Senior Pickleball Champion Zack Munoz: Zack Munoz, known as “Zack Attack,” is a 73-year-old Filipino pickleball player who continues to make waves in amateur tournaments around the world. Based in Chicago, he returned to Manila for a short visit, playing with friends at Tiendesitas courts while sharing his inspiring journey in the sport.
Late Start, Fast Rise
Zack began his pickleball career at 69, after a lifetime of playing tennis. He was introduced to the sport by a former tennis buddy and found the transition smooth.
One day, a former tennis buddy who had shifted to pickleball after his knees began to give coaxed me to try it. I thought, why not.”(Zack Munoz)
In just two months, Zack joined his first tournament—and won.
“My opponent, who was several levels higher than I was, was leading 9-6, but I rallied and beat him, 11-9,” (Zack Munoz).
A Champion Across Borders
Zack has competed in tournaments across the U.S. and Asia, collecting about 50 medals and trophies. In 2023, he was ranked No. 1 among U.S. amateur players aged 70 and above.
His travels have brought success in countries like Indonesia and Thailand. In Bali, he won a gold in singles and silver in mixed doubles for the 60-plus group. At the Asian Open in Thailand, he earned two silvers in the 50-plus singles and doubles brackets.
Back in 2019, he teamed up with Armand Tantoco, now president of the Philippine Pickleball Federation, to win men’s doubles in Manila. He also held clinics to teach the sport in growing local communities.
Rising Above Early Challenges
Zack was born with a right clubfoot and could barely walk as a child.
“I have to wear four socks to be able to fit the same shoe size for my left foot,” (Zack Munoz).
Still, this never stopped him from playing—and winning.
He beats younger opponents by relying on precision.
“I rely mainly on placement,”. “I apply power sometimes, but mainly it’s placement.”(Zack Munoz)
Even with strong new talent in the Philippines, Zack doesn’t shy away from challenges. Once, a foreign player bet dinner on a match.
“How about the loser treat everybody to dinner?”(Zack Munoz).
The man agreed, and ended up buying burgers for everyone.
Motivated to Win
Zack has achieved two tournament trifectas—winning singles, mixed, and men’s doubles in a single event. The first was in Indiana in 2021 and the second in the 2023 APP national indoor pro-am for 50-plus seniors in Illinois.
“The Indiana tournament was easier for me to win because there were few participants due to Covid,” (Zack Munoz).
As his interview wrapped up, Zack was invited for a singles match. Without hesitation, he picked up his paddle and returned to the court. The Zack Attack was ready to strike again.
News in Brief: Senior Pickleball Champion Zack Munoz
At 73, Zack Munoz, also known as “Zack Attack,” is dominating senior pickleball tournaments worldwide. Despite starting at 69 and having been born with a clubfoot, the Chicago-based Filipino has won dozens of medals, held clinics, and earned a top U.S. ranking—proving passion and placement can defy age.
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