Court Connections: Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova

Meet Lucy Kovalova and Matt Wright, a dynamic duo on and off the pickleball court. Affectionately known as "Matt and Lucy," this power couple has captured hearts and trophies alike with their remarkable partnership and unwavering love for the game. Join us as we unravel the enchanting journey of two pros who found not only success but also each other amidst the thrilling world of professional pickleball.

"Hello, my name is Lucy Kovalova and I’m the younger, shorter and less skilled part of the Pickleball couple “Matt and Lucy.”

I think I heard someone mention on the live stream last weekend that we are the longest playing pairing in pro pickleball…I had no idea but it might be actually accurate (fun fact). So let me back all the way up to our pickleball beginnings.

Matt and I started to play pickleball in the fall of 2015 in Wichita, KS. We were just two ex-tennis players that loved playing pickleball because it was a great exercise and we had a blast playing with our friends. We didn’t really think that there was anything else to it. But, in 2016, when we discovered that there actually is professional pickleball, we signed up for the first US Open Championships in Naples, FL. We literally had no idea what to expect. I thought we played well (no clue what dinking was at that point haha), we won several medals, met new friends and pretty much entered “the pickleball scene.”

In 2017, after Matt could no longer resist my Eastern European charm, we started to date – love was in the air…and since then, we have won many medals, finally beat Ben Johns and Simone Jardim in 2021 (because nobody beats us 13 straight times haha), ended #1 in Mixed Doubles for 2021, and played many, many tournaments and matches on the PPA Tour…and we still play Mixed Doubles together so if you don’t want to do the math – we have been competing together for 9 years!

Other than living our pickleball dream, we are a pretty private and boring couple haha. We like to watch TV shows and movies, hang out with Matt’s dog, Dink, and pretty much just chill at home. Our travel schedule can be busy sometimes so we really try to enjoy relaxing on the weekends when we are home in Wichita.

People always ask me how we can actually play together and not try to kill each other. Ha – that’s the question. I used to always say – “it helps if we win.” We are both very competitive so losses are still not easy…but at the end of the day, it’s just a match. We just need to always do our best and play our hearts out – and the results will follow. We need to put all of that into perspective and remember what is important, at the end of the day.

I know many couples struggle with playing together and, to be honest, it’s not always easy. But believe me, it’s much easier with the smile on your face…and remember – no one misses on purpose!"

As we bid farewell to Lucy and Matt's captivating love story, we're reminded of the enduring power of love and partnership, both on and off the pickleball court. Their journey is a testament to the transformative nature of sport, bringing people together in unexpected ways and forging bonds that withstand the test of time. As they continue to conquer courts and hearts, let their story inspire us to embrace love, resilience, and the joy of shared passion in all aspects of life.

Court Connections in February sponsored by ONIX Pickleball