Tyra Black Pickleball Player: Age, Height, Net Worth, Ranking, Paddle & Social Profiles
In the rapidly expanding world of professional pickleball, few athletes have risen as quickly—or as convincingly—as Hurricane Tyra Black. Known for her explosive movement, elite defensive skills, and calm under pressure, Tyra has established herself as one of the most complete players on the women’s tour.
As of early 2026, she sits No. 4 in women’s doubles on the PPA Tour, backed by 14,400 ranking points. At just 24 years old, Tyra represents a new generation of pickleball professionals: athletes with elite tennis pedigrees who have successfully adapted their games to one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.
This profile explores Tyra Black’s background, tennis foundation, pickleball rise, playing style, career statistics, and how she compares to the current top 10 women in the sport.
Early Life and Family Background
Hurricane Tyra Black was born on March 2, 2001, in Boca Raton, Florida, into a family deeply rooted in competitive tennis. Her father, Sylvester Black, was a professional tennis player who represented Jamaica in the Davis Cup, while her mother, Gayal Black, played a key role in supporting the family’s athletic journey.
Tyra is one of four sisters. Her older sister, Tornado Alicia Black, was one of the most decorated junior tennis players of her era, reaching a career-high junior world ranking of No. 3 and finishing as the runner-up at the 2013 US Open girls’ singles championship.
Tyra picked up a tennis racket at the age of three. By her teenage years, she was competing in junior Grand Slams, including the 2015 US Open. Standing 5’8″ with exceptional athleticism, she developed the discipline, competitiveness, and resilience that now define her pickleball success.
Now based in Delray Beach, Florida, Tyra continues to train in a high-performance environment shaped by her family’s legacy and her own professional ambition.
Tennis Career and Competitive Record
Before becoming a pickleball standout, Tyra Black built a solid professional tennis résumé.
She reached a career-high combined junior ranking of No. 13 in 2019, compiling a junior singles record of 27–14 and a doubles record of 16–12. Her transition to the ITF professional circuit brought steady results and multiple titles.
Professional Tennis Highlights
- Singles Record: 87–44
- ITF Singles Titles: 5
- Doubles Record: 27–27
- ITF Doubles Titles: 2
- WTA Singles Ranking High: #331 (November 2022)
Most of her singles success came on clay courts, including multiple titles in Antalya, Turkey. Her career prize money totaled approximately $35,280.
While her tennis career showed clear promise, the grind of the tour and the pressure of early expectations ultimately led Tyra to explore a new competitive outlet—pickleball.
Transition From Tennis to Pickleball
Tyra Black made the switch to professional pickleball in 2023, and the transition was immediate and impactful.
Her tennis background translated seamlessly into pickleball fundamentals: powerful groundstrokes, fast hands at the net, and elite court coverage. She turned pro at 22 and won her first professional pickleball tournament shortly after—an early signal that she belonged at the top level.
By 2024, Tyra was competing regularly on the PPA Tour and in Major League Pickleball (MLP), earning a Premier-level draft selection. One of her defining moments came in 2023 when she defeated Anna Leigh Waters in a quarterfinal matchup, snapping Waters’ streak of six consecutive triple crowns.
Her success highlighted a growing trend in the sport: former high-level tennis players raising the athletic ceiling of professional pickleball.
Professional Pickleball Career and Achievements
Since turning pro, Tyra Black has been one of the most consistent performers on tour.
Career Snapshot (as of January 2026)
- Professional Tournaments: 87
- Career Matches: 646
- Win Percentage: 65.3%
- 2026 Record (early): 7–2
PPA Tour Rankings
- Women’s Doubles: #4
- 14,400 points
- 4 gold medals
- 7 silver medals
- 16 bronze medals
- Mixed Doubles: #5
- 5,700 points
- 1 gold, 2 silvers, 1 bronze
Tyra is also a core contributor for the Dallas Flash in Major League Pickleball, consistently helping the team reach medal rounds.
Her strong singles performances—despite limited ranking points—include notable comebacks and podium finishes, reinforcing her reputation as a complete competitor.
Tennis vs. Pickleball Career Comparison
Playing Style, Strengths, and Equipment
Tyra Black’s game is built on elite defense, lightning-fast hands, and exceptional reset ability, widely considered among the best in women’s pickleball.
She thrives on the left side, where her right-handed forehand creates pressure through drives, volleys, and overheads. Her tennis background adds pace and spin, while her pickleball IQ allows her to win extended dink battles.
Strengths
- Defensive anticipation
- Handspeed at the kitchen
- Mental composure in high-pressure points
- Transition game from baseline to net
Areas for Growth
- Occasional power gaps against elite power-first players
Equipment
Tyra plays with her signature PIKKL Hurricane Pro Carbon Fiber Paddle, available in:
- 14mm (more power)
- 16mm (more control)
The paddle features T700 raw carbon fiber, offering high spin potential, forgiveness, and a plush feel favored by competitive players.
Personal Life
Tyra keeps her personal life private and remains focused on her professional development. No public information is available regarding a relationship. She credits her family’s support as a major factor in her continued growth and success.
Hurricane Tyra Black : Profile at a Glance
Net Worth and Earnings
As of early 2026, Tyra Black’s estimated net worth ranges between $500,000 and $1 million.
Her income sources include:
- PPA tournament earnings
- Major League Pickleball contracts
- Endorsements and signature paddle royalties
Annual earnings are estimated between $100,000 and $300,000, depending on tournament results and sponsorship activity.
Social Media Presence
Comparison With Top 10 Women’s Pickleball Players (2026)
The top 10 women as of early 2026 include:
- Anna Leigh Waters
2–4. Anna Bright, Jorja Johnson, Tyra Black - Catherine Parenteau
- Kate Fahey
- Kaitlyn Christian
- Brooke Buckner
- Lea Jansen
- Parris Todd
Tyra stands out as one of the best defensive specialists in a field increasingly dominated by power-based play. Her ability to neutralize offense and extend rallies gives her a unique edge against top-tier competition.
Conclusion
Hurricane Tyra Black represents the modern evolution of professional pickleball. With a foundation built in elite tennis and a skill set refined for pickleball’s tactical demands, she has become one of the most reliable and respected competitors on tour.
At just 24 years old and already ranked among the top players in the world, Tyra’s trajectory points toward sustained success. As pickleball continues its explosive growth in the United States, Hurricane Tyra Black is positioned not just to compete—but to shape the future of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jordan Blake
Jordan Blake is a racket-sports author with hands-on experience and a strong command of both tennis and pickleball. With a foundation built through years on the tennis court and a successful transition into competitive pickleball, Jordan brings practical insight, strategic clarity, and real-world understanding to every article.
Drawing on personal play, match analysis, and court-level observation, Jordan specializes in breaking down technique, tactics, and the mental aspects of both sports in a clear, data-informed, and accessible way. His dual-sport perspective helps readers understand how skills transfer between games—and where each sport demands its own distinct mastery.
