JW Johnson

You come from a tennis background. What advice would you give to the tennis players coming into pickleball?

It is an easy transition because of tennis strokes. Pickleball requires patience. You have to work the point.

Will tennis take over pickleball or vice versa?

I think pickleball will be equal to tennis.

There is a lot of buzz about pickleball and injuries. What advice would you give to new players?

Don’t play too much and play a lot of doubles. I stretch a little and do fitness drills like running up and down hills and running on the beach.

Did you build your game around a single shot, or did you work to have an all-around game?

I just kept playing a lot and eventually I had an all-around game.

What is your favorite shot?

The backhand flick. It is a backhand swinging volley using one hand, a shortened swing, and an acceleration of the wrist.

Do you like to travel, and where?

Yes, especially to California because of the great restaurants, nice weather, and beaches.

What is your favorite museum?

I like the pinball museum in Delray Beach.

Do you drill a lot in practice?

I prefer to play rather than drill. I like doubles more than singles. I like the fast pace, and I like to play with someone.

What is your favorite vegetable?

Brussels sprouts.

What countries would you most like to visit?

Spain and Iceland.

Are you a sunrise or sunset person?

Sunset.

What is one thing you will never do again?

Basketball. I tried it when I was young, and it wasn’t fun.

If you could invite four people to dinner, who would you choose?

My sister, Roger Federer, Stephen Curry, and my mom.

Does having your family at the tournaments add to the pressure?

I like having my family there. It really helps.  •