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du Randt, Johan

(1977- )

Hall of Fame Induction: 2024

Johan du Randt was inducted into the Platform Tennis Hall of Fame during the 2024 APTA National Championships at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. He is considered a pioneer in the game, revolutionizing an extremely fast and offensive style of play. From 2010, when he competed in (and won) his first Nationals, to 2024, du Randt won six APTA National Championships with three partners—Jerry Albrikes, Mark Parsons, and Stephen Mitchell—and was a four-time finalist.

Johan du Randt Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Video 2024 Johan HOF Acceptance Speech  

Tim McAvoy’s Induction Speech for Class of 2024  JOHAN du RANDT

Our inductee tonight burst onto the national platform tennis scene in 2010, winning the Men’s National Championship in Philadelphia (with Jerry Albrikes), defeating eight-time National Champions Flip Goodspeed and Scott Mansager in the final.

At the time, Johan was just two years into the sport and playing at his first Nationals. He was so new to the sport that you could literally see him figuring out what he needed to do, what worked and what didn’t. Where that learning process is typically a lifetime journey for mere mortals like most of us, Johan was 90% of the way there in four days.  The score of that final says it all—4-6, 6-1, 6-0, against one of the best men’s doubles teams of all time.  Johan “The Maestro from Massachusetts” was born.

Johan du Randt was born in South Africa in 1977 and excelled in tennis as a junior and young adult. He picked up platform tennis during the 2007-2008 season. His first family member was introduced into our paddle family during the 2010 Nationals—-his then 4-month-old puppy, Bliksem, who is still with us 14 years later. Johan now lives in Wayland, MA, with his wife Rimante, and their two children, Johan and Wyatt.

Since winning that first National Championship in 2010, Johan has won the Men’s National Championship in five additional years: 2013, 2014, 2020, 2021 and 2023.  That’s six National Championships in 14 years, with three different partners (Jerry Albrikes, Mark Parsons, and Stephen Mitchell).

Over that same time, Johan was the Men’s National Championship finalist for four years:  2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016.

Johan, by every measure, has dominated our sport over the past 14 years. The Nominating Committee also acknowledges that, while Johan has not yet retired and may have a few more wins in his future, it is important to recognize him here, in Boston, given this is his home, where he is surrounded by family and friends. 

Goat JDR 53619424775_d423a98c83_k53619409870_326d174a7a_k

All Photos by @KCKPhotography

 

Johan du Randt