Yates Johnson

Yates Johnson is an American professional pickleball player renowned for his dynamic playstyle and remarkable transition from tennis to pickleball. Born on June 2, 1994, in Taos, New Mexico, he currently resides in New Braunfels, Texas. Standing 6’2″ tall, Johnson plays right-handed and turned professional in 2022.

Early Life

Growing up in Arizona, Yates and his twin brother, Hunter Johnson, developed a passion for tennis. They achieved significant success in high school, becoming three-time state doubles champions. Their prowess continued at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, where they became the most successful doubles team in the school’s history, achieving a career-high national doubles ranking of No. 15.

Family Life

Yates shares a close bond with his twin brother, Hunter Johnson, who is also a professional pickleball player. The duo’s synergy on the court has been evident throughout their careers, from their tennis days to their current pickleball endeavors.

Career

After college, Yates and Hunter transitioned to professional tennis, competing on the ATP Tour for four years. During this period, they secured 14 professional titles, including 13 ITF Futures and one ATP Challenger title, and achieved a top-200 doubles ranking. In late 2021, following a five-month injury hiatus, Yates made the decision to retire from tennis and pursue a full-time career in professional pickleball. This move was groundbreaking, as they were among the first active professional tennis players to switch to pickleball.

Since joining the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour in 2024, Yates has quickly made a name for himself. He achieved a notable victory over third-seeded Tyson McGuffin in his PPA debut at the North Carolina Open. As of June 2025, he holds the following rankings:

• Men’s Singles: No. 22

• Men’s Doubles: No. 56

• Mixed Doubles: No. 52

In addition to his PPA achievements, Yates competes in Major League Pickleball (MLP) as a member of the Utah Black Diamonds.

Net Worth

As of June 2025, estimates place Yates Johnson’s net worth at approximately $72.6 million. This figure encompasses earnings from his professional pickleball career, endorsements, and other ventures.