Ly Hoang Nam, Vietnam’s most accomplished tennis player, has officially announced his retirement from professional tennis to focus on Pickleball.

The announcement came as he participated in a special exhibition match in Hanoi on March 19, 2025, alongside his doubles partner Trinh Linh Giang, against two of the world’s top Pickleball players.

Hoang Nam’s transition to Pickleball has been gradual, but his growing passion for the sport has led him to fully embrace the challenge.

He initially tried Pickleball out of curiosity but soon became captivated by its accessibility and appeal. "At first, I just wanted to see what made this sport interesting, but then I was hooked. Pickleball suits Vietnamese players well because it’s easy to pick up, and anyone can play," Hoang Nam shared.

A smooth transition to a new sport

With years of professional tennis experience, Hoang Nam has found adapting to Pickleball relatively seamless. His physical endurance, agility, and quick reflexes give him an edge as he learns the nuances of the game.

In his exhibition match, he faced Jonathan Truong, the world’s No. 1-ranked U17 doubles player and top 5 in U17 men’s singles. The match provided an opportunity for Vietnamese Pickleball players to gain valuable experience against international competition.

As a brand ambassador for Kamito, Hoang Nam now competes with the Kamito Alpha Pickleball paddle. His presence in the sport is expected to boost its popularity in Vietnam, where Pickleball is still emerging.

A well-received debut in the Pickleball scene

The exhibition match drew a large crowd of spectators eager to see the former tennis star in action. Many fans expressed excitement at Hoang Nam’s transition and support for his new journey.

After the match, he took time to interact with Pickleball enthusiasts, posing for photos and signing autographs.

While he has retired from professional tennis, Hoang Nam has not ruled out future involvement in the sport. However, for now, his focus is entirely on Pickleball, where he aims to establish himself as a competitive player on the international stage.

The Bang