The Pickleball Prodigy: Mattias Johansson’s Story

Are you a fan of pickleball? If so, you’ve probably heard of the Swedish prodigy, Mattias Johansson. He’s one of the most successful players in pickleball today and his story is truly remarkable.

Let’s take a look at how this pickleball phenom rose to the top of the game.

mattias-johansson-pickleball — Photo: *Tustin Hills Racquet Club*

A Beginner’s Luck?

Mattias was born and raised in Sweden and grew up playing a variety of sports including tennis, racquetball, and badminton. Even achieving a Masters Degree in tennis and acting as the head tennis coach at University of California.

He always had a natural talent for all sports but it wasn’t until he discovered pickleball (from an American friend) that he found himself truly hooked on the game.

Johansson started playing pickleball recreationally with friends and family before entering local tournaments in Europe. His first big win came as a surprise when he won the European Championships as an amateur player!

After that, there was no looking back—Johansson decided to make pickleball his profession and moved to California to pursue his dream full-time.

Pickled Perfection

Once in America, Mattias quickly made a name for himself by winning several major events such as SoCal Summer Classic and US Open Pickleball Championships.

He also joined the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) which marked his official entry into professional-level play. It’s no wonder why Johansson has been so successful; he is renowned for his speed, agility, accuracy, and strong mental game on court.

He is also known for having great shot selection which allows him to outplay opponents consistently during long rallies.

What tournaments has Mattias Johansson won in pickleball?

2018 SoCal Summer Classic champion
2019 US Open Pickleball Championships champion
2019 Florida Grand Slam champion
2019 Texas Open champion
2020 Tournament of Champions Pro Men’s Doubles champion
2020 Bainbridge Cup champion
2021 Punta Gorda Open Pro Men’s Doubles champion
2021 Beer City Open Pro Men’s Doubles champion
2021 SoCal Classic Pro Men’s Doubles champion
2021 US Open Pickleball Championships Pro Men’s Doubles bronze medalist

Off Court Life

When not competing on court, Mattias Johansson spends much of his time promoting pickleball through coaching aspiring players and running camps throughout southern California.

He also has an active presence online where he interacts with fans/followers regularly on social media platforms like Instagram (@mattias.johansson.pickleball).

His online presence makes him even more accessible as fans can join him virtually on court whenever they want!

Conclusion

Mattias Johansson is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in professional pickleball today and it’s clear why. From his impressive wins at major tournaments to his passion for promoting pickleball off court—there are few who can match him!

Whether you’re already a fan or just hearing about him now, there’s no denying that Mattias is one of the best players in the world right now—and likely will be for many years to come.

We can’t wait to see what else this young Swede will achieve in the future!

#Author

Lauren Chervinski

Lauren Chervinski is an experienced entrepreneur, former nurse and pickleball enthusiast. With a passion for the sport that inspired her to begin her own pickleball website Racket Royalty, she has become a trusted source of information for others looking to learn more about this fairly new sport.

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FAQs

Frequently Ask Questions

Can pickleball paddles get wet?

Yes, most pickleball paddles can get wet. However, paddle handle grip tape is often made of a tacky coating that will start to get really sticky if it is exposed to too much water.

If your paddle gets REALLY wet, it could warp and become difficult to use.

Will rain ruin your pickleball equipment? How does water affect pickleballs?

Pickleballs are made of hard plastic that is not affected by water, so they are safe to get wet.

As mentioned above, the handle of your paddle could get sticky when wet. As well, some nets will rust, sag, or loosen with rain. If you have a portable net set-up, it’s best to cover it or take it down in rainy weather.

How long do pickleball courts take to dry?

Depending on the court surface, pickleball courts are useable almost immediately after it stops raining, but you can wait an hour to be extra safe.

The biggest danger is slipping on the slick court surface from the rain, but this is usually only a problem on clay or soft carpet courts.

How long after rain can you play pickleball?

You can play pickleball immediately after it rains, but it’s best to wait an hour just to be safe.

Can playing pickleball in the rain cause injuries?

Yes, playing pickleball in the rain can cause injuries, but it’s not a huge issue if you’re extra careful.

Most injuries caused by playing pickleball in the rain are minor, like scrapes and bruises from slipping, but they could be more serious if you take a bad tumble or trip due to low visibility from the rain.

How to avoid injuries when playing pickleball in the rain?

To avoid injuries when playing pickleball in the rain, be sure to use extra caution when playing a match. Wear proper footwear (pickleball shoes), be sure the surface isn’t slick or slippery, and check to make sure the visibility is strong.