Tina Pisnik is a name that resonates in both the tennis and pickleball worlds. A former professional tennis player from Slovenia who reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 29, Pisnik has seamlessly transitioned into a rising star on the professional pickleball circuit. As of March 31, 2025, her journey from the tennis courts to the pickleball paddle has captivated sports enthusiasts globally.
Tina Pisnik’s Biography
Born on February 19, 1981, in Maribor, Slovenia (then part of Yugoslavia), Tina Pisnik grew up with a racket in hand. Her early years were marked by a passion for sports, influenced heavily by her athletic family. Pisnik turned professional in tennis in 1999, embarking on a career that would see her compete on the world’s biggest stages, including two Olympic Games (Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004). Her highest singles ranking of No. 29 came in January 2004, and she peaked at No. 63 in doubles in April 2000. During her tennis tenure, she clinched one WTA singles title and two doubles titles, showcasing her versatility and competitive spirit.
However, a car accident in her mid-20s led to a neck injury that cut her promising tennis career short. After retiring from professional tennis in 2005, Pisnik didn’t step away from sports entirely. She moved to the United States in 2015, initially settling in Chicago, where she took on a role as a high-performance director at CPAC in Lincolnshire until early 2020. Her relocation to central Florida in 2021 with her wife, Maja, marked the beginning of a new chapter one that would soon include pickleball.
Pisnik’s introduction to pickleball came in November 2022, when a friend convinced her to try the sport. Initially skeptical, she quickly fell in love with its competitive edge, reigniting the passion for competition she’d missed since her tennis days. By 2023, she had signed a three-year contract with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, cementing her status as a pro player. Today, she resides in Bradenton, Florida, balancing her roles as a pickleball athlete, tennis coach, and business owner with her company, Smash Tennis.
Key Milestones in Tina Pisnik’s Career
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Turned professional in tennis |
| 2000 | Represented Slovenia at the Sydney Olympics |
| 2004 | Reached career-high tennis singles ranking of No. 29 competed in Athens Olympics |
| 2005 | Retired from professional tennis due to injury |
| 2015 | Moved to the United States |
| 2022 | Discovered pickleball and began competitive play |
| 2023 | Signed with the PPA Tour joined Major League Pickleball (MLP) Texas Ranchers |
Family Background: A Sporting Legacy
Tina Pisnik’s athletic prowess is no surprise when you consider her family roots. Her father, Boris Pisnik, was a standout soccer player for the Slovenian national team and later became a respected coach. He played a significant role in Tina’s early career, traveling with her on the tennis tour and providing guidance. Her mother, Saska Pisnik, worked as an economic technician and brought a different perspective to the family dynamic, balancing practicality with her daughter’s sporting ambitions.
Growing up in Maribor, Pisnik was immersed in a sports-centric environment. She has often credited her parents for instilling discipline and a love for competition. While she has no siblings mentioned in public records, her tight-knit family has been a constant source of support throughout her career transitions.
Pisnik’s love for sports extends beyond tennis and pickleball. She has expressed interest in basketball and soccer, likely influenced by her father’s background. This diverse athletic foundation has undoubtedly contributed to her adaptability and success in pickleball.
Partner: Life with Maja Topolovec
Tina Pisnik’s personal life is anchored by her partnership with Maja Topolovec, her wife and steadfast companion. The couple married before moving to the United States in 2015, and Maja has been an integral part of Pisnik’s journey ever since. While Pisnik dominates on the court, Maja manages the off-court aspects of her career, including scheduling, social media, and endorsement deals. This dynamic mirrors other successful sports couples, such as Tyson and Meg McGuffin or Callie and Kyle Smith, where a supportive partner plays a crucial role in navigating the demands of professional athletics.
Maja’s Slovenian roots align with Pisnik’s, and their shared cultural background has strengthened their bond. The couple has no human children but considers their two English Labradors, Sam and Ash, as their “kids.” These furry family members often feature in Pisnik’s social media posts, offering fans a glimpse into her life off the court. Living together in Bradenton, Florida, Pisnik and Maja have built a stable and supportive home base that allows Tina to thrive in her dual roles as athlete and coach.
