Connie Etemadi
Pickleball has quickly evolved into one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Blending elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, the sport’s accessibility and social nature have fueled a global surge in participation over the past decade. Courts are appearing in parks, gyms, and sports clubs across the United States and increasingly around the world.
Israel is experiencing that same wave. What began as a grassroots sport played on improvised courts has developed into a structured national scene with clubs, leagues, and international competition. Israeli teams have already begun competing abroad, including appearances at the Pickleball World Cup in Fort Lauderdale, signaling how quickly the sport has taken hold in the country.
As pickleball grows, it is attracting athletes from other racket sports—particularly tennis. Among the most prominent is Deniz Khazan, widely regarded as one of Israel’s top female tennis players of the past decade.
Born in Ashkelon in 1994 and raised in Netanya, Khazan built an accomplished professional tennis career before transitioning into pickleball. During her time on the professional tour, she reached a career-high WTA singles ranking of No. 200 in the world in 2018 and climbed to No. 408 in doubles. Over the course of her career she captured 21 ITF singles titles and 3 ITF doubles titles, establishing herself as one of Israel’s most successful players on the international circuit.
Khazan was also a dominant presence in national competition. She won the Israeli National Tennis Championship in 2016, one of the country’s most prestigious domestic titles, and represented Israel internationally in the Fed Cup, competing against some of the strongest national teams in women’s tennis.
Her professional career included appearances in high-level tournaments and victories across multiple ITF events around the world, where she built a reputation for her aggressive baseline play and competitive resilience.
After stepping away from the professional tennis tour in 2020, Khazan began exploring new avenues within racket sports. Like many former tennis professionals, she found pickleball to be a natural transition. The sport demands fast reflexes, sharp hand-eye coordination, and tactical thinking—skills developed over years of high-level tennis competition.
Her transition into pickleball was swift. Leveraging her tennis background, Khazan quickly emerged as one of the leading players in Israel’s growing pickleball community, winning national titles and helping elevate the sport’s competitive profile within the country.
Her story reflects a broader trend. As pickleball’s popularity continues to surge worldwide, many former tennis players are discovering that the sport offers a compelling second chapter in their athletic careers. The smaller court and strategic pace create a game that rewards experience, touch, and tactical intelligence—qualities seasoned tennis professionals often possess in abundance.
At the same time, pickleball’s appeal extends beyond elite athletes. Its inclusive culture allows players of all ages and skill levels to compete together, contributing to the sport’s explosive global growth.
Khazan’s journey—from Israel’s tennis courts to the emerging professional pickleball scene—illustrates how the sport is reshaping the landscape of racket athletics. As pickleball continues expanding internationally, athletes like her are helping bridge the gap between established professional sports and this rapidly rising new one.
What started as a backyard pastime has become a global competitive movement—and for players like Deniz Khazan, it has opened an entirely new chapter.