Former Professional Tennis Player Rika Fujiwara (44), Quarterfinalist at French Open Doubles, Signs with World's Premier Pickleball Tour 'PPA TOUR'!

Ambiente LLC (Location: Yokohama, Kanagawa) is pleased to announce that Rika Fujiwara, a pickleball player managed by the company, has signed a player contract with the 'Professional Pickleball Association (PPA),' the organization that operates the world's premier professional pickleball tour.

Photo: PPA TOUR ASIA Vietnam Open (2025)

World No. 18, Asia No. 1: The 'Astonishing Evolution' Shown by a 44-Year-Old Active Athlete

Rika Fujiwara competed on the world tour as a professional tennis player for 20 years. In doubles, she reached the semifinals of the French Open and the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, and the semifinals of the WTA Tour Finals. In singles, she participated in the main draw of all Grand Slam tournaments and was selected for the Japanese national team (now Billie Jean King Cup) for 11 years, long leading the Japanese tennis scene. She retired in 2020. After retiring, she discovered pickleball and began competing in 2024. In just two years, she has achieved a world ranking of 18th in women's singles and 1st in Asia according to the latest DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) system (as of March 18, 2026). Among the top 50 players in the world rankings, who are mainly in their 20s and 30s, the 44-year-old Fujiwara is the oldest ranked player, aiming for even higher positions. In the 2025 season, in addition to winning the bronze medal in women's singles at the PPA Tour Asia Vietnam Open, she reached the quarterfinals in women's singles at the 'PPA Tour Pickleball World Championships,' the world's premier event held in Dallas, Texas in November. She has already proven her top-level global capabilities.

About PPA TOUR

The PPA TOUR is the world's premier professional pickleball tour, based in the United States. It is currently receiving enthusiastic support as 'the fastest-growing sport' in America and is evolving into a massive professional sports platform. Only a select few elite athletes worldwide can secure a contract with the PPA, and top athletes from other sports, including former world No. 8 tennis player Jack Sock, are increasingly participating, leading to a year-on-year increase in competitive level.

1. PPA ASIA 1000 Hanoi Cup (Vietnam) April 1-5, 2026

This will be her debut match as a contracted player. World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters (USA) has also announced her participation, and Fujiwara will challenge for the world title as the Asian queen.

2. Participation in the U.S. PPA Tour

She will sequentially participate in high-level tours held in the United States, the home of pickleball.

3. PPA ASIA 500 Sansan Tokyo Open 2026 July 1-4, 2026

This is the only official PPA Tour Asia event to be held in Japan.

Additionally, she is scheduled to participate in PPA Tour and PPA Tour Asia events in various countries across America and Asia.

Encounter with Pickleball and Its Appeal

After concluding her 20-year professional tennis career, she picked up a paddle in 2024. What she witnessed was the unique pickleball scene where people of all ages and genders sweat it out on the same court and, after the match, interact with smiles regardless of whether they were opponents or teammates. Fascinated by the sport's cultural background that fosters 'connections between people' beyond wins and losses, she decided to challenge the world in just a few months. While leveraging her tennis experience as a weapon, she has made it her new mission to establish this new community culture in Japan.

February 2026: Pickleball X Training Camp (Yamanashi)

As a Leader Nurturing the Next Generation: Appointed Coach of 'Pickleball X'

In parallel with her own athletic activities, Fujiwara has served as a coach for 'Pickleball X,' a player development project aimed at producing top professionals from Japan who can compete globally, since 2025. She transmits her strategic insight and experience, cultivated over many years on the professional tennis tour, to the next generation of players, dedicating herself to raising the competitive level in Japan. She embodies a new archetype of athlete as both player and coach, stating, 'I will compete globally myself and nurture the next generation through my example.'

Rika Fujiwara's Comment

"Challenging myself at 44. I am currently finding the greatest fulfillment in sparking against young, powerful players on the same court as a professional once again. However, the reason I am so captivated by pickleball is not just the pursuit of victory. While the competition on the court is intense, once off it, everyone connects and celebrates with smiles, transcending age and background. I wish to be someone who can convey this unique, warm community culture of pickleball and the joy of playing together regardless of age, through my own activities. I want to deliver the infinite possibilities and fun of this sport to everyone in Japan."

Rika Fujiwara Profile

Date of Birth: September 19, 1981 (Age 44)

Hometown: Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Major Achievements (Pickleball):

DUPR Women's Singles World Ranking: 18th / Asia Ranking: 1st

PPA World Championships (2025): Singles Quarterfinals

PPA TOUR ASIA Vietnam Open (2025): Singles Bronze Medal

Major Achievements (Tennis):

French Open Doubles: Best 4 (2002)

Australian Open Doubles: Best 8 (2002)

Main Draw Appearance in Singles: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open

WTA Championships (Tour Finals): Best 4 (2002)

Fed Cup (now Billie Jean King Cup) Japan Representative: 11 years

All Japan Tennis Championships: Winner x 6 (Singles x 2, Doubles x 4)

Career-High World Ranking: Singles 84th, Doubles 13th