From Tennis To Pickleball: Stories Of The Pros Who Switched Courts In 2025
Pickleball may have started as a backyard pastime, but in 2025, it’s a full-fledged professional sport—one that continues to attract high-caliber talent from around the world. And nowhere is that more evident than in the growing list of former tennis professionals who’ve traded their racquets for paddles.
This isn’t just a trend. It’s a wave. From ATP and WTA veterans to NCAA stars and international juniors, tennis players are finding a second act on the pickleball court—and in many cases, a much bigger spotlight than they ever had before.
Here’s a look at some of the most compelling stories behind tennis pros who made the switch to pickleball in 2025.
Source: Tennis.com
1. Sam Querrey – The Most Talked-About Switch Of 2025
After dabbling in the pickleball scene in 2023 and 2024, former ATP World No. 11 Sam Querrey officially committed to pickleball full-time in 2025—and it’s paying off. While his early performances were inconsistent, Querrey’s power game and competitive instincts have steadily improved, especially in men’s doubles.
In interviews, he’s been candid about how refreshing it feels to be part of a newer, growing sport: “There’s real camaraderie here,” Querrey said during MLP Atlanta. “Tennis can be isolating. Pickleball feels more like a team, a community—and I’m loving that part of it.”
2. Ewa Radzikowska – A Doubles Star In The Making
Originally from Poland, Ewa Radzikowska played Division I tennis at Florida State before spending time on the ITF pro circuit. In early 2025, she joined the PPA Tour and quickly made her mark in women’s doubles with her court coverage, net instincts, and ability to transition quickly.
Her decision to switch was as much about lifestyle as it was about opportunity: “I was burned out with travel and injuries. Pickleball gave me a way back into the sport I love—but on my terms.”
She’s now a rising name to watch and a fan favorite at tournaments from Miami to Mesa.
3. Martin Emmrich – A Return To Sport And Purpose
Former German doubles tennis pro Martin Emmrich had stepped away from professional athletics for nearly a decade—until he discovered pickleball. Now in his late 30s, Emmrich has brought his sharp volleys and lefty spin back into competition and is proving that experience still counts.
In 2025, he made several key Challenger finals and was picked up by a Major League Pickleball team mid-season. His comeback story is one of passion, resilience, and embracing new chapters without fear.
4. Jade Kawamoto – NCAA Tennis To Pickleball Phenomenon
A standout at the University of Dayton, Jade Kawamoto transitioned to pickleball shortly after college. Her rise has been swift. In 2025, she broke into the top 20 of the women’s singles rankings and has already found podium success in both singles and mixed doubles.
Her movement and racket skills clearly come from years of tennis training—but it’s her intensity and mental game that set her apart. “Tennis prepared me technically,” she says. “But pickleball made me fall in love with competition again.”
5. Ben Newell – An Underdog With Grit
A former Division I tennis player from the Midwest, Ben Newell was never a household name in tennis—but pickleball has changed that. Known for his hustle, tricky angles, and relentless energy, Newell has become a doubles stalwart on the APP Tour in 2025.
He attributes his rise to the accessibility of pickleball and the fact that the sport rewards players who think creatively. “In tennis, it sometimes felt like you hit a ceiling. In pickleball, there’s always a new layer to unlock.”
Why So Many Are Making The Move
There’s no denying the trend. As prize money grows, broadcast deals expand, and MLP and PPA fight for talent, pickleball is now a serious career option for tennis players who once thought their professional dreams were behind them.
From more relaxed travel schedules to the high-energy fan base and increased team formats, pickleball offers something tennis often doesn’t: fun, freedom, and a fast-growing future.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the pipeline from tennis to pickleball is as active as ever—and the sport is better for it. These athletes bring world-class skill, professionalism, and storytelling with them, enriching a sport that’s still defining itself on the global stage.
As more tennis players take the leap, one thing is clear: pickleball is no longer the backup plan. It’s the main event.
