On March 19, 2025, in a vibrant ceremony held in Hanoi, Vietnamese tennis star Ly Hoang Nam made headlines as he was announced as the pickleball ambassador for a local sportswear brand. In a significant career shift, Nam revealed that he will be stepping away from his tennis career to devote himself entirely to this rapidly growing sport.
"I have decided to temporarily stop my tennis career to focus on pickleball," Nam stated during the press event. His passion for the newer sport has sparked a growing interest in pickleball in Vietnam, which has been gaining momentum since 2024.
Originally created in 1965 in Washington, USA, pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, played on a smaller court with a lightweight perforated ball. While the sport made its debut in Vietnam in 2018, it surged in popularity early last year, with Nam among those leading the charge.
Nam's fascination stems not just from the sport's novelty but also from its accessibility, making it suitable for players of all ages. "Right now, I'm competing in domestic tournaments, but after a period of gaining experience, I plan to compete across Asia, then Europe and America," he expressed, outlining his ambitions in this new endeavor.
Since his transition late last year, Nam has achieved notable success in the pickleball arena. Partnering with his close friend Trinh Linh Giang, he has secured six men's doubles titles, showcasing rapid development within the local pickleball scene. Their recent triumph at the 2025 national championship in the men's doubles under-35 category highlighted their strong partnership and commitment to the sport.
Reflecting on the sport's evolution in Vietnam, Nam remarked, "Pickleball is growing quickly in Vietnam, with many tournaments being held. We're also seeing international players coming here to compete and exchange experiences. I see this as a great opportunity to learn and grow." His proactive engagement with the sport emphasizes not just personal goals but also elevates the sport's profile nationwide.
Despite this promising new chapter, Nam's past as a top tennis player remains remarkable. The 1997-born athlete is still recognized as Vietnam's number one male tennis player, boasting a current ATP ranking of 744th. His last professional appearance in tennis was at the M25 Nakhon Si Thammarat event in Thailand in September 2024, where he faced an unexpected defeat in the first round against a lower-ranked player.
Nam's journey in tennis started early; he displayed talent from the age of 7 and turned professional at just 9 years old. By age 15, he had already claimed the title of national champion, and in 2015, he made history by winning the Wimbledon junior doubles title alongside Indian player Sumit Nagal.
Throughout his career, Nam has conquered 11 International Tennis Federation (ITF) titles from 21 finals and reached the SEA Games men's singles final three times, securing gold medals in 2019 and 2022. His highest ATP singles ranking was achieved on November 28, 2022, placing him 231st globally. He aspired to break into the ATP top 100 and hoped to qualify for a Grand Slam, nearing that goal by competing in various ATP Challenger events.
Nam's largest tournament appearance to date remains the prestigious Shanghai Masters 1000 in October 2023, where he entered as a wildcard. Unfortunately, he experienced a first-round exit against Canadian competitor Steven Diez.
As he pivots towards pickleball, Nam aims to leverage his extensive experience in tennis while aspiring to win a singles title in his newfound sport. His commitment to developing his skills and contributing to the growth of pickleball in Vietnam holds promise for both his career and the sport's future.
