I LOVE THE GAME
Salome’s love for pickleball is the driving force behind her relentless pursuit of improvement and her professionalism on and off the court. She embodies the philosophy of striving to be "1% better every day," not just to win matches but to honor the game she cherishes deeply. "I love this sport," she has said, her passion evident in the energy and enthusiasm she brings to every match, practice, and interaction. For Salome, the game isn’t just a competition; it’s a way to connect, inspire, and find joy in every moment on the court.
Physical Preparation
Salome’s dedication to fitness and mental preparation is the cornerstone of her success. “There are no shortcuts if you want to perform at your best,” she explains. Her regimen is a mix of strength training, agility drills, and court-specific exercises, all designed to enhance her speed, endurance, and power. When training at home, she plays three to four hours a day and dedicates one to two hours to fitness. “Even on the days when I’m tired or sore, I remind myself that every session counts, every effort adds up.” She believes that training is not just about building strength but also about preparing her body to handle the intensity and demands of competitive matches.
MENTAL GAME
She believes that a strong mindset can make the difference between winning and losing, “Your mental game determines how you handle pressure, setbacks, and even success.” Salome practices mindfulness and visualization techniques to stay focused and composed during matches, saying, “I try to see the game in my mind before I step on the court. It helps me stay calm and prepared for any situation.” She also emphasizes the importance of self-belief and resilience, sharing, “When things don’t go your way, you have to stay aware and trust in your preparation.” She allows herself 5 seconds to reflect on mistakes during matches before resetting her focus. “If you let a bad point linger, it’ll follow you into the next one. Your biggest opponent isn’t across the net—it’s your own mind.” Salome approaches every match, every practice session, and every challenge with a singular focus on improvement. “If I get just 1% better every time I step on the court, that’s all that matters,”
PLANT BASED
Salome’s is an advocate of a plant-based diet, she credits her nutrition for providing her with the energy and recovery needed to excel in a grueling sport. “What I eat directly impacts how I perform,” she says, emphasizing the role of whole, nutrient-rich foods in her daily life. “It’s 80% of why I can still play at this level,” Her plant-based approach is not only a choice for physical health but also aligns with her values, as she adds, “It’s important to me to make choices that feel good for my body and the planet.” Through her mindful eating habits, Salome showcases how nutrition plays a pivotal role in an athlete’s success.
RISE OF A PICKELBALL ICON
Born in the country of Georgia, Salome Devidze’s athletic journey began on the tennis court. With two older brothers immersed in the sport, Salome was destined to follow suit. “I started when I was five.” Her talent was undeniable. By the age of eight she was already competing internationally, already speaking 5 languages, Salome caught the attention of a New York sponsor during a tournament in Portugal. This pivotal moment changed her life, leading her family to relocate to Florida so she could train at the prestigious Chris Evert Tennis Academy.
For eight years, Salome honed her skills, turning professional at just 16. She achieved a world ranking of 250 in singles and doubles. Traveling to 42 countries competing on the WTA & ITF tour. “The experience was unparalleled, but eventually, my body said, ‘Enough,’” she reflects.
Salome’s rapid ascent is extraordinary. Armed with the precision, power, and strategic acumen developed during her tennis career, she quickly became a force on the pickleball court. Little did she know, a chance game of pickleball during a visit to her brother would change everything. Though skeptical at first, Salome’s competitive spirit was reignited. Within six weeks of picking up a paddle, she won her first professional gold medal. Now, she’s blazing new trails in pickleball, proving that reinvention is possible at any stage of life. “The first time I played singles, I thought, ‘This feels right. I could do this for the rest of my life.’”
INSPIRE
Her vision is clear: to leave a legacy of inspiration and inclusivity. “Pickleball is more than a sport—it’s a movement. I want to show people that age is just a number and that with love for the game and yourself, you can achieve anything.” Salome’s impact goes beyond competition. She’s passionate about mentoring young players, running clinics for kids as young as five. “There’s nothing like seeing a child’s joy when they hit the ball over the net,” she says.
For Salome Devidze, pickleball’s magic lies in its accessibility. Unlike other sports, amateurs can play alongside pros, fostering a unique sense of community. Salome believes this inclusivity is key to the sport’s growth.
“I love that anyone can approach me after a game and ask for tips,” she says. Whether through clinics or social media interactions, Salome is committed to sharing her journey and inspiring others. “Pickleball is more than a sport—it’s a movement. Let’s grow it together.” One of Salome’s favorite aspects of pickleball is its accessibility. “Any amateur can play next to a pro. That’s the beauty of it,” she says. While some argue for stricter separation between professionals and amateurs, Salome believes the sport isn’t ready for that. “We’re not big enough yet.”