Lucy Kovalova: Grace, Precision, and Power at the Net
Lucy Kovalova
I first saw her near the tournament tents, chatting with a volunteer. She wasn’t holding a paddle or wearing her game uniform—just a simple cap, a bright smile, and an energy that instantly drew you in.
That’s how I met Lucy Kovalova, without yet realizing that, in just a few hours, she’d once again deliver a masterclass in control, anticipation, and grace on the court.
It was the Veolia Atlanta Open, one of the most competitive tournaments of the year. Lucy had just come off a tough match in women’s doubles, but there was no trace of exhaustion or frustration on her face. Quite the opposite—she carried the same calm that she brings to her signature third-shot drops: soft, precise, and devastating.
Talking to her feels like watching her play—captivating, without trying too hard. There’s something in her steady gaze that makes you feel like you’re in the presence of someone truly special. And yes, she is as stunning in person as you’ve heard—tall, graceful, with eyes that always seem to be smiling—but what truly makes her unforgettable is her natural warmth and the unmistakable light she carries both on and off the court.
She spoke about her transition from tennis to pickleball, about what it means to compete at the top year after year, about her love for the pickleball community, and the deep respect she holds for every opponent. When she steps on the court, she transforms—tactical, intense, a natural strategist. But the moment she crosses the net, she’s Lucy again: the woman who doesn’t just play well, but makes everyone around her feel better just by being there.
Now with over 300 matches in her career, Lucy continues to impress in 2025 with every tournament appearance. But beyond the medals and rankings, what stays with you is something far more valuable: the sense that she plays with purpose and leads with heart.
Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Lucy Kovalova in this issue of Dink Authority Magazine. We talk training, mindset, life off the court… and that unmistakable light she carries with her, always.
Interview
You come from a professional tennis background and are now one of the top figures in pickleball. What was the hardest part of switching sports?
LK: For me, the biggest difference was definitely the soft game, and I think that’s true for many tennis players. Dinking takes much longer to develop and feel comfortable with. My tennis groundstrokes were pretty flat, so that helped me transition relatively easily into pickleball.
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You’ve won many tournaments with Matt Wright. What makes your partnership on the court so special? How do you handle pressure as a team?
LK: I’ve been playing with Matt Wright for 10 years, so I’d say we know each other’s game very well—maybe even better than our own sometimes! (laughs). Sometimes it’s not easy to play with your boyfriend or husband, but I think we manage things pretty well both on and off the court. It definitely helps when we win! Handling pressure gets easier with each match. Experience and executing the right strategy are the keys to success.
Do you have any rituals or routines before important matches?
LK: I always make sure I have a good breakfast in the morning, do a solid warm-up with my partner, and right before the match I put a new overgrip on my paddle.
Your two-handed backhand and aggressive net play are distinctive parts of your style. How did you develop them?
LK: My two-handed backhand was a natural transition from tennis. I’m pretty tall—5'11"—so I definitely try to take advantage of my reach at the kitchen line and put pressure on my opponents.
What has been your most exciting or memorable moment in a pickleball tournament so far?
LK: Definitely winning the Triple Crown at Nationals at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in 2018. I never would have thought I’d end up winning Singles, Mixed Doubles, and Women’s Doubles at such an amazing event and beautiful venue. It was definitely a special moment for me.
You often seem very serious on the court, but off the court you appear fun and relaxed. How do you balance those two sides of yourself?
LK: I still like to have fun on the court—but mostly, it’s all business. Let’s be honest, I’m there to win, not to make friends! (laughs). Pickleball is very competitive right now, so in order to succeed you have to stay sharp and on top of your game.
What advice would you give to a young girl starting out in pickleball who dreams of reaching the top?
LK: I would tell that young girl to work hard, play tournaments, and have fun on the pickleball court—but also don’t forget to be a kid and hang out with friends like everyone else.
If you weren’t competing in pickleball, what would you be doing today?
LK: I would probably be working in the corporate world, hopefully traveling around the world as part of my job. There’s a lot I love about the growth of pickleball.
How do you imagine the sport five years from now?
LK: I think pickleball is going to keep growing. Just look at the last five years—so many new courts, more tournaments, higher prize money, paddle companies, and thousands of amateurs signing up to play.
In five years, pickleball will be much bigger. Amateur pickleball will keep growing because it’s fun, great exercise, and relatively easy to pick up. And pro pickleball will definitely have more tournaments, higher prize money, and bigger venues.
And one last personal question: What makes you happy outside of sports?
LK: I think I’m pretty easy to make happy (laughs). I love talking to my family over FaceTime since they’re in Slovakia, spending time with friends, teaching tennis and pickleball, and going home to visit my family over Christmas break. I love fashion—I’m always searching for new items online. And I also love watching TV shows and movies. I can give reviews on many, many shows. Trust me! (laughs).
