Ivan Jakovljevic’s Incredible Pickleball Journey: Croatia has long been known for producing world-class soccer talent, but Ivan Jakovljevic has taken an unconventional route. Having spent his youth chasing soccer balls across Europe’s top leagues, the former midfielder has swapped his soccer boots for a pickleball paddle. Now a rising star in the world of pickleball, Jakovljevic is defying the odds, turning heads in a sport far removed from the one that once defined his career.
A Soccer Career in Europe’s Top Leagues
Jakovljevic’s soccer journey began in his native Croatia, where he played for NK Osijek in the country’s top division, the 1.HNL. As an attacking midfielder, he was known for his vision and creativity on the field, attributes that would serve him well in his new pursuit. He later moved to the Czech Republic and Germany to play for lower-division clubs before joining Oklahoma City Energy FC in 2017. The Energy competed in the USL Championship, the second-tier league in American soccer. However, despite a promising soccer career, Jakovljevic found his path diverging in a completely unexpected direction.
From Soccer to Pickleball: An Unlikely Transition
In 2021, a new sport piqued Jakovljevic’s interest—pickleball. Initially drawn in through tennis, he quickly became captivated by the sport’s fast pace and strategic demands. What began as a casual hobby quickly turned into a competitive passion. Within months, Jakovljevic had won numerous amateur tournaments, before turning pro in 2023.
The transition from soccer to pickleball wasn’t seamless. Jakovljevic admits that adjusting to the different mentalities of the two sports was a challenge. “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. 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,” Jakovljevic said in an interview.
Rising Through the Ranks
Jakovljevic has wasted no time making an impact on the pickleball circuit. Currently ranked 40th in the world for Men’s Singles by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), he has already defeated one of the sport’s elite players, Ben Johns. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, Jakovljevic’s left-handed playstyle has become one of his signature assets. A self-proclaimed “lefty specialist,” he uses his tricky, unpredictable moves to keep opponents guessing.
“I think my biggest strength is that I’m a lefty because everything is a little different. 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,” – Ivan Jakovljevic
Competing at the Highest Level
Jakovljevic’s professional pickleball journey has led him to the prestigious Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships, held in Farmers Beach, Texas. Entered in all pro categories, the 34-year-old is gearing up to compete against the best in the sport, further establishing his presence in the competitive world of pickleball. It’s clear that the transition from soccer to pickleball has been more than just a career change—it’s become a thrilling new chapter in his athletic life.
News in Brief: Ivan Jakovljevic’s Incredible Pickleball Journey
Ivan Jakovljevic, a former professional soccer player from Croatia, has made a remarkable transition to pickleball. Once a top-flight midfielder in Croatia’s 1.HNL and the USL Championship, Jakovljevic is now ranked 40th globally in Men’s Singles by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). Known for his left-handed playstyle and tricky moves, he has defeated top players like Ben Johns and is currently competing at the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships.