News & Stories
Mar 13, 2025
In a move sending ripples across Vietnam’s sports scene, national tennis icon Ly Hoang Nam has officially announced his transition to pickleball, marking a new chapter in an already illustrious athletic career.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to temporarily stop playing professional tennis and focus on pickleball,” Hoang Nam shared with reporters at a recent event in Hanoi. His words underscore not a retirement, but a pivot—one that mirrors a growing trend among elite tennis players discovering a second wind in pickleball.
A Shocking Shift That Signals More Than Just a Change of Pace
Known as Vietnam’s top tennis player for many years, Hoang Nam’s shift is both surprising and symbolic. His trophy-laden journey—from clinching gold at the 2013 Asian Youth Games to back-to-back SEA Games victories in 2019 and 2021—has made him a household name in Vietnamese tennis.
And of course, few can forget his historic Wimbledon Junior Doubles title with partner Sumit Nagal, a win that placed him on the international tennis map. Reaching an ATP career-high ranking of 231 in 2022, he consistently carried the nation’s hopes in a sport still developing its global competitiveness in Vietnam.
Yet, despite his consistent presence on the court, recent seasons have seen Hoang Nam struggle to maintain the form that once made him unbeatable in the region. His six-month stretch away from high-level tennis tournaments hinted at something brewing—and now we know: it was the beginning of a passionate dive into the fast-growing world of pickleball.
(Photo Source: https://www.vietnam.vn/es/ly-hoang-nam-re-huong-sang-pickleball)
A New Love: From Curiosity to Competition
Initially, Nam said he picked up the paddle just to try something new. But curiosity quickly turned into commitment.
“I was just trying it out at first,” he said, smiling. “But then I was impressed and decided to compete more in world pickleball tournaments.”
The sport’s fast-paced dynamics, community-driven culture, and global growth seem to have reignited his competitive fire. While he’s not closing the door on tennis forever, the switch feels intentional and driven by purpose—not just exploration.
“For now, I’m focusing on domestic tournaments,” he explained. “With the current development of pickleball, we have attracted and will continue to attract many of the world’s best athletes. This is an opportunity to learn and gain experience. Afterward, I’ll head to Asia to test my strength. If I can compete, I’ll continue to test my strength on other stages like the United States and Europe.”
From Center Court to Pickleball's Global Stage
Nam’s decision mirrors a rising global trend, where accomplished tennis players are finding new life in pickleball. The sport’s mix of precision, reflexes, and strategy makes it a natural fit for tennis players looking for fresh challenges without starting entirely from scratch.
With the sport booming across Asia and beyond, Nam’s move could inspire more Southeast Asian athletes to take pickleball seriously—not just as a hobby, but as a professional path. His presence alone will likely accelerate Vietnam’s visibility on the global pickleball map.
(Photo Source: https://vnexpress.net/ly-hoang-nam-nghi-tennis-chuyen-sang-pickleball-4863340.html)
A Legacy in Motion
Born in 1997 in Tay Ninh and trained under the Binh Duong youth tennis system, Hoang Nam’s journey is far from over. Whether on a tennis court or pickleball court, his drive to compete and grow remains unchanged.
While fans may feel his absence from tennis tournaments, many are equally excited to see what he brings to this new sport. And with his track record of turning potential into podiums, there’s every reason to believe Hoang Nam is just getting started.
The torchbearer of Vietnamese tennis may have swapped rackets for paddles, but his fire burns just as bright.
