Aussie Pros Helena Spiridis and Tom Evans: A Partnership On and Off the Pickleball Court
What's the Score?
Australian professional pickleball players Helena Spiridis and Tom Evans are navigating the challenging landscape of the international pro tour together, both as a long-term couple and as training partners. Having transitioned from junior tennis, they quickly discovered their potential in pickleball, but found that competing in America presented a significantly higher level of play compared to Australia. This journey has not only strengthened their individual games but also their profound relationship, as they support each other in their shared professional endeavour.
Hit it deeper!
Helena Spiridis and Tom Evans, two Australian professional pickleball players, embarked on their global pickleball journey after signing UPA contracts in early 2025. Their transition from a strong junior tennis background to pickleball has been marked by rapid development, but also by the significant learning curve presented by the international circuit. Spiridis openly shared the stark reality of competing outside Australia, noting with a laugh, “Because not many people play in Australia, we do really well there. Then we come over here to America and we kind of get our butts kicked”. This contrast underscores the rapidly growing global disparity in pickleball skill levels, particularly when comparing emerging markets like Australia to the more established and highly competitive American professional scene.
To bridge this gap and elevate her game, Spiridis has been actively training alongside her teammates from the New York Hustlers in Major League Pickleball (MLP). This experience has proven invaluable, with her teammates being "amazing in helping me build confidence with my shots and not being afraid to go big and miss". Training with American pros has offered a critical advantage due to the "quality of the ball," pushing Spiridis to improve quickly. She explained that strategies that might succeed in Australia are ineffective against the higher level of play in the U.S., forcing her to become “a lot more disciplined and focused”. This exposure has also highlighted the immense passion for the sport in America, which she notes is far greater than what she typically encounters in Australia.
The unique aspect of their journey is that Spiridis and Evans are not just teammates but also a long-term couple, having lived together since they were 17. Spiridis likens their relationship to being “essentially married,” emphasising how interconnected their lives are, noting they've been together every single day since they met, perhaps only spending two days apart. This deep personal connection significantly enhances their professional journey. Spiridis credits Evans with helping to strengthen her game, specifically highlighting his “deadly” serves and exceptional athleticism. She finds him inspiring due to his consistent “100% energy” on every point, throwing his whole body into the game. Moreover, she admires his mental toughness, identifying it as an area she seeks to improve in her own game, with Evans being a constant source of encouragement.
Their entry into pickleball was somewhat serendipitous. After Evans felt “mentally done with tennis,” the couple explored various recreational sports like paddle and badminton. In 2023, while playing pickleball, they were approached by others who recognised their natural talent, exclaiming, “Whoa! You guys are really good, you should come here with the best in Australia tomorrow”. They performed exceptionally well, with Tom even beating several of the top Australian players. It was at this point that they recognised the potential to forge a professional career in pickleball, a path made even more appealing by the prospect of pursuing it together. Spiridis expressed the profound enjoyment of this new chapter, stating, “Pickleball has been amazing because I haven’t played a sport in so many years and this has got me competitive again. And it’s even better that I get to play and have this life alongside my partner”.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The journey of Helena Spiridis and Tom Evans highlights several key aspects of pickleball’s global expansion. Their experience underscores the growing professionalism and intensity of the sport, particularly in the American market, which serves as a benchmark for international talent. Furthermore, their story beautifully illustrates the power of a shared passion and partnership. Their ability to navigate the challenges of professional sport while maintaining a supportive and intertwined relationship is a testament to their bond and the unique community that pickleball fosters. As the sport continues to grow worldwide, their narrative serves as an inspiring example of how dedication, adaptability, and mutual support can lead to success on the court and a fulfilling life off it.