Max Freeman is an emerging professional pickleball player from Delray Beach, Florida, who has rapidly ascended the ranks of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour. Born and raised in Ashland, Massachusetts, Freeman’s athletic journey began in tennis, where he achieved national recognition before transitioning to pickleball.
Early Life and Tennis Career
Freeman’s passion for tennis was evident from a young age. During his high school years, he was ranked as high as 12th nationally in his class, showcasing his potential on the court. He continued to hone his skills at Vanderbilt University, where he played five years of Division I tennis, starting as a freshman—a rare accomplishment. Throughout his collegiate career, Freeman achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 112 and No. 19 in doubles. Notably, he secured a victory over Ben Shelton, now a top-ranked ATP player, in straight sets. (thedinkpickleball.com)
Transition to Pickleball
After earning a Master’s degree in Marketing from Vanderbilt in 2022, Freeman retired from tennis and began his professional pickleball career in 2024. He trained alongside fellow former tennis players James Ignatowich and Ryan Fu in Boca Raton, Florida. Freeman made his professional debut at the 2024 Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Delray Beach Open. (thedinkpickleball.com)
Professional Achievements
Since turning professional, Freeman has demonstrated significant promise on the PPA Tour. In late 2024, he reached the quarterfinals at the PPA Virginia Beach Open, partnering with Casey Diamond to secure a dominant win over Jaume Martinez Vich and Tyson McGuffin. At the PPA World Championships in November 2024, Freeman and Diamond narrowly lost in the Round of 32 to Dylan Frazier and JW Johnson, the tournament’s No. 2 seed. (thedinkpickleball.com)
In 2025, Freeman continued to make his mark. At the PPA Veolia Cape Coral Open, he achieved a notable victory over Jack Sock in the men’s singles quarterfinals, winning 2-0. (picklewave.com) He also secured a dominant 11-2, 11-8 victory over Jay Devilliers in the opening round of men’s singles at the PPA Tour CIBC Texas Open. (theconwaybulletin.com)
Partnerships and Team Dynamics
Freeman’s decision to decline partnering with Ben Johns for the PPA Cape Coral Open was influenced by the PPA’s Gold Card rule, which mandates that players exclusively associated with the United Pickleball Association (UPA) receive a Gold Card status. This rule restricts unsigned players like Freeman from partnering with top-tier players such as Johns. Consequently, Freeman planned to compete in the APP Tour in 2025 and participated in the World Pickleball League in India for the Hyderabad Super Stars. (thedinkpickleball.com)
Playing Style and Future Prospects
Known for his left-handed play and powerful two-handed backhand, Freeman’s aggressive style and strategic approach have made him a formidable opponent on the court. His rapid progression in pickleball suggests a promising future, with expectations of climbing the PPA rankings in the coming months. Freeman’s ability to challenge and defeat top-tier opponents positions him as a potential title contender in both singles and doubles events. (theconwaybulletin.com)
As Freeman continues to compete and improve, his determination, skill, and passion for the game position him as a player to watch in the upcoming seasons on the PPA Tour. With a bright future ahead, Max Freeman is set to leave a lasting impact on the pickleball community. (propickleballer.com)
