Grateful for the journey, Nsekpong is back in the singles game

Brandon Nsekpong has been around pickleball for so long, there’s not enough time in the day to hear all of the ways he and his game have changed.

“How long do you have?” he said with a laugh from Austin, Texas, Wednesday after he moved into the main draw of the PPA singles bracket for the first time in 18 months.

“It’s been tough. I was hitting my stride in 2021 and 2002 and then I paused. It was difficult, but it gave me a chance to practice and work on my game.” The pause was because of the birth of his first child and then there was another pause last year as his wife gave birth to the couple’s second child, “and with the dynamics of family, and for my wife, it just made sense for me to stay close to home and not travel and leave her with more of the burden.”

No travel is necessary this week, which makes it the perfect opportunity for Nskepong to get his name back in the game, as he has lived in Austin, his home for the past 14 years.

“I’m back in the singles game,” he said. “I feel like with my speed and athleticism, if I can just dedicate my time in the gym, I can be a good player. I’m happy today that I was able to show that after not playing for a while. I’m just hoping to continue on.”

Nsekpong’s skill showed Wednesday as he won three qualifier matches in singles. He was bounced out in mixed doubles and already had a spot in the men’s doubles main draw, where he will be playing alongside Jose Farias on Saturday. 

Nsekpong has been on the pro scene for about three years, and his game has evolved and changed, including going from never hitting a two-handed backhand to grinding it out on the practice courts trying to perfect it.

“Pickleball is unique because so many people are coming into the game that it’s hard to get that control of trying to get to that No. 1 spot,” he said. “But I’m focused on knowing the talent I have and honing in on my skills.”

The former tennis player had to re-learn the two-handed backhand, his favorite shot from his teen tennis days, and that, as well as losing 30 pounds and getting into the best shape of his life has given Nsekpong a renewed sense of optimism moving forward.

“I played a few weeks ago in Sacramento and all of that is coming back around,” he said. “I’m trying to play as many tournaments as I can and get some traction so I can get out of playing in the qualifiers.”

And while Nsekpong is gaining his footing on the courts, he’s all pickleball off the PPA courts, too. 

He started a corporate clinic pickleball business, where he puts on clinics and teaches the game in a setting for companies. 

“I just feel like it’s something that suits my personality,” Nsekpong said. “I have some sales knowledge, and this allows me to use my skill set of being personable and building community. Those things are huge for people to have a good time, be entertained and compete a little bit. I’m striving to be of service that way.”

Off the court, Nsekpong has a new addition to his family and a great pickleball job. Things on the PPA court are looking pretty good, too, but whatever happens, the dude has a great attitude about pickleball and his future.

“I’m happy with where my game is at the current moment,” he said. “But there’s so much new stuff to be working on.”

“I’m super-thrilled to be able to come out and play at a high level and connect with so many people from all over,” Nsekpong said. “I’m truly grateful for the journey and I’m in it for the long haul.”