Pickleball is a game of strategy, quick reflexes, and plenty of laughter. Just ask Susan Morrison and Mark Puls, two of Bonita Bay Club’s top pickleball players, who found themselves on the court recently against none other than tennis legends Ivan Lendl and JoAnne Russell. The match took place at the Naples Fun Fest Pickleball Tournament at East Naples Community Park, and it’s a story they’ll be sharing for years to come.
For those unfamiliar, Ivan Lendl is a former world #1 tennis player who reached an astonishing 19 Grand Slam finals, winning eight of them during a decade-long reign that earned him the nickname “The Terminator.” While his post-tennis life includes mastering golf (achieving a handicap of 0!), he recently discovered pickleball thanks to his daughter, and the game has reignited his competitive spirit.
JoAnne Russell, a Naples native, is no stranger to the limelight either. She captured the Wimbledon women’s doubles title in 1977, toppling iconic players like Chris Evert, Rosie Casals, Martina Navratilova, and Betty Stove along the way. After retiring from tennis, JoAnne embraced pickleball when teaching opportunities arose, and she tackled the sport with her trademark intensity and joy.
So, how did Susan and Mark handle going head-to-head with this legendary duo? With preparation, strategy, and a good sense of humor.
“Mark told me to watch Lendl play pickleball on YouTube,” Susan said, laughing. “It was great advice because it humanized him a bit—even if he was still intimidating!”
Their game plan was simple but crucial: avoid Lendl’s ferocious forehand. “We could see how powerful it was, and the topspin was unreal,” Mark recalled. “He passed me a few times before I could even get my paddle ready!”
Despite the daunting matchup, Susan and Mark focused on the fun of the game. “My two goals were to get a photo with him and not get pickled (lose 15-0),” Susan said. She succeeded on both counts. Not only did they avoid a shutout, but they played a nail-biter of a match, losing the first round 11-13 after rallying back from 1-6.
The excitement didn’t end there. Susan and Mark’s stellar play earned them a rematch in the finals for the gold medal, this time in a best-of-three format. Though they ultimately fell short, the experience of competing against such skilled—and famous—opponents was unforgettable.
“Playing against them felt like pickleball at a whole new level,” Mark said with a grin. “Just remind me not to challenge Lendl to golf!”
This story is a testament to how pickleball brings people together—whether you’re a club regular, a casual player, or a world-class athlete. It’s not just about the competition; it’s about the joy of the game, the camaraderie, and the stories you take home.