Billy Pickles
A Meteoric Rise in Pickleball
In the past fortnight, Chris Haworth has achieved remarkable victories, clinching a PPA Gold at the Orange County Cup by defeating Ben Johns and Federico Staksrud. He then traveled just 30 minutes north to secure a win at the APP Newport Beach Open. This impressive streak highlights the former high school tennis star and All-American Player of the Year’s seamless transition into the world of pickleball.
Haworth burst onto the pickleball scene roughly a year ago and has been dominating the competition in 2024. Let’s delve into the journey of this rising star, who recently joined co-hosts Thomas Shields and Zane Navratil on the latest episode of the PicklePod.
Early Life in Oklahoma City
Chris Haworth shares a close bond with his family, growing up in Oklahoma City alongside his older sister, Courtney. His parents, Claudia and Rick, were immensely supportive of both siblings’ athletic pursuits. Being eight years younger than Courtney, Chris often found himself playing sports with her friends. Courtney excelled in softball, which initially led Chris to baseball.
A Young Champion
At the U9 level, Chris and his teammates clinched a national championship in baseball. However, shortly before this triumph, Chris had started playing tennis and found greater joy in it. Just two weeks after winning the baseball championship, he decided to focus solely on tennis—a decision that proved to be wise.
High School Tennis Achievements
Chris quickly excelled in tennis, training rigorously under the guidance of his father, Rick, who became his coach. Despite Oklahoma not being renowned for producing tennis prodigies, Chris dominated local and regional tournaments. By high school, he realized the need to compete in national tournaments to face tougher competition. As a freshman, he was ranked as the 54th-best boys’ tennis recruit in the country.
High School Accolades
During his time at Putnam North City High School, Chris achieved numerous accolades:
- Led his high school to three consecutive state championships at the 6A level
- Maintained a high school tennis record of 100-5
- 3x All-City boys’ tennis player
- All-State Player of the Year (Oklahoma)
- All-American
- All-American Boys Tennis Player of the Year
Chris was recently inducted into the Putnam City Schools Athletics Hall of Fame, a testament to his outstanding high school career.
National Rankings
Chris’s national tennis rankings improved each year during high school:
- 2008: 54
- 2009: 40
- 2010: 26
- 2011: 7
He finished in the top 10 of all tennis recruits nationwide during his senior year. However, he skipped his senior year of high school tennis to train at the John Newcombe Tennis Academy in Texas.
College Tennis at Oklahoma State University
Chris had a standout freshman year at Oklahoma State University (OSU). However, a coaching change led to a loss of passion for tennis. Despite a commendable record of 37-31 in singles and 21-21 in doubles, Chris became burned out and quit tennis during his junior year.
Post-College Life
Chris graduated from OSU with a degree in marketing and took up a corporate job. However, the sedentary lifestyle didn’t suit him, and he soon rekindled his love for tennis. In 2017, he played on the ITF Tour, reaching No. 1,334 in singles and No. 1,090 in doubles. After realizing the extensive travel wasn’t worth it, he transitioned to coaching tennis in Oklahoma City.
Transition to Pickleball
In 2022, during a Thanksgiving break, Chris was introduced to pickleball and was instantly hooked. Within a year, he won four titles on the APP Tour—three silvers and one bronze—in men’s singles.
Pro Pickleball Career
Chris’s pickleball career took off rapidly. He remains one of the few top pros not exclusively signed to either the APP Tour or the PPA/MLP Tours. He is currently training for mixed doubles with Jenna Hessert and plans to play men’s doubles with Grayson Goldin.
2024 Achievements
Chris’s singles record in 2024 includes:
- PPA Tour: Gold at the PPA Orange County Cup, Silver at the CIBC PPA Texas Open
- APP Tour: Four gold medals (Punta Gorda, Delray Beach, New York City Open, Newport Beach), Bronze at the APP Sacramento Open
- Silver at the US Open Championships
Notable victories in 2024 include wins over top players like Federico Staksrud, Ben Johns, Yates Johnson, and others.
Physical Fitness and Training
Chris emphasizes the importance of physical fitness in his pickleball career. He trains rigorously, focusing on cardio, speed, and agility. His dedication has paid off, making him one of the fastest and most agile players in the game.
Babolat Sponsorship
Chris is the first and only pickleball player sponsored by Babolat. This partnership includes wearing Babolat gear and using the Babolat STRKR+ paddle. Chris credits his agent, Sam Flaxman, for securing this deal.
Mindset and Future Goals
Chris’s mindset is a key factor in his success. He believes in his ability to be the best singles player in the world. His confidence and determination are evident in his recent victories and his unwavering belief in his potential.
