We also talk about Hunter’s incredible rise to becoming the number two singles player in the world and the dedication it took to get there. Hunter opens up about his public breakup with Parris Todd in one of the most candid moments of the show. Packed with real stories, honest conversations, and plenty of laughs, this episode offers an inside look at the sport’s most fascinating personalities.
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00:00:00 Introduction with Hunter and Yates Johnson
00:02:05 Childhood sports and choosing tennis
00:03:27 College tennis at SMU and turning pro
00:04:08 Twins’ bond and on-court communication
00:05:15 Growing up active and family support
00:06:50 Early connection with Roscoe and friendships
00:08:22 Building relationships on the pickleball tour
00:09:31 Deciding to go pro and tennis tour grind
00:11:49 Yates’ wrist injury and its impact
00:15:10 First impressions of pickleball
00:16:59 Learning and improving in pickleball
00:20:23 Infamous match against Johnny Goldberg
00:22:46 Crazy tennis stories: robbery in Dominican Republic
00:26:46 Betting scandals and match-fixing in tennis
00:31:49 Transition from tennis to pickleball
00:33:35 Early pickleball struggles and breakthroughs
00:34:28 Yates’ injury and Hunter’s rise in pickleball
00:38:17 Hunter’s mental shift and path to success
00:41:18 Breakup with Parris Todd
00:43:37 Joining the Mad Drops team
00:46:11 How Ben Johns joined the Mad Drops
00:49:48 Predictions for upcoming MLP events
00:51:34 Yates’ return from injury and future plans
00:54:27 Building the perfect “Johnson” pickleball player
00:56:00 Hypothetical bear encounter on tour
00:57:44 Who would win a PPA swim contest?
00:58:45 Ideal date night with Genie Bouchard
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