Travis Rettenmaier Bio
Travis Rettenmaier is an American former professional tennis player and current professional pickleball player. Born on August 6, 1983, Rettenmaier reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 273 in February 2006 and a doubles ranking of World No. 57 in July 2010. After retiring from tennis in 2012, he transitioned to pickleball and became co-owner and player of the Florida Smash Major League Pickleball team.
Early Life and Background
Travis Rettenmaier was born in Tarzana, California, United States, to parents Tom and Karen Rettenmaier. He has one sister named Bettina. Rettenmaier began playing tennis at the age of one and developed a preference for hard and grass courts. He showed early promise in the sport and pursued competitive tennis from a young age.
At 16, Rettenmaier enrolled at UCLA, where he competed for the UCLA Bruins tennis team for two years before turning professional. His early education and collegiate competition helped lay the foundation for his professional career.
Path to Pickleball
Rettenmaier turned professional in tennis in 2002 after his time at UCLA. He competed primarily in doubles, achieving notable rankings and titles in the ATP Challenger and Futures circuits. After a decade-long tennis career, he retired in 2012 and shifted focus to pickleball, a rapidly growing sport in the United States.
His transition to pickleball included becoming a full-time professional player and co-owner of the Florida Smash team in Major League Pickleball. Rettenmaier’s involvement in pickleball reflects his dedication to both playing and promoting the sport’s growth and business aspects.
Travis Rettenmaier Career
Early Career (2002–2012)
Travis Rettenmaier began his professional tennis career in 2002, coached by former touring pro Scott McCain. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and playing right-handed with a two-handed backhand, he competed mainly in doubles events. His career prize money totaled $243,091, reflecting his participation in ATP Tour, Grand Slam, and Davis Cup matches.
During his tennis career, Rettenmaier compiled a singles record of 2–2 at the ATP Tour level and a doubles record of 16–28. He won 19 Challenger and 8 Futures titles in doubles and 2 Futures titles in singles. His highest singles ranking was No. 273, achieved in February 2006, and his peak doubles ranking was No. 57 in July 2010.
ATP Tour and Grand Slam Highlights
Rettenmaier’s doubles career included appearances in Grand Slam tournaments such as the US Open, Wimbledon, French Open, and Australian Open. His best Grand Slam doubles result was reaching the third round of the French Open in 2010. He also reached the second round at Wimbledon the same year.
Though primarily a doubles specialist, Rettenmaier competed in qualifying rounds of Grand Slam singles events, including the US Open and Australian Open. His professional tennis career was marked by consistent performances in doubles and success on the Challenger circuit.
Florida Smash Era and Pickleball Career (2012–Present)
After retiring from professional tennis in 2012, Rettenmaier became a full-time professional pickleball player. In 2022, he became the first owner/player of a Major League Pickleball team, co-owning the Florida Smash. The team reached the finals of the inaugural event held at Dreamland in Dripping Springs, Texas.
Rettenmaier plays alongside teammates JW Johnson, Lee Whitwell, and Maggy Remynse. He is deeply involved in the sport’s growth and business development, contributing to pickleball’s rising popularity in the United States.
Playing Style and Strengths
Rettenmaier’s tennis background contributes to his strong doubles play in pickleball. His height and right-handed play with a two-handed backhand provide leverage and control. His competitive experience and strategic approach have made him a formidable player and team leader in Major League Pickleball.
Notable Events and Milestones
Rettenmaier’s milestone as the first owner/player in Major League Pickleball marks a significant moment in the sport’s professionalization. His leadership with the Florida Smash and competitive success in league events highlight his impact on pickleball’s evolution.
Travis Rettenmaier Career Wins
Throughout his tennis career, Rettenmaier accumulated numerous wins primarily in doubles on the ATP Challenger and Futures circuits. His transition to pickleball has added to his competitive achievements in a new sport.
Tennis Doubles Highlights
Rettenmaier won 19 Challenger and 8 Futures doubles titles during his professional tennis career. His highest doubles ranking of No. 57 reflects his success at higher-level tournaments. He competed in multiple Grand Slam doubles events, with his best performance reaching the third round of the French Open in 2010.
Other Wins and Performances
In singles, Rettenmaier secured 2 Futures titles and participated in qualifying rounds of Grand Slam events. His doubles career was more prominent, with consistent results on the ATP Challenger Tour and appearances in ATP Tour-level matches.
Travis Rettenmaier Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Travis Rettenmaier is the son of Tom and Karen Rettenmaier. He has one sister named Bettina. There is no public information indicating a family history in professional sports beyond his own career.
Personal Life
Rettenmaier currently resides in Saint Petersburg, Florida, with his daughter Rowyn. He enjoys other sports such as basketball, golf, and ping-pong. His personal life remains private beyond these details.
2025 Season Performance
As of 2025, Travis Rettenmaier continues to compete professionally in pickleball. His role as co-owner and player of the Florida Smash positions him as a key figure in Major League Pickleball. The team aims to build on its early success and compete for championships in the growing league.
Rettenmaier’s experience and leadership contribute to the team’s dynamics and strategy. His focus remains on advancing pickleball’s competitive standards and expanding its audience through both play and business initiatives.