Ivan Lendl, the legendary tennis champion and longtime resident of Vero Beach, continues to prove that his competitive fire burns as brightly as ever. The former World No. 1, known for his dominance on the tennis court during the 1980s, has successfully transitioned his elite athleticism to the pickleball court, recently capturing another gold medal at the PPA Tour’s Daytona Beach Open.
Lendl, 65, made the short drive north from his home in Vero Beach to the Pictona facility in Holly Hill to compete. Partnering with Jean Halahan, Lendl secured victory in their mixed-doubles division on Thursday. This win is becoming a pattern for the tennis icon, who has fully embraced the sport of pickleball over the last few years. Just two weeks prior, the duo won their age division at the U.S. Senior National Championships, also held at Pictona.
The transition from Grand Slam tennis champion to pickleball competitor has been marked by the same intensity and dedication that defined Lendl’s earlier career. While he admits he enjoys winning, his current motivation stems deeply from the process of personal growth and athletic refinement.
“I wake up every day and plan every day — ‘how am I going to get better?’ What am I going to do to get better? Is it drilling, is it speed work, is it agility work?”
Lendl’s regimen in Vero Beach is strict and calculated. He has refined his diet and training to focus on speed and agility, ensuring he remains competitive against high-level opponents. He frequently tests his progress locally, playing with friends in the Vero Beach area to gauge the quality of his shots and his overall game improvement.
The results of this dedication are tangible. Earlier this year, Lendl and Halahan won the mixed doubles division in the Pictona Challenge, and he also secured a men’s doubles title in the 60-69 age division alongside fellow former tennis pro Mikael Pernfors.
Looking ahead, Lendl and Halahan are not slowing down. They are scheduled to compete again this Saturday in the more advanced 50-and-over open division at the Daytona Beach Open. For Lendl, the joy is no longer just about the trophy case—it is about the daily pursuit of excellence, a mindset he continues to cultivate right here on the Treasure Coast.
Key Highlights of Lendl’s Recent Performance:
