The astronomical rise of pickleball in the UK has caught the attention of former tennis professional, James Chaudry. Hailing from Southampton, Mr. Chaudry made the transition from tennis to pickleball after being sidelined by injuries, and he has since emerged as a vocal advocate for the sport.
As a promising talent in tennis, Mr. Chaudry was no stranger to the world of racket sports. However, it wasn’t until he discovered pickleball during his time in the United States that he found his new passion. “I got injured and retired from tennis at 23. I still wanted to play but I was injury-prone and had several surgeries. I found pickleball a little later when I moved to the US,” shared Mr. Chaudry.
Upon returning to the UK, Mr. Chaudry was determined to bring his newfound love for pickleball with him. He highlighted the inclusivity and sense of community that drew him to the sport, remarking, “From the moment I started playing, I loved it. I saw that it was so inclusive. I made an enormous network of new friends through it. It attracted me through the fun skills you learn, and it kept me through the community.”
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, was initially invented as a children’s game but has since gained popularity among adults. Mr. Chaudry’s own success in the sport, including winning the 2023 English Nationals, serves as a testament to the growing appeal of pickleball.
Encouraging others to give pickleball a try, Mr. Chaudry emphasized the accessibility of the sport, stating, “Barriers to entry are so low, there’s no real excuse to not at least go down to your local rec centre and ask to play the sport.”
He also highlighted the intergenerational nature of pickleball, noting that it brings people of all ages together on the court. “It’s so cross-generational that kids can play with their parents and grandparents. The skill gaps aren’t as large as you would see in other sports and the physical gaps aren’t as extreme as you’d see in other sports,” he explained.
With Mr. Chaudry’s support and the growing popularity of pickleball, it’s clear that the sport is here to stay. As more individuals discover the joy of playing pickleball, its inclusive and community-driven nature is sure to continue attracting new enthusiasts.
(Source: Eurosport)