TAMPA, Fla. — When Sebastian and Sophia Johnson are on the tennis court, it’s often a family affair.

The twin siblings were first introduced to the sport by their dad at 4 years old, and they’ve both followed in his footsteps. 

“It feels nice because you get one percent better each day,” Sebastian Johnson said.

Sophia Johnson said competitive tennis requires a lot of dedication, but it’s more than worth the reward.

“It’s a really good feeling. I feel really happy when I do well because I know my hard work is paying off,” she said.

They each have an impressive resume in the sport.

Sophia Johnson was named the Hillsborough County player of the year after a successful season at the Academy of the Holy Names. 

Sebastian Johnson led Jesuit High School to both the district and region title as the No. 1 singles player. 

Along the way, they’ve motivated each other on the court. 

“Sometimes it can get tough out there when you’re on the court alone, so to have somebody by your side and keep pushing you, I think it’s really nice to feel that support,” Sebastian Johnson explained.

In an individual sport, they’ve always had each other.

“It’s a really fun experience being able to share it with him and having the healthy competitiveness, pushing each other to be better every day, and then we also play tournaments together sometimes, mixed doubles, so that’s really fun,” Sophia Johnson said.

The Johnson twins are taking tennis to the next level: Sophia Johnson attends St. Leo University and Sebastian Johnson is at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, where their dad also played. 

The twins have a passion for helping others, which has led them to pursue the medical field. 

Sebastian Johnson is interested in anesthesiology while Sophia Johnson is combining both of her passions.

“I’m planning to go the pre-med route, and I would like to be a sports medicine doctor to help athletes in the future,” she said. “Being able to help athletes just like me is going to be really cool.”

They’re starting a new journey at different colleges, but these tennis standouts will always stay connected.

“She’s always been there for me, and I feel like we just have a special connection and I think it will always be there. It’s nice to have somebody that we can push each other on the court and off the court,” Sebastian Johnson said.

It’s more than a sport for the Johnson twins. Their family bond has been a big factor in their training and eventual success. Playing alongside their dad and having the support of their mom at every practice and match.

“Being out there with the people I love, I think, has helped enhance my love for the game because I’m out here doing the things I love. And then, having the people behind supporting me,” Sophia Johnson said.

A sibling rivalry and love keeping them both at the top of their game.