There's a dynamic set of twins on tour that occasionally like to partner up in men’s doubles.

Hunter and Yates Johnson have a classic relationship: they root for each other from the sidelines, but they also bicker when they play together.

“There’s some brotherly love there, but we’re also butting heads sometimes. Maybe coaching too much or fighting. People always say we’re fighting on the court, but it’s not really fighting,” said Yates. “We’re just blunt and to the point because we already know what the other is thinking.”

Is twin telepathy really a thing for these two?

“It’s interesting because we can’t read each other’s minds, but we can definitely sit across the stadium from each other, mouth words to each other, and get what each other are saying without even really speaking,” explained Yates. “We’re going to play some tournaments together, but we’ll try to keep our words to a minimum. Our major deficit for us is we’re too spiffy with each other when we’re talking on the court.”

Unfortunately, that isn't the only challenge the Johnson boys deal with in doubles play.

“I think the biggest thing for us is figuring out who needs to be the alpha or the leader. Both of us are always trying to do that, so one of us needs to give in,” shared Yates.

This is a common problem in any partnership. 

“I said, 'Okay, I’ll be the right side guy.' I’m older by 22 minutes, so I took the higher ground. That’s where most of the arguing and miscommunication comes from that people see on the court, when we’ll say ‘Hey! Switch sides, you’re not playing well,’” said Yates. “I think it’s just about owning your spot and communicating through that.” 

As for how often the Johnsons switch sides in a match...

“That’s the problem, that we didn’t determine who’s the left or right side. It just depends on the day, or we’ll just play straight up and see how it is. Sometimes one of us feels the left more on that day, so they’ll play the left. And if they’re feeling the right more, they’ll play the right,” explained Yates. “But it definitely does help making it a little more clear whose role is what.”

But the Johnsons don’t strictly play men’s with each other.

In fact, it’s more common that they pair up with other partners.  

“I think it’s good that we took a little break from playing together because we went from playing together in junior tennis, playing in college, and then four years together in pro tennis. Sometimes you need a good little break and you need some space from each other,” said Yates. “And sometimes, it is more fun playing with other people because they’re not going to say anything to you if you mess up. When you play with your twin brother, you can say whatever you want, unfortunately.”

But, they do have plans to play a few tournaments together this year.

After all, their twin dynamic is a unique advantage on the court.

“At the end of the day, I would much rather play with him because it’s special and it’s what sets us apart by being twins, so it’s good to capitalize on that. It’s a special thing for sure,” concluded Yates.

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