Jay Devilliers: Top Pickleball Player

Pickleball has exploded in the United States and worldwide, and with that ascension came a few names that are synonymous with the sport. One of the most entertaining players in the professional pickleball world is Jay Devilliers, or as he’s affectionately known – The Flying Frenchman. Between his days in France, traveling the world to play tennis and then becoming one of pickleball’s most successful athletes, Jay has come a long way.

 Surya Akash Pokala Experience Playing with Jay Devilliers

Playing against Jay Devilliers was unbelievable. And it’s one thing to watch him play on the pro tour, but being on court with him is a whole new appreciation of his game and his personality.

Mainly, it was his athleticism and coverage of the court that caught my eye. The advantage Jay has is his breakneck velocity and precision, making those impossible shots suddenly appear effortless. How quickly he can get from a defensive position to an offensive one in just a couple of strides is something you really feel only when you are across the net from him.

And then what really got me as much as his talent was how enthusiastic he was and how alive he seemed.

Off the court, Jay was accessible and modest. He even stopped long enough to talk, share some tips and relate to the man on a personal level. He is one of the best players in the world but always treats people with kindness and respect, which meant a lot to me.

It was more than just a practice match playing Jay Devilliers, it was a lesson and memory that will stick with me for my remaining days. He’s the epitome of what makes pickleball so special: gritty play, camaraderie and passion for the game.

Jay Devilliers – Career Achievements

Year	Tournament / Event	Category	Result / Medal
2019	Minto US Open of Pickleball	Pro Debut	Competed in first pro event
2020	APP Tour	Singles & Doubles	Multiple podium finishes
2021	PPA Las Vegas Championships	Mixed Doubles	🥇 Gold – First PPA Title
2021	PPA Tour Events (various)	Singles & Doubles	Several Silver & Bronze medals
2022	PPA & APP Tours	Singles, Doubles, Mixed	Consistent Top-5 finishes
2023	PPA Tour	Singles	Maintained Top-10 world ranking
2023	APP Chicago Open	Men’s Singles	🥈 Silver Medal
2024	PPA Tour	Mixed Doubles & Men’s Doubles	Multiple podium placements

Training Abroad

As a teenager, Jay made a bold move—he left France for Barcelona, Spain, to pursue advanced tennis training while completing high school. This decision was life-changing. Moving to a new country, adapting to a new language, and training at a higher level shaped his resilience. The international experience also exposed him to a variety of cultures, which would later influence his outlook as a global athlete.

His dedication to tennis paid off, and he became a skilled competitor. However, life had a different path in store. Injuries, a challenge many athletes face, slowed his progress and forced him to reconsider his long-term goals.

Discipline	Current Ranking	Career-High Ranking
Singles	#33	#2
Men’s Doubles	#23	#5
Mixed Doubles	#15	#2

College Years in the United States

With his career in tennis uncertain, Jay turned to education. He received a tennis scholarship to attend

Wichita State University in Kansas, where he played on the men’s tennis team. He entered as a 6-7, 200-pound gangly wing with a promising but unspectacular future in front of him. He has a second degree in International Business & Management (as well as an MBA) that gives him more than just playing ability.

But it wasn’t just academics that formed his experience in Wichita. It’s where Jay discovered the sport pickleball.

The Discovery of Pickleball

In 2019, a fresh-out-of-college Jay gave pickleball a try. It started as a bit of fun. The court however, felt smaller and the paddles were lighter, and while it certainly was a fast game, it was less impactful on the body than tennis. Curiosity quickly became passionate for my creation.

He began practicing seriously, realizing that many of his tennis skills—sharp reflexes, quick movement, strategic shot making translated seamlessly into pickleball. Within months, Jay decided to dive fully into this new sport.

Rise as a Professional Pickleball Player

Jay’s professional pickleball career began almost immediately after discovering the game. He took on a role at Chicken N Pickle in Wichita, where he helped grow the local pickleball community while training himself to compete at the highest level. That same year, he entered his first professional tournament—the Minto US Open of Pickleball—and showed he had the ability to hang with the best.

Known for his intensity and determination, Jay quickly earned recognition on the pro tour. His athletic background and fiery style of play made him a crowd favorite. Fans often hear him yell his trademark “Come on!” after winning key points, a phrase that reflects both his passion and his energy.

Playing Style and Strengths

Jay Devilliers is not only known for his athleticism but also for his versatility. He competes in singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles, often placing at the top in all three categories. His tennis background gives him a strong foundation for singles, where movement and shot placement are crucial. In doubles, his quick reactions, reach, and powerful drives make him a dangerous opponent.

Nicknamed “The Flying Frenchman”, Jay is admired for his ability to cover the court with speed and precision. He combines power with finesse, aggression with patience, and always seems to find a way to fight back, even in the toughest matches.

Career Achievements

Since turning professional, Jay has earned multiple medals across top tours, including the APP (Association of Pickleball Professionals) and the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association). He has been ranked among the top players in the world and continues to challenge the very best in the sport.

• Some highlights of his career include:
• Winning his first PPA mixed doubles title in 2021 at the PPA Championships in Las Vegas.
• Earning medals across singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles on a consistent basis.
• Competing against, and often defeating, some of the most well-known players in pickleball such as Ben Johns, Tyson McGuffin, and Matt Wright.
• These accomplishments have solidified Jay as one of the sport’s most dynamic and reliable competitors.

Life Off the Court

While pickleball keeps him busy, Jay is also a family man. He lives in Wichita, Kansas, with his wife Aleksandra and their children. Despite his busy travel schedule, he values family time and often credits his wife’s support as a big part of his success.

Jay is also multilingual, speaking French, English, Spanish, and Serbian, which helps him connect with fans and players around the globe. His international background makes him a perfect ambassador for pickleball as it expands worldwide.

Beyond competition, Jay is actively involved in promoting pickleball in France. He wants to help grow the sport in his home country, just as he has seen it thrive in the United States. His role as both a player and promoter makes him one of the most influential voices in the pickleball community.

Personality and Fan Connection

One of the reasons fans love Jay is his personality. He wears his emotions on his sleeve, plays with visible passion, and never backs down from a challenge. Whether he’s pumping up the crowd, diving for a ball, or celebrating a hard-earned point, Jay brings excitement to every match he plays.

He is also approachable and generous with his time. Fans who meet him often comment on his humility and kindness, qualities that make him not just a great athlete but also a role model.

Looking Ahead

As pickleball continues to grow, Jay Devilliers stands at the forefront of the movement. His competitive drive and dedication to the sport ensure that he will remain a force for years to come. Whether it’s chasing titles, inspiring the next generation of players, or promoting pickleball internationally, Jay is determined to leave a lasting legacy.

With his nickname The Flying Frenchmanechoing through the stands, Jay has proven that passion and perseverance can take you anywhere. From the tennis courts of France to the pickleball arenas of America, his story is a reminder that success comes to those who dare to reinvent themselves and embrace new opportunities.