James Delgado

James Delgado is a 22-year-old pro from Long Island, New York who traded his tennis racket for a paddle in 2023 and hasn't looked back. A tennis prodigy who started swinging at age three under his father's coaching, Delgado racked up top state and southern rankings throughout his junior career, often partnering with his brother in doubles. Standing 6'1" with a cannon of a right arm, he brought serious firepower to pickleball and turned pro in 2024. Now based in North Carolina, he trains 4-6 hours daily on court plus gym sessions, and uses a Trinity paddle from Phantom Pickleball.

Delgado competes on both the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, where he helped the Night Owls clinch an MLP Challenger title. He thrives in doubles, citing the teamwork element as what drew him away from the solo grind of tennis singles. With nearly 200 career pro matches under his belt already, Delgado is still figuring out the mental side of the game (he'll be the first to tell you losses hit him hard), but his raw power and competitive DNA make him one to watch as he climbs the ranks.