Eric opens up about his father’s tennis legacy, discovering pickleball in 2017, training under Simone Jardim, and the heated match with Johnny Goldberg that changed everything. After back-to-back pro titles in Asia, he’s now a global fan favorite bringing fire, flair, and emotion to the court.
From being drafted by MLP Miami to signing with the PPA Tour, Eric’s story is proof that passion and perseverance can take you anywhere — and that the next great pickleball star might come from anywhere in the world. 🌎🔥
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1:20 Early tournaments and first impressions
2:19 How Eric started playing pro pickleball
3:00 Growing up in Brazil
5:58 Moving to the U.S. for tennis
8:08 Discovering pickleball in 2017
9:19 Playing early tournaments with his dad
12:16 Mentorship from Simone Jardim
14:10 Leaving pickleball to pursue college tennis
17:10 The infamous match against Johnny Goldberg
21:32 Getting drafted to MLP Miami
27:23 Bringing energy and personality to pickleball
28:40 Why emotion matters in sports
30:43 Eric’s legendary father Jaime Oncins
35:38 Mentorship from Simone Jardim and moving to Nashville
39:20 Signing with the PPA and turning full-time
40:04 The Asia trip
47:23 How pickleball is growing in Asia
49:09 Comparing Asian and U.S. talent
50:57 Florida training culture
53:56 Discipline and what separates pros from amateurs
54:54 Tyson’s viral “backhand flick” comment
56:22 Life outside pickleball and future goals
1:01:10 Handling trash talk and mental warfare
1:02:40 The mindset behind confidence and preparation
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