Former tennis players swap rackets for paddles in Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour

Sisters Tin and Clarice Patrimonio with their family. Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Pickleball has been drawing in athletes from other sports — including some of the Philippines best-known tennis players. 

Former tennis players Ruben Gonzales and Johnny Arcilla and sisters Tin and Clarice Patrimonio are now part of the athletes in the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour.

Tin acknowledged that being a former tennis player has its advantages, but Clarice points out that old habits can be a drawback as well.

“Nakakatapak ako sa kitchen line, pero nasanay na lang,” Clarice said. “Iniisip ko parati, huwag aapak sa kitchen!”

Gonzales, who is now part of Leg 1 and 2 champion team Parañaque Titans, said the switch is less challenging in some ways.

“Playing singles is an easier transition for a tennis player, but doubles is very, very different,” Gonzales said. “So, I’ve had to change a lot of things tactically and technically to play this sport, but it’s been a really fun challenge so far.”

However, he said that a tennis background is no guarantee of success.

“It’s an easier entry point, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to be really good at pickleball if you play tennis,” Gonzales said. “I definitely feel like there’s a learning curve that’s a little bit misunderstood.”

Gonzales said the main differences are the equipment and the court. Players use a paddle without strings and a different ball, and the court is smaller.

Former tennis player Ruben Gonzales, who now plays in the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour. Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN NewsHe said he will stay committed to pickleball after the tour.

“I have commitments playing pickleball,” Gonzales said. “I would like to play Davis Cup, but other than that, I’m very focused on pickleball too.”

Arcilla, who was the country’s number one tennis player for 15 years, said he is at a turning point in his career.

“My path has changed now,” Arcilla said. “In tennis, I’ve been there for a long time. They call me a maestro… Now, I’m going to try pickleball.”

For him, age is not a barrier.

“Even if you’re in your 40s, you can still be here,” Arcilla said. “And now, pickleball is also getting hype. So, I grabbed the opportunity.”

A Vietnam-based paddle brand even named a paddle after him. Called “The Maestro,” it carries his name and signature, and is a main weapon on tour.

“My mindset is different,” Arcilla said. “Here in pickleball, it’s really tough. It’s really tough.”

In a way, tennis prepared him for the mentality needed in pickleball.

“Your patience is really long,” Arcilla said. “So, we’re used to it in tennis. Because in tennis, our game is really long.”

“We can play for 4 hours in court,” he said. “Now, here in pickleball, we can do it.”

With tennis experience and new paddles in hand, they will keep chasing wins in the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour.