Pablo Tellez Explains Pickleball’s Success: In 2019, Pablo Tellez, a Naples, Florida native and a collegiate tennis player from the University of West Florida, was still deeply in love with tennis. After all, it had been his sport for years, concluding in a Division II national title. But everything changed when a simple visit to a tennis shop introduced him to a new sport—pickleball. That trip led Tellez down an unexpected path, where he found himself playing Major League Pickleball (MLP), now one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. He is currently a star for the MLP’s Brooklyn Aces.
The Meteoric Rise of Pickleball
Pickleball’s popularity in the U.S. has increased, with a 51.8% increase in players between 2022 and 2023 and an astounding 223.5% growth rate since 2020. Tellez, in an interview with Fox News Digital, shared why this growth shows no signs of slowing down.
“It’s just fun. I’ve never seen anybody at a pickleball court not smiling and having fun.”-(Tellez)
He added that the sport’s social nature is one of the main reasons people are gathering to pickleball courts. Unlike other racket sports, pickleball players are close to each other, making interactions more personal.
“It’s even turned into people using pickleball for dating, finding friends, and just hanging out.“-(tellez)
The simplicity of the game also plays a role in its rapid rise. Tellez noted:
“When you play pickleball for your first time, you’re going to be rallying back and forth. You may not be great yet, but you’re going to have fun.”-(tellez)
From Struggles to Success: Tellez’s Pickleball Career
Tellez’s own introduction to pickleball came through a $100,000 prize tournament. As a tennis player, he thought it would be easy. He was quickly humbled after losing all eight matches he entered.
“I signed up for it, and I think I went 0-8. I played singles, I lost. I played mixed doubles, I lost.”-(tellez)
Tellez recalled. Despite the rough start, he was hooked. Two years later, after countless hours of practice and dedication, Tellez turned professional.
“I don’t like losing, and I thought I was better than I actually was.”-(tellez)
This early disappointment fueled his determination to improve, and today, he plays professionally for the Brooklyn Aces, a team co-owned by NBA star Kevin Durant, rapper Drake, and actor Michael B. Jordan.
The Celebrity Factor and Pickleball’s Future
Tellez has had the opportunity to meet some of the high-profile investors in Major League Pickleball, such as Gary Vaynerchuk, LeBron James, and Tom Brady. He explained why these major celebrities have thrown their support behind the sport.
“They realized how the sport is booming, and they play it. They don’t see any reason why it’s not going to grow.”-(Tellez)
He also credits the pros and the league’s efforts in marketing and branding as key drivers for pickleball’s continued expansion. With TV coverage increasing, he believes that the sport’s growth is inevitable.
“Everybody loves it, to be honest.” – (Tellez)
Pickleball’s Universal Appeal
For Tellez, partnering with LOTTO, a brand he grew up admiring for their soccer and tennis products, has been a dream come true. He’s excited to see the brand enter the pickleball space.
But whether it’s brands, celebrities, or everyday players, Tellez believes that pickleball’s charm is universal.
“I’ll promise you: If you just try it once, you’ll know exactly where everybody plays.”-(tellez)
The sport offers a mix of fun, social interaction, and competition that appeals to a wide range of people.
“Some people want to train, some people want to have that competitive little bug in them, and pickleball lets you get that out.”-(tellez)
News in Brief: Pablo Tellez Explains Pickleball’s Success
Pablo Tellez, a former collegiate tennis player, has found a new passion in pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. With a 51.8% player increase from 2022 to 2023, Major League Pickleball has attracted celebrities like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
Tellez, now a pro with the Brooklyn Aces, attributes the sport’s success to its fun, social atmosphere, and ease of learning. Despite an 0-8 start in his first tournament, Tellez quickly became hooked, turning pro two years later and partnering with LOTTO to promote pickleball’s growing influence.
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