Tina Pisnik’s Pickleball Achievements
Since entering the pickleball scene in 2022, Tina Pisnik has wasted no time making her mark. Her tennis background particularly her mental toughness and disciplined approach has translated seamlessly into her new sport. Here’s a rundown of her notable accomplishments:
- 2023 Vulcan Tournament of Champions: Earned a silver medal in mixed doubles.
- 2023 APP Chicago: Secured a gold medal in mixed doubles, showcasing her growing dominance.
- Major League Pickleball (MLP): Competed at the Challenger Level with the California BLQK Bears and later joined the Texas Ranchers, bringing her international flair to the team.
- PPA Tour: Signed a three-year deal in 2023, competing against the world’s top players and earning accolades for her competitive spirit at age 44.
Pisnik’s playing style reflects her tennis roots she’s a baseliner with a knack for serve and volley on faster surfaces. Her paddle of choice, the ProXR Zane Navratil Signature 14, complements her precision and power. Sponsored by Chicken N Pickle and Stack Athletics, she’s quickly becoming a recognizable figure in the pickleball community.
Net Worth: Estimating Tina Pisnik’s Financial Standing
As of March 31, 2025, Tina Pisnik’s net worth is not publicly disclosed in exact figures, but we can make an educated estimate based on her career trajectory and current endeavors. During her tennis career, she earned prize money from the WTA Tour, though specific amounts are unavailable due to limited historical data. Celebrity net worth sites like CelebsAgeWiki.com have speculated her wealth at $2 million, but this figure seems outdated and unverified given her post-tennis career.
Here’s a breakdown of potential income sources contributing to her net worth:
- Tennis Earnings: As a top-30 player, Pisnik likely earned several hundred thousand dollars in prize money and endorsements during her active years (1999–2005).
- Coaching: Her roles as a high-performance director and private coach at Bradenton Tennis Center, along with her business Smash Tennis, provide a steady income stream.
- Pickleball: PPA Tour earnings, MLP participation, and sponsorships from Chicken N Pickle and Stack Athletics add to her finances. Top pickleball pros can earn $50,000–$100,000 annually, and Pisnik’s rising status suggests she’s on the higher end.
- Business Ventures: Smash Tennis, her coaching platform, likely generates additional revenue through lessons and online content.
Considering these factors, a conservative estimate places Tina Pisnik’s net worth between $1 million and $3 million in 2025. This range accounts for her past earnings, current professional activities, and the growing popularity of pickleball, which could boost her income further as the sport expands.
Tina Pisnik’s Life Today: Balancing Competition and Coaching
At 44, Tina Pisnik shows no signs of slowing down. She travels nearly every weekend for PPA Tour events, fueled by the same competitive fire that drove her tennis career. Off the court, she remains deeply committed to coaching, offering private lessons at Bradenton Tennis Center and leveraging tools like Pivo for online training content. Her Instagram (@tinapisnikofficial) offers fans a mix of professional updates and personal moments with Maja and their dogs.
Pisnik’s story is one of resilience overcoming injury, adapting to a new sport, and thriving in a second act. She’s a testament to the idea that age is just a number, competing against players half her age with the wisdom of an Olympian. As pickleball continues its meteoric rise, expect Tina Pisnik to remain a key figure, both as a player and an ambassador for the sport.
Conclusion: Why Tina Pisnik Matters in Pickleball
Tina Pisnik’s journey from a Slovenian tennis star to a pickleball pro is inspiring and unique. With a supportive family, a dedicated partner in Maja, and a net worth reflecting her multifaceted career, she’s a standout in the sports world. This article has covered her biography, family, partner, and financial standing with the latest insights as of March 31, 2025, ensuring you have the most comprehensive and accurate picture of her life and achievements.
For fans searching “Tina Pisnik pickleball bio, family, partner, net worth,” this piece delivers the goods optimized for Google and packed with value. Keep an eye on Pisnik as she continues to smash records and inspire the next generation of athletes!
