East Meets West: Venise Chan Interviews Simone Jardim

Coming all the way from Hong Kong to the United States for her first pickleball pro debut in the United States, Venise Chan had the opportunity to meet Simone Jardim, a former world ranked tennis professional turned phenomenon pickleball world number 1. 

Both Venise Chan and Simone Jardim shared the similarities of having a tennis world ranked background and coming into pickleball. Pickleball does help gather like-minded pickleball lovers and allow people to make new friends from all around the world! 

Here’s an interview with Venise Chan and Simone Jardim:

VC: What is your motto in life and what do you love about pickleball?

SJ: I’m not sure if it is my motto but I like to think that I live with integrity, respect and joy. I love the relationships I have made more than anything else. 

VC: Who do you train with and how do you train? Do you still put a lot of time in pickleball tournaments or coaching or other things in life these days?

SJ: I train less now, body is in recovery. I usually hit with Brendan Long. I teach as much or as little as I want. I love my students and what I do.

VC: Could you describe the new and upcoming pickleball scenes in the US? How do you see the sport evolving?

SJ: There are way more tournaments now in the United States, it will definitely attract a lot of players and I believe pickleball will keep growing here.

VC: What is the most difficult part transitioning from tennis to pickleball?

SJ: I believe that the most difficult part of transitioning as a tennis player to pickleball player is learning to soften shots. Some players may find themselves struggling with transition and knowing when to attack, but the better tennis players are generally quick learners but they need to learn to soften shots and also minimize movement at the kitchen will help with controlling the shots better.

VC: Will you share a few tips to tennis players who want to transition into pickleball?

SJ: There will be a series of mini videos for tennis players coming but mostly it will be talking about shorter swing, minimize movement, staying more squared up to the net, etc. Stay tuned!

VC: Have you been to Asia? Any plans to come over to play/teach pickleball in Hong Kong and/or Asia?

SJ: No, not Asia yet but maybe someday I will visit Asia to play and/or to teach.