Bouchard and Roddick SHOCK Tennis World: Team Up to Conquer Pickleball Slam!

In a stunning move that has the sports world buzzing, former tennis stars Eugenie Bouchard and Andy Roddick have announced their partnership for the upcoming Pickleball Slam 3 in Las Vegas. This unexpected alliance will see them facing off against the legendary duo of Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi in a high-stakes battle for a $1 million prize.

Bouchard, who reached the Wimbledon finals in 2014, made the switch to professional pickleball in late 2024, joining the PPA tour. Roddick, a former Men’s World No. 1 in tennis, brings his competitive spirit to this new challenge, creating a formidable team. Their participation underscores the increasing appeal of pickleball to former professional tennis players seeking new opportunities in the rapidly growing sport.

In a recent social media clip, Bouchard shared a humorous anecdote about a conversation with Steffi Graf, noting that the German legend said she doesn’t "have time for this dinking," a common pickleball strategy. Bouchard quipped, "Hopefully, that means she is not that good at it and I will beat her".

This event is set to be a major draw for both tennis and pickleball fans, highlighting the crossover appeal of the sport and the big names now involved. The Pickleball Slam 3 is scheduled for February 16 and is already generating considerable excitement.

Australian Open Boss Declares War on Couches: Pickleball is the New Weapon!

In a bold move to combat the allure of technology and sedentary lifestyles, Australian Open boss Craig Tiley has fully embraced pickleball as a way to engage younger generations and get them active. Tiley sees the sport, along with padel, as a key to luring people away from their screens and onto the court. “Our competition is not other forms of the game, or other sports – it’s really devices and the couch,” Tiley stated.

This strategic shift was evident at this month’s Australian Open, where a padel tournament was held during the first week, followed by a Pickleball Slam in the second. Tiley believes that by offering a variety of racquet sports, including tennis, pickleball, and padel, clubs can create a more vibrant community. He envisions a future where a "vibrant community tennis club in Australia should have tennis, pickle, padel, a cafeteria, and a good social environment".

The move reflects the growing popularity of pickleball, particularly in the US, where it is the fastest-growing sport. Notable figures such as Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Tom Brady, Taylor Swift, and George and Amal Clooney have already embraced pickleball. In Australia, the combined participation numbers for pickleball and padel have surpassed those of rugby union, baseball, and billiards, according to the federal government’s sporting survey AusPlay.

While the Pickleball Slam at the Australian Open offered $100,000 in prize money, it is a smaller sum compared to the $96.5 million up for grabs for tennis stars at the Open, the event marks a significant step towards mainstream legitimacy for the sport.

Tiley also launched a "one-point slam" at this year’s Australian Open. This event pitted 16 amateur Australian players against 16 pros, with the winner of a single point progressing. The novel format proved popular, with one amateur player knocking out three professionals before losing to Omar Jasika.

By integrating pickleball into the Australian Open and creating innovative events