Venise Chan: From Tennis Star to Hong Kong Pickleball Pioneer

Venise Chan's life reads like a playbook for reinvention, blending grit, passion, and adaptability. Once Hong Kong's No. 1 tennis player with a WTA ranking in the top 340, she now leads the Hong Kong pickleball revolution as a pro and founder of the Asia Aces Pickleball Academy (AAPA). Venise's journey, from dominating the tennis courts to captaining Hong Kong's pickleball scene, is a masterclass in seizing opportunities, turning curiosity into impact, balancing motherhood with ambition, and rewriting Hong Kong's athletic culture, paddle in hand.

Discovering Pickleball

Venise's introduction to pickleball was serendipitous. At her 2019 Bali wedding, U.S. pickleball champion Irina Tereschenko handed her a paddle, and within minutes, Venise was hooked. "Pickleball's blend of strategy and accessibility, where finesse beats brute strength, captivated me," she explains. Unlike tennis' sprawling courts and steep learning curve, pickleball thrives on compact spaces, making it a game-changer for Hong Kong's space constraints.

Venise's tennis background—Hong Kong No. 1, NCAA top-10, Fed Cup representative—gave her a competitive edge. "Tennis and pickleball share similarities," she shares. "In tennis, my best shot is my double backhand, and I was able to get the same feel in pickleball." Yet, pickleball's "chess at lightning speed" required softer shots for the "kitchen" (non-volley zone) and quicker reflexes. "It's why pickleball is so inclusive; you don't need a tennis background to thrive," Venise explains, a philosophy that drives inclusive training practices at Asia Aces Pickleball Academy, where beginners and seasoned athletes train side by side.

Despite finding greener pastures, Venise never abandoned tennis, choosing instead to extend her passions. "People often ask about my transition from tennis to pickleball, but the truth is, there was no transition. I never left tennis behind," she says, as she still plays local leagues. Starting as a hobby, pickleball became a passion project, ignited in 2024 when she met business partners who shared her vision. "It was the right opportunity at the perfect moment," she reflects, launching Asia Aces Pickleball Academy to "make pickleball Hong Kong's next big sport."

Building a Pickleball Community

In Hong Kong, pickleball was ripe for growth, and Venise saw its potential early: "That first game with Irina showed me pickleball's potential here. Hong Kong loves racket sports but lacks space—pickleball's compact court is perfect." She began with demos at schools, universities, and private clubs, building momentum that culminated in Hong Kong's first international pickleball tournament in 2021. "A watershed moment," she calls it, noting how players gathered from over 10 countries to compete in the event, shattering the myth that pickleball is a "Western sport."

The event galvanized the local community, and Venise is already planning bigger tournaments, including corporate leagues and superstar clinics, with an eye on the upcoming PPA Tour Hong Kong at Kai Tak Arena. "It's fun and it's in Hong Kong; I must support this!" she enthuses.

Overcoming Challenges with Asia Aces Pickleball Academy

Launching AAPA and the ACE Pickleball Center in Wong Chuk Hang wasn't without hurdles, most notably "court scarcity." "Hong Kong lacks dedicated pickleball spaces, and land is expensive," Venise explains. Finding the right location and target market was critical, but the opening of indoor venues at Cyberport and the flagship ACE Pickleball Center at Wong Chuk Hang's S22 building marked a turning point. "AAPA is more than a training center; it's a hub for community where pickleball lovers gather," she says, hosting socials, classes, coach certifications, and events like corporate team-building and birthday parties. These spaces are rewriting Hong Kong's sports culture, proving demand exists where passion leads. Venise's vision extends to public court allocations and "street pickleball" events to help the sport thrive in urban spaces.

A Global Win for Hong Kong Pickleball

Venise's competitive achievements underscore her influence. Winning the women's singles title at the World Pickleball Championships China leg marked a defining moment. "Winning in China was surreal, especially since I never aimed to go pro again!" she says.

Entering tournaments to exercise, make friends, and promote the sport, her relaxed mindset fueled her success. Beyond personal glory, the victory proved that Hong Kong could compete globally. Now, as Hong Kong's No. 1 pickleball player (DUPR March 2025) and Asia's top 5 singles player (DUPR 2024), Venise focuses on nurturing homegrown talent for future championships, amplifying Hong Kong pickleball's global presence.

Balancing a Multifaceted Life

As a pickleball coach, financial professional, model, philanthropist, and mother to a 2.5-year-old, Venise thrives on multitasking. "My tennis career trained me to multitask—I used to study on planes between tournaments," she says. Finance sharpens Asia Aces Pickleball Academy's strategy, modeling boosts visibility, and motherhood keeps her grounded. "It's chaotic but exhilarating," she admits.

Her father's advice, inspired by Charlie Munger, guides her: "Never stop learning. Life is like a toolbox - you can't solve every problem with just a hammer. You need different tools for different challenges." This mindset fueled her master's degree from the University of Cambridge and her pivot to pickleball, proving skills evolve, not expire.

Pickleball's Global Appeall

Pickleball's appeal lies in its accessibility, a trait Venise champions. "It's the ultimate equalizer: affordable, easy to learn, and playable anywhere," she says. At AAPA, she's seen "shy kids gain confidence and stressed execs unwind in 30-minute games." Her playful motto captures the vibe: "We seal more business deals than disputes here!"

This inclusivity drives her efforts to engage youth, with AAPA partnering with schools to integrate pickleball into PE and extracurricular activities. "Kids love the fast rallies; teachers love the teamwork focus," she notes. Her vision includes inter-school leagues and scholarships, inspired by U.S. high school pickleball stars, pushing for pickleball in PE and extracurricular activities to nurture Hong Kong pickleball's next generation.

Looking forward, Venise's vision is bold: Olympic recognition, school integration, and homegrown pros. "The U.S. has 50 million players; Hong Kong's density lets us accelerate growth," she says. Government and corporate partnerships are key, with Asia Aces Pickleball Academy paving the way. Venise plans to compete in events like the PPA Tour Hong Kong, supported by generous paddle sponsors and appearance fees, to keep the sport in the spotlight.

Venise's advice to aspiring athletes reflects her journey: "Embrace the 'pickleball mindset'—adaptability beats perfection. My tennis skills didn't expire; they evolved. Whether switching sports or careers, your past is a springboard. And remember: Every expert was once a beginner gripping a paddle nervously. Just start!"

To newcomers, she demystifies pickleball's appeal: "Imagine tennis, badminton, and ping-pong had a fun-sized baby!" Her advice? "Don't overthink it. Start with soft shots, focus on placement, and let the social vibe work its magic. You'll be laughing too hard to care about scores."

From a tennis prodigy who graduated from the University of Washington to a pickleball pioneer reshaping Hong Kong's sports landscape, Venise Chan redefines resilience. As she competes in the PPA Tour and builds AAPA, Venise proves that bold steps—whether on the court or in life—can transform communities and inspire generations.

Ready to try pickleball? Grab a paddle and join the Hong Kong pickleball revolution at AAPA.