"I’ll see you in the next edition…"
Lucy Kovalova
I first saw her near the tournament tents, chatting with a volunteer. She wasn’t holding a paddle or wearing her game uniform—just a simple cap, a bright smile, and an energy that instantly drew you in.
That’s how I met Lucy Kovalova, without yet realizing that, in just a few hours, she’d once again deliver a masterclass in control, anticipation, and grace on the court.
It was the Veolia Atlanta Open, one of the most competitive tournaments of the year. Lucy had just come off a tough match in women’s doubles, but there was no trace of exhaustion or frustration on her face. Quite the opposite—she carried the same calm that she brings to her signature third-shot drops: soft, precise, and devastating.
Talking to her feels like watching her play—captivating, without trying too hard. There’s something in her steady gaze that makes you feel like you’re in the presence of someone truly special. And yes, she is as stunning in person as you’ve heard—tall, graceful, with eyes that always seem to be smiling—but what truly makes her unforgettable is her natural warmth and the unmistakable light she carries both on and off the court.
She spoke about her transition from tennis to pickleball, about what it means to compete at the top year after year, about her love for the pickleball community, and the deep respect she holds for every opponent. When she steps on the court, she transforms—tactical, intense, a natural strategist. But the moment she crosses the net, she’s Lucy again: the woman who doesn’t just play well, but makes everyone around her feel better just by being there.
Now with over 300 matches in her career, Lucy continues to impress in 2025 with every tournament appearance. But beyond the medals and rankings, what stays with you is something far more valuable: the sense that she plays with purpose and leads with heart.
Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Lucy Kovalova in this issue of Dink Authority Magazine. We talk training, mindset, life off the court… and that unmistakable light she carries with her, always.
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Interview
You come from a professional tennis background and are now one of the top figures in pickleball. What was the hardest part of switching sports?
LK: For me, the biggest difference was definitely the soft game, and I think that’s true for many tennis players. Dinking takes much longer to develop and feel comfortable with. My tennis groundstrokes were pretty flat, so that helped me transition relatively easily into pickleball.
LOVE PICKLEBALL?
Get Dink Authority Magazine updates, new editions, pro stories and event alerts.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
You’ve won many tournaments with Matt Wright. What makes your partnership on the court so special? How do you handle pressure as a team?
LK: I’ve been playing with Matt Wright for 10 years, so I’d say we know each other’s game very well—maybe even better than our own sometimes! (laughs). Sometimes it’s not easy to play with your boyfriend or husband, but I think we manage things pretty well both on and off the court. It definitely helps when we win! Handling pressure gets easier with each match. Experience and executing the right strategy are the keys to success.
Do you have any rituals or routines before important matches?
LK: I always make sure I have a good breakfast in the morning, do a solid warm-up with my partner, and right before the match I put a new overgrip on my paddle.
Your two-handed backhand and aggressive net play are distinctive parts of your style. How did you develop them?
LK: My two-handed backhand was a natural transition from tennis. I’m pretty tall—5'11"—so I definitely try to take advantage of my reach at the kitchen line and put pressure on my opponents.
What has been your most exciting or memorable moment in a pickleball tournament so far?
LK: Definitely winning the Triple Crown at Nationals at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in 2018. I never would have thought I’d end up winning Singles, Mixed Doubles, and Women’s Doubles at such an amazing event and beautiful venue. It was definitely a special moment for me.
You often seem very serious on the court, but off the court you appear fun and relaxed. How do you balance those two sides of yourself?
LK: I still like to have fun on the court—but mostly, it’s all business. Let’s be honest, I’m there to win, not to make friends! (laughs). Pickleball is very competitive right now, so in order to succeed you have to stay sharp and on top of your game.
What advice would you give to a young girl starting out in pickleball who dreams of reaching the top?
LK: I would tell that young girl to work hard, play tournaments, and have fun on the pickleball court—but also don’t forget to be a kid and hang out with friends like everyone else.
If you weren’t competing in pickleball, what would you be doing today?
LK: I would probably be working in the corporate world, hopefully traveling around the world as part of my job. There’s a lot I love about the growth of pickleball.
How do you imagine the sport five years from now?
LK: I think pickleball is going to keep growing. Just look at the last five years—so many new courts, more tournaments, higher prize money, paddle companies, and thousands of amateurs signing up to play.
In five years, pickleball will be much bigger. Amateur pickleball will keep growing because it’s fun, great exercise, and relatively easy to pick up. And pro pickleball will definitely have more tournaments, higher prize money, and bigger venues.
And one last personal question: What makes you happy outside of sports?
LK: I think I’m pretty easy to make happy (laughs). I love talking to my family over FaceTime since they’re in Slovakia, spending time with friends, teaching tennis and pickleball, and going home to visit my family over Christmas break. I love fashion—I’m always searching for new items online. And I also love watching TV shows and movies. I can give reviews on many, many shows. Trust me! (laughs).
"I’ll see you in the next edition…"
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