‘I’m Not a John McEnroe’- 23-Year-Old American Breakout Pickleball Star Gives a Sneak-Peek Into His True Self

Pickleball is a sport that draws similarities from tennis and table tennis. Both tennis and table tennis are highly competitive sports. Apart from the competition, they are incredibly demanding in nature, both physically and mentally. The kids who grew up adoring tennis, but don’t have the endurance and toughness to play them, are preferring pickleball as an alternative sports option.

Pickleball star Ben Johns also has a similar story of falling in love with this sport. In no time, he has become the top player in the sport. However, he believes in keeping a silent profile, rather than someone like John McEnroe. Here’s what he said about his playing style.

 More of Bjorn Borg than John McEnroe

Speaking about his style of play, the most successful pickleball player said that he is not expressive like former American tennis star John McEnroe. Instead, he draws parallels with someone like former Swedish tennis star Bjorn Borg. Here’s what he said.

“That’s what I prefer. With an apology to the titans of tennis, I’m not a John McEnroe. I’m more like a Bjorn Borg.”

Back in his playing days, McEnroe was pretty popular not only for his tennis skills but because of his behavior as well. The American often argued with his opponents, and umpires, and had multiple meltdowns in the middle of a match. His uniqueness was the hot-headed behavior fuelled by an aggressive approach in his gameplay. On the other hand, players like Bjorn Borg quietly went about their business on the court.

Read more: Known for His Angry Outbursts, John McEnroe’s ‘Unscathed’ Survival in Men’s Tennis Revealed by Good Friend Chris Evert – ‘Pretty Good Shape’

No one approach is a sure shot to success. A player has to assess himself and decide what suits him better. For Johns, it was Borg’s way.

Tennis players shifting to pickleball

Due to highly demanding physical rigor and heavy competition, many tennis players are turning their heads towards pickleball.

Pickleball not only allows them to play a sport at the topmost level, but it also utilizes their skills from tennis. While being physically less demanding and having a shorter ground to cover on the court, the latest tennis player to add to this list was former junior Wimbledon champion, Noah Rubin. Earlier this year, the 26-year-old decided to leave tennis to make a career in pickleball.

Watch this story: Hilarious Meaning of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams on Urban Dictionary! 

It will be interesting to see how tennis holds on to its players as the challenge from pickleball keeps increasing. Are we going to see more tennis players migrating to pickleball? Let us know your opinion in the comments section.