Q: How would you introduce yourself - on and off the court?

I'd walk up, introduce myself, ask their name, and see how long they've been playing pickleball. I like getting to know people first — and after that, I'd probably ask if they want to play a game together! That's really who I am: I lead with connection, not competition. The sport matters, but the people are what make it special.

Q: How did you first get into pickleball - and what made you take it seriously?

My mom told me she was going to try out this new sport called pickleball in 2024 and asked if I wanted to come. At the time, I was playing tennis recreationally. I said sure — and after that day, hitting a paddle against a ball completely changed my life. I fell in love with the sport immediately and started playing more and more. About three months later, I decided to stop playing tennis and commit to pickleball full-time. No regrets.

"Hitting a paddle against a ball completely changed my life."

- Phi Trinh, OSAKA pickleball athlete

Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration, and why?

On the court, it's Tama Shimabukuro — he's the same age as me and is already beating top pros. That shows me that anything is possible if you truly put your mind to it. Off the court, my biggest inspiration is my mom. She's always cheering me on, taking me to tournaments, supporting me, and making sure I have the nutrition I need to perform at my best. She started this whole journey, and she's the reason I keep going.

Q: What do people underestimate about high-level pickleball?

A lot of people who have never seen high-level pickleball assume it's just a sport for older people. But if they actually watched a high-level match, they'd realize how tough and fast the game really is. The younger generation is starting to take over, and the level keeps getting higher every year. It's not a backyard sport anymore — it's a serious athletic competition.

Q: What makes you unique on the court - what do people recognize you for?

What makes me unique is that I'm not always super serious. Of course I'm competing hard in tournaments, but I'm not the type of player who gets angry at myself after missing a shot. I like staying laid back, moving on quickly, and focusing on the next point. I think people recognize me most for my sportsmanship — and honestly, that's something I'm really proud of.

"I'm not the type of player who gets angry after missing a shot. I move on quickly and focus on the next point."

- Phi Trinh on his laid-back competitive mindset

Q: Do you have any pre-match rituals or routines?

Not really. I'm not superstitious or someone who follows a strict routine. I usually just keep it simple: arrive at the venue, do a quick five-minute stretch, get in a solid 15-minute warm-up, and then it's tournament time. Sometimes the best preparation is just showing up ready and keeping your head clear.

Q: What is your favorite OSAKA product?

The shirts — easily. They're so comfortable and make me feel completely free on the court. When I'm wearing an Osaka shirt, I'm not thinking about anything other than the game. That freedom of movement and comfort is exactly what I need when I'm competing.

Q: What does being part of the OSAKA family mean to you?

Being part of the Osaka family makes me feel like I'm part of another amazing family — filled with supportive people who always have my back and lift me up when I need it most. It's not just a brand partnership. It genuinely feels like a community that cares about the people in it.

"Being part of the OSAKA family makes me feel like I'm part of another amazing family."

- Phi Trinh on the OSAKA community

Q: What advice would you give to players who want to go pro - and how do you hope to inspire the next generation?

Don't worry too much about the future — focus on the present. Everything will work out the way it's supposed to. If you truly set your mind to something and keep working for it, eventually you'll get where you want to be. I want to inspire younger players by showing them that age doesn't matter. Competing against top pros shows that younger players can reach that level too if they keep fighting for their goals and believing in themselves.

"I want to inspire younger player by showing them hat age doesn't matter."

- Phi Trinh's message to the next generation