stone at the Atlanta Open, finishing fourth in doubles and singles, earning sponsorship, and launching his pro career.
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