Roscoe Bellamy Is Stepping Into His Own On The Pro Pickleball Stage
Source: https://www.roscoebellamy.com/
Roscoe Bellamy’s transition from tennis to pickleball wasn’t as seamless as some might expect for an elite athlete. Despite a strong collegiate and professional tennis background, raw talent alone didn’t guarantee immediate success. Like many former tennis players entering America’s fastest-growing sport, Bellamy had to dig deep and refine his game from the ground up.
But now, the hard work is beginning to pay off.
Bellamy recently made headlines by reaching the Men’s Singles Final at the Veolia North Carolina Open—his most notable run to date on the PPA Tour. It’s a significant step forward in a career that’s steadily gaining momentum.
“For a long time, I was really focused on doubles,” Bellamy shared. “I think being a tennis guy, singles just came naturally. But at some point, I realized I could really make something of myself in singles too—so I shifted my focus.”
That shift wasn’t just mental. Bellamy put in long hours on court with his coach, drilling singles-specific shots, refining point construction, and zeroing in on consistency. Wins over formidable opponents like Hunter Johnson, Zane Ford, and Max Freeman at the North Carolina Open were no fluke—they were the result of precision, preparation, and belief.
“I went with my coach, got a bucket of balls, and we just hit singles shots over and over,” he said. “In North Carolina, we were really efficient. It showed.”
Bellamy’s development also stems from surrounding himself with the right people. Early in his pro pickleball journey, he trained closely with Hunter and Yates Johnson as well as Parris Todd—all high-level players who’ve helped him adapt quickly. Johnson is now World No. 2 in men’s singles, while Todd holds the No. 4 spot in women’s singles—proof that Bellamy’s training environment has been elite from the start.
“I’m not aiming to be a one-hit wonder,” Bellamy added. “The goal is to keep showing up, to have more of these deep runs, and to do it consistently.”
To get there, he’s laser-focused on refining his return game and volleys—two areas that needed extra attention after years on the tennis court. “Tennis is all about a big serve, but in pickleball, you have to be way more precise on the return,” Bellamy explained. “I’ve really improved that part of my game, and it’s helped my overall consistency too.”
Beyond the PPA Tour, Bellamy is also making waves in Major League Pickleball. Drafted by the Columbus Sliders earlier this year, he got his chance to shine in MLP Columbus after teammate CJ Klinger withdrew due to illness. Bellamy stepped in alongside veteran Andrei Daescu, gaining valuable experience and insight.
“I’m learning so much from Andrei—especially his mindset. He fights for every point,” Bellamy said. “That competitiveness, that edge—it’s inspiring, and it’s something I’m working to bring into my own game.”
From grinding through practice sessions to soaking up wisdom from veterans, Roscoe Bellamy is proving that raw athleticism paired with focused intention can lead to real results. He’s still on the rise, but all signs point to a player who’s finding his groove—and quickly becoming a name to watch in both the PPA and MLP circuits.
