Why Pickleball Is the Best Matchmaker

Forget the dating apps. If you’re looking for love, the best place to swipe right might just be on the pickleball court.

Turns out, the sport isn’t just good for your fitness—it’s great for your love life.

Here’s how.

The Court Is the New Dating App

Think about it: pickleball has everything dating apps don’t.

You’re meeting people face-to-face—no awkward “so what do you do for fun?” messages.

There’s built-in banter, especially when you “accidentally” target their feet with a speed-up.

A little friendly competition gets the chemistry going fast.

And let’s be real—if they don’t call kitchen faults, that’s a major red flag.

Pros & Amateurs Finding Love on the Court

Pickleball love stories? They’re everywhere.

Pro players are proving that dinking together might just be the key to a lasting relationship. Hunter Johnson and Parris Todd met through the sport and now dominate both on and off the court. And they’re not the only ones—pickleball relationships are happening at all levels.

On the amateur side? Let’s just say the odds are in your favor.

Mixed doubles = built-in date night.

More and more players are meeting their partners at open play, tournaments, and league nights. You might show up for a rec game, but don’t be surprised if you leave with a new partner—on and off the court.

Credit: Rebecca Renner Photography

Dating a Pickleball Player? Here’s What You Need to Know

If your partner says they’ll “be home in an hour” after playing, double that estimate.

If they start casually dropping terms like “Erne” and “ATP” in everyday conversation, just nod and go with it.

Playing mixed doubles with your significant other? Buckle up.

The highs are great—perfect teamwork, well-placed dinks, winning a match together. The lows? Losing can test even the strongest relationships.

Learning how to survive competitive play with your partner might just be the ultimate test of patience and communication.

And then there are the pickleball crushes.

You start by casually playing together, then suddenly you’re finding excuses to be on the same court at open play. You notice the way they call the score, the way they celebrate a winning shot.

Next thing you know, you’re coordinating outfits for tournaments.

In the end, it's clear: those who dink together, stay together – for better or for worse.