Before he was hoisting US Open trophies next to his brother, Collin Johns was grinding through professional tennis with a ranking deep in the ATP standings. Then he picked up a pickleball paddle in 2018 and everything changed.

In just a few short years, Collin turned a late start into a dominant doubles career, becoming one of the most recognizable names in the men’s game. Here is how a tennis player with two forehands reinvented himself into a pickleball star.

Early Life of Collin Johns

Collin Johns was born on June 15th, 1993, in Maryland, which makes him 33 years old in 2026. He was raised in a family that valued sports, which influenced his decision to pursue a career in athletics.

It did not take long for him to develop a passion for athletics because his parents encouraged him to pursue his interests. Collin eventually moved to Austin, Texas, where he continues to live and train today.

Initial Exposure to Sports

From a young age, Collin showed a strong interest in sports, especially tennis. Because of his unwavering commitment, he was able to compete professionally in tennis for five years.

Throughout his tennis career, Collin achieved several impressive rankings, including a career-high ATP singles ranking of #978 and a doubles ranking of #939. His unique style of using two forehands made him stand out among other players.

His time in tennis helped him develop critical skills, like focus, coordination, and strategy, that would later benefit him in his transition to pickleball.

Entry into Pickleball

In 2018, Collin was first introduced to pickleball, and he quickly became addicted to the game. His prior experience in tennis provided him with a competitive advantage, which enabled him to quickly become proficient in the game.

He was drawn to the sport’s fast pace and strategic depth, and within no time, Collin was competing at a professional level. As his enthusiasm for pickleball increased, he started winning titles, which helped him establish himself as one of the best players in the game.

Career Achievements

This pickleball player, Collin Johns, has established himself as one of the best players in the sport thanks to his remarkable success in the sport.

Initial Tournaments and Wins

  • **2019 US Open:**Made an impressive debut, reaching the semifinals in Men’s Pro Singles.
  • 2019 Franklin Masters Invitational: Gold in Men’s Doubles Pro.
  • **2019 World Pickleball Championships:**Bronze in Men’s Doubles Pro.
  • **2019 USAPA Nationals:**4th place in Men’s Singles Pro.
  • 2020 APP Las Vegas Open: Gold in Men’s Doubles Pro.
  • **2020 Florida Grand Slam:**Gold in Men’s Doubles Pro.
  • **2020 PPA Georgia Open:**Bronze in Men’s Doubles Pro.
  • **2020 PPA Mesa Grand Slam:**Silver in Men’s Doubles Pro.
  • **Triple Crown 2019:**Gold in Men’s Doubles Pro.
  • **Golden State Championships 2019:**Gold in Men’s Doubles Pro.

Partnership with Ben Johns

Collin Johns’ partnership with his younger brother, Ben Johns, was the defining highlight of his career. From 2022 through 2024, the brothers were the world No. 1 men’s doubles team, winning roughly 33 PPA Tour titles together (about 43 medals overall) — one of the most dominant doubles records the sport has ever seen.

Collin Johns and his brother Ben Johns competing together as a men's pro doubles team

In December 2024, however, the brothers announced they were splitting as a team, and their partnership formally concluded at the 2025 PPA Masters. Collin cited mental-health reasons as part of the rationale for the change. Through 2025 he played with rotating partners, such as Jay Devilliers, rather than one fixed teammate, and his men’s doubles ranking has since slipped amid a reduced schedule.

Playing Style and Skills

As a result of Johns’s willingness to take chances and his bold actions, he has been able to solidify his position as one of the most accomplished athletes in existence.

Technical Strengths

Collin Johns possesses a wide range of technical strengths that contribute to his success in pickleball.

One of his standout qualities is his quick reflexes, which allow him to respond to fast-paced shots with precision. His hand-eye coordination is exceptional, enabling him to execute challenging returns and control the ball effectively.

Additionally, he has a powerful serve and a reliable backhand, which give him an advantage when it comes to dictating points. These strengths, combined with his ability to read the game and adjust his positioning, make him a dynamic and unpredictable player on the court.

Unique Style

Johns’s playing style is often described as aggressive and high-energy. He is known for taking risks and going for difficult shots, especially when the opportunity arises. This aggressive mindset is balanced by his exceptional court awareness, which allows him to position himself effectively and anticipate his opponent’s next move.

Off-Court Life

Not only is Collin Johns a highly skilled pickleball player, but he also leads a life that is rich and satisfying outside of the court.

Personal Life

Collin Johns grew up as the oldest of seven siblings. His family has always been a big part of his life, and his younger brother, Ben, was his longtime pickleball partner before the two ended their on-court partnership at the start of 2025.

Collin’s commitment to his family and his shared passion for sports is clear from the years he and Ben spent winning together. Despite his busy professional schedule, Collin keeps close ties with his family and keeps the rest of his personal life private — he has not publicly confirmed details about his relationship status.

Interests and Hobbies

Outside of pickleball, Collin has a variety of hobbies that keep him engaged. He enjoys reading, writing, and playing chess, activities that allow him to unwind and stay sharp.

His love for table tennis also reflects his competitive spirit and interest in racquet sports.

Additionally, Collin is involved in the pickleball community through his role as a coach developer, and columnist for the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), where he helps mentor other players. Nicknamed “The Professor” for his analytical, data-driven approach to doubles strategy, he stays active in pickleball education and coaching ventures — from coaching education and instructional content to facility design and consulting.

Net Worth and Salary

Collin Johns has established himself as a successful athlete and business owner, which has contributed to his growing net worth.

Exact figures are not publicly disclosed. Secondary sources estimate his net worth at roughly $1–2 million (often cited around $1.5 million), but this is an unverified estimate rather than a confirmed figure. What is clear is that his earnings come from his performance in pickleball tournaments, his coaching, and his involvement in various pickleball-related businesses.

As the co-owner of Pickleball 360, he also generates income from the instructional video service he runs with Dekel Bar. Given his professional success and entrepreneurial ventures, Collin is in a strong financial position.

Be Influenced with Collin Johns

Collin Johns’ journey in both pickleball and life serves as a powerful example of dedication, skill, and passion.

Let his achievements and mindset influence you to push the boundaries of what you can achieve, both in sports and in life. Stay motivated, keep learning, and follow the path of greatness, just as Collin continues to do every day.

Collin trains right here in Austin — and you can play in the same city. Explore our membership options, book an indoor court, or sharpen your game with pickleball lessons in Austin.

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FAQs

1. What are some of Collin Johns’ career highlights?

Some of Collin’s career highlights include winning multiple professional titles, such as back-to-back US Open Men’s Pro Doubles titles in 2021 and 2022. Playing alongside his brother Ben from 2022 through 2024, he was part of the world No. 1 men’s doubles team, a partnership that captured roughly 33 PPA Tour titles (about 43 medals) before the brothers split as a team after the 2025 PPA Masters.

2. What equipment and sponsors does Collin Johns have?

Collin Johns is sponsored by JOOLA, with whom he has a signature “Scorpeus” paddle line (including the Scorpeus CFS and Scorpeus Pro IV). He is also supported by the Professional Pickleball Registry.