With 3,100 accumulated points, Hoang Nam has entered the top 15 of the men's singles world rankings for the first time. This marks a rapid ascent for the former number one Vietnamese tennis player, who only began playing professional pickleball just over one year ago. His latest achievement, winning the PPA Asia 1000 - Hanoi Cup 2026 last week, was crucial to this climb.

Ly Hoang Nam during his match against Alshon at the PPA Hanoi Cup, My Dinh Athletics Palace, Hanoi on 2/4. *Giang Huy*

Since transitioning to pickleball in early 2025, Hoang Nam has secured two men's singles titles within the PPA Asia Tour system. In 12/2025, he claimed victory by defeating Jack Wong at the PPA Tour Asia event in Hangzhou, China. Hoang Nam's progress in pickleball is not surprising, given his exceptional footwork, ball feel, and reflexes. These attributes, carried over from tennis, have become potent weapons for the Vietnamese number one player, known for his professionalism in both training and competition.

Hoang Nam now stands just behind Ben Johns, a pickleball legend with a vast collection of PPA Tour titles and 21 Triple Crowns – winning men's singles, men's doubles, and mixed doubles at the same event. Despite his legendary status, Johns' limited participation in singles events, particularly in Asian tours and infrequently in the US, has seen his singles ranking drop to 13th with 3,587 points. His most recent singles appearance was at the Mesa Cup in 2/2026, where he reached the final but lost 0-2 to world number one Christopher Haworth.

However, Ben Johns still holds the world number one position in men's doubles and mixed doubles. In Hanoi, Johns won the men's doubles title with Gabe Tardio and the mixed doubles title with Anna Leigh Waters. In the singles rankings, Truong Vinh Hien, Hoang Nam's opponent in the Hanoi Cup final, also climbed, reaching 17th position with 2,500 points. Conversely, Phuc Huynh dropped to 20th position after withdrawing from the PPA Hanoi Cup.

PPA Tour rankings as of 9/4.

Vy Anh