DALLAS, TX – Jay Devilliers, has been on a mission off the pickleball court to help promote and grow the sport across Europe, especially in his native France. 

During the 2024 French Open, Devilliers worked with the French Federation of Tennis to construct three temporary courts on-site to showcase the game.

And despite the ongoing turf wars and tension between tennis and pickleball, Devilliers' efforts continue to be a success. 

“It’s something special playing pickleball here,” he shared. “I’m excited to be here and see pickleball reach new horizons in France at one of the Grand Slams.”

Devilliers actually grew up playing tennis at Roland Garros, so being there felt like a full-circle moment. 

He also played pickleball with tennis legend, Martina Navratilova, who previously bashed the sport.

“It was exceptional to see Martina Navratilova, who’s a fantastic player in tennis. It was a pleasure to be on the court with such a champion, and I felt like she had a good time,” said Devilliers. “I wasn’t sure how it was going to be, and it felt like she enjoyed it. She said it was fun to play with good players and I’m glad she considered me a good player.”

Navratilova wasn't the only notable figure to pick up a paddle in Paris. French Open tournament director and Tennis Hall of Famer, Amelie Mauresmo, dinked with Devilliers, too.

To spread the word overseas, the man affectionately known as the "Flying Frenchman" has been filming training videos in French and sharing valuable tips and tricks from tennis that help in pickleball.

After all, while the two sports share key similarities, there are certainly some important differences that can steepen the learning curve for tennis players. 

Nevertheless, Devilliers fully anticipates that pickleball's popularity will continue to rise dramatically in France.

“Seeing how quickly pickleball grew in America, I have the same feeling about France. It’s a sport that all ages can play. It’s multigenerational,” he explained. “My kids play pickleball and my grandpa is playing pickleball, too, so everyone can find their moment and have a good time together. With France, I feel like it is just a matter of time.” 

Exposure is everything, of course, so this French Open appearance was a huge victory. 

“Players need to see it more here. It’s not that accessible yet, but seeing it here at the French Open, I think it will be something that will boost the sport and eventually catch on like it has in the United States,” he predicted. “It's maybe not at the same scale yet, but in the next two or three years we’re going to see massive growth in my opinion.”