Former Wimbledon Champion Joins Chennai Super Champs for WPBL Season 2
The second season of the World Pickleball League (WPBL) is set to commence on January 27, 2026, and one of its participating teams, Chennai Super Champs, has bolstered its international roster with the addition of a Southeast Asian pickleball star.
A Tennis Pedigree Meets Pickleball
Hoang Nam Ly, a former Wimbledon champion in tennis and a rising figure in the PPA Asia pickleball circuit, has joined forces with the Chennai Super Champs for the upcoming WPBL season. At 28, Ly brings a versatile sports background to the pickleball court.
Prior to pickleball, Ly achieved significant success in tennis, becoming the first Vietnamese player to win a junior Grand Slam title when he clinched the boys doubles crown at Wimbledon in 2015. He also reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of 239 in 2022, a milestone for Vietnamese tennis players.
In pickleball, Ly has quickly made a name for himself. Currently ranked No. 3 in men's singles on the PPA Asia Tour and within the world's top 50 in men's singles, he is recognized as one of the region's most technically sound and tactically aware competitors.
The Joy of Pickleball
Ly expressed his enthusiasm for pickleball, stating, "I started with tennis, but when I discovered pickleball, I immediately felt a different kind of joy. The speed, the strategy, and the community drew me in."
Implications for the North East Region and India
The inclusion of a player of Ly's caliber in the WPBL can serve as an inspiration for aspiring pickleball players in the North East region of India, fostering growth and interest in the sport. As the popularity of pickleball continues to rise in India, the presence of high-profile athletes like Ly can help elevate the sport's profile and attract more players and sponsors.
Looking Ahead
With his tennis background, Ly is eager to push his pickleball skills to the limit while inspiring others to take up the sport. As the WPBL Season 2 gets underway on January 27, pickleball enthusiasts in Mumbai can catch the action at Jio World Garden, and tickets are available on Swiggy Scenes.