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Hunter Johnson Reaches No. 1 in PPA Tour Men's Singles Rankings

Hunter Johnson has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the No. 1 player in the men's singles rankings on the PPA Tour. In a recent interview, he shared insights about his journey, the significance of this achievement, and his ongoing passion for the sport. Johnson believes that singles pickleball has the potential to attract more fans, emphasizing its relatability. His recent victory at the PPA Indoor National Championships further solidifies his status as a top player. Discover more about his thoughts on reaching the pinnacle of his career and what lies ahead.
By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 13:37 IST

Hunter Johnson's Remarkable Achievement


Hunter Johnson has marked a significant achievement in his professional journey by ascending to the top position in the men’s singles rankings on the PPA Tour. The American pickleball player’s rise follows a series of impressive performances throughout the tour. In a conversation with The Kitchen Pickleball, Johnson shared his thoughts on this milestone. “The goal is always to be number one. I mean, I think if you get into any sport as a pro athlete, you want to be the best. Being number one now is kind of a pinnacle peak. There are a lot of things that come with that psychologically and emotionally,” he expressed.


Despite achieving this top rank, Johnson conveyed that his desire for success has intensified. “I’m still hungry, more hungry than ever just to keep that spot and just enjoying the sport of pickleball that we get to play every day,” he remarked. Additionally, the World No. 2 in the DUPR rankings believes that singles pickleball could propel the sport into the mainstream, as it is more relatable for fans. “Singles will be the thing that makes pickleball mainstream. Any person that I’ve talked to that’s not interested in pickleball likes to watch singles. It’s that separation factor; they can relate because they can play singles, but they can’t hit that shot or move that way,” Johnson stated.


He further emphasized that the athleticism required in singles elevates professional players and highlights the sport's highest level. “That’s good for pickleball pros in general because it just puts you at a higher-level status, I think,” he added.



Having dedicated significant effort to enhance his singles game, Johnson acknowledged that reaching the No. 1 ranking is a pivotal moment in his career. “I worked so hard in my singles game to get to number one, and then you reach that pinnacle and you’re like, ‘Okay, now what?’” he reflected. Recently, Johnson showcased an outstanding performance at the PPA Indoor National Championships, where he secured the gold medal by defeating Chris Haworth, who had previously held the No. 1 position in the DUPR rankings, making this victory even more meaningful in Johnson’s quest to reclaim the top spot.