How Old is Matt Wright, the Professional Pickleball Player?

Pickleball has exploded in popularity in recent years, evolving from a backyard pastime to a full-fledged professional sport with major tournaments and star athletes. One of the top pros leading this charge is Matt Wright, a former tennis player who has found immense success on the professional pickleball circuit. But who exactly is Matt Wright, and how old is he?

Matt Wright was born on January 1, 1977 in Wichita, Kansas, making him 46 years old as of 2023. After a successful junior and collegiate tennis career, Wright played professionally until around 2016, when he transitioned to focus exclusively on pickleball as the sport was gaining traction. Now, at 46, Wright is considered one of the premier pickleball players in the world.

What Are Matt Wright’s Major Accomplishments in Pickleball?

Since turning pro in 2016, Matt Wright has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments in his relatively short but illustrious pickleball career so far. Some highlights include:

2-time US Open Champion in Mixed Doubles (2018, 2021)
Gold medalist in Men’s Doubles at the USA Pickleball National Championships (2021)
Silver medalist in Men’s Doubles at the US Open (2019)
Winner of numerous ATP tournaments and championships
Currently ranked #5 in the world in Men’s Doubles

Clearly, Matt Wright wasted no time rising to the top of the sport after making the switch from tennis. His stacked resume has cemented his status as one of pickleball’s preeminent superstars.

How Did Matt Wright Get His Start in Pickleball?

Matt Wright was an accomplished junior and collegiate tennis player before playing professionally. However, as pickleball began growing in popularity in the mid-2010s, Wright saw an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of this burgeoning new sport.

In 2016, at 39 years old, Wright officially retired from professional tennis and turned his focus exclusively to pickleball. He quickly became one of the top players, using his athleticism and prior racquet sport experience to dominate the pro circuits.

Wright’s tennis background gave him a head start, as the sports share similarities in terms of gameplay, strategies, and required skills. His towering 6’2″ height is also an advantage in pickleball. Now nearing his late 40s, Wright remains a force to be reckoned with against players sometimes half his age.

What Is Matt Wright’s Playing Style and Strengths on the Court?

At 6’2″, Matt Wright uses his size and reach to his advantage with an aggressive playing style, often controlling points from the net. As a former tennis ace, he has excellent reflexes and racquet skills to put away volleys.

Wright also utilizes his imposing power to blast forehand and backhand groundstrokes with force. His competitive drive and intensity are unmatched – Wright excels when the pressure is on. Above all, his experience and court IQ allow him to strategize points and pick the right shots.

Off the court, Wright is praised as a great ambassador for the sport who helps promote pickleball and mentor younger players. His passion and dedication to growth have helped boost pickleball’s popularity worldwide.

What Does the Future Look Like for Matt Wright in Pickleball?

Even in his mid-40s, Matt Wright remains a dominant force in pickleball as a top 5 world ranked player in Men’s Doubles. With his skill and physical fitness, he likely has several more prime years left competing at the highest levels.

Wright figures to continue contending for major titles while also helping elevate the pro game. His success has demonstrated that pickleball can be much more than just a casual backyard pastime. With icons like Wright leading the charge, pickleball’s future looks brighter than ever.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matt Wright and Pickleball

When did Matt Wright start playing pickleball professionally?

Matt Wright turned professional in pickleball in 2016 after retiring from professional tennis. He quickly became one of the top players in the world over the next few years.

What were Matt Wright’s accomplishments in tennis before switching to pickleball?

As a junior, Wright was ranked as high as #2 nationally and played #1 singles at UCLA. He played professional tennis until around age 39, competing mostly in ATP Challenger events.

How tall is Matt Wright? What advantages does his height provide?

At 6’2″, Matt Wright is exceptionally tall for a pickleball player. His height allows him to easily control shots at the non-volley zone and provides him with a significant reach advantage at the net.

How has Matt Wright helped with the growth of pickleball?

As one of the most prominent faces in the sport, Wright has helped promote pickleball worldwide through clinics, endorsements, and ambassador roles. His success has demonstrated pickleball’s potential as a serious pro sport.

Does Matt Wright have any signature moves or playing styles?

Wright utilizes an aggressive playing style, moving forward to attack shots from the net. He also has a devastating forehand drive and quick reflexes to put away volleys. His signature intensity energizes partners and fans.

What tournaments and events does Matt Wright compete in?

Wright competes in major pro events like the US Open, Pickleball National Championships, and ATP tournaments. He mostly focuses on Men’s and Mixed Doubles competitions at the professional level.

Who are Matt Wright’s usual doubles partners in pickleball tournaments?

Some of Wright’s common partners include fellow top pros like Riley Newman, Simone Jardim, and Lucy Kovalova. He won the 2021 USA National Title with Riley Newman in Men’s Doubles.

How much longer will Matt Wright compete professionally as he ages?

At 46, Wright remains near the top of his game and could continue competing professionally for at least a few more years if he maintains fitness. Most top players retire from competition in their early 50s.

Is Matt Wright married? Does he have children?

Yes, Matt Wright has been married to his wife Erin since 2004. Together they have two children – a daughter named Reece and a son named Declan. His family often supports Wright at his pickleball tournaments.

Conclusion

At 46 years old, Matt Wright is the elder statesman on the professional pickleball scene. However, he remains one of the world’s premier players through his athleticism, skills, and unmatched competitiveness.

Wright’s decorated career has paved the way for pickleball’s growth, and he continues blazing the trail well into his 40s. With his passion for the sport still going strong, we can expect Matt Wright to keep excelling and captivating audiences for years to come.

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