Jocelyn Devilliers Bio
Jocelyn “Jay” Devilliers is a French professional pickleball player who has quickly risen to prominence since beginning his career in 2020. Known for his strong performances in Men’s Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, Devilliers has established himself as a top competitor on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tour. He currently resides in Wichita, Kansas, balancing his athletic career with personal commitments.
Early Life and Background
Jocelyn Devilliers was born on December 18, 1994, in Rosny-sous-Bois, France. During his childhood, he engaged in various sports including soccer, tennis, handball, swimming, squash, badminton, table tennis, and skiing. Excelling particularly in tennis and soccer, he ultimately chose to focus on tennis. In 2009, Devilliers moved to Barcelona, Spain, to continue his tennis training, where he completed his high school diploma and met his future wife, Aleksandra Trifunovic.
After suffering a severe injury that prevented him from competing professionally in tennis, Devilliers accepted a college tennis scholarship at Wichita State University. He joined the men’s tennis team in 2013 and completed his education there before transitioning to pickleball.
Path to Pickleball
Following his graduation, Devilliers was introduced to pickleball, a sport with similarities to tennis but requiring less physical exertion. He began playing competitively as a hobby in 2020 and quickly decided to pursue it full time. Since then, he has worked to grow pickleball in France while competing at the highest levels internationally.
Jocelyn Devilliers Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Devilliers launched his professional pickleball career in 2020, immediately making an impact by winning gold medals at the APP Cincinnati Open and APP Hilton Head in both Men’s Singles and Mixed Doubles. He also earned silver and bronze medals in various other events that year, showcasing his versatility across singles and doubles formats.
In 2021, Devilliers continued his ascent with multiple gold medals at major APP events including the Cincinnati Open, Indianapolis Open, Los Angeles Open, and SoCal Classic Open. He also secured silver medals at the World Pickleball Championship and several PPA tournaments, confirming his status as one of the sport’s elite players.
Professional Pickleball Association Breakthrough (2022–Present)
In 2022, Devilliers won gold at the APP Mesa Open in Mixed Doubles and the PPA Selkirk Showdown in Men’s Doubles. He also collected numerous silver and bronze medals across PPA events, maintaining a consistent presence on the podium. His highest PPA career rankings include No. 2 in Men’s Singles, No. 3 in Men’s Doubles, and No. 2 in Mixed Doubles.
In 2023, Devilliers earned silver at the PPA Arizona Grand Slam in Men’s Singles and bronze medals at several other PPA events. As of August 2023, he is ranked No. 4 in the world for Men’s Singles, No. 7 for Men’s Doubles, and No. 9 for Mixed Doubles by the PPA.
Playing Style and Strengths
Devilliers is known for his strategic play and adaptability across different court formats. His background in tennis contributes to his strong shot-making and court coverage. He utilizes a Vulcan V740 Max Jay Devilliers Signature paddle, supported by sponsors such as Bemer Group, Ultimate RepairX, and Vulcan Advanced Logic Pickleball.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Devilliers’ career highlights are his gold medals at the 2021 APP Cincinnati Open in Men’s Singles and the 2022 APP Mesa Open in Mixed Doubles. His rapid rise in the professional pickleball ranks and consistent podium finishes mark him as a key figure in the sport’s growth.
Jocelyn Devilliers Career Wins
Since turning professional in 2020, Devilliers has amassed multiple tournament victories across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles disciplines. His success at major APP and PPA events underscores his competitive excellence and versatility.
APP and PPA Highlights
Devilliers secured gold medals at the APP Cincinnati Open in both 2020 and 2021, as well as at the 2022 APP Mesa Open in Mixed Doubles. He has also achieved top finishes at PPA events including the Selkirk Showdown and multiple Grand Slam tournaments. His consistent medal-winning performances have placed him among the top-ranked players worldwide.
Other Wins & Performances
In addition to his major tournament successes, Devilliers has earned numerous silver and bronze medals at APP and PPA competitions, demonstrating sustained high-level play across multiple seasons.
Jocelyn Devilliers Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Devilliers met his wife, Aleksandra Trifunovic, while living in Barcelona during his tennis training years. The couple currently resides in Wichita, Kansas. Details about his parents and children are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Devilliers is expected to continue competing at the highest levels of professional pickleball. His established presence on the PPA tour and ongoing sponsorship support position him well for further success. As the sport grows globally, Devilliers remains committed to advancing pickleball both in the United States and his native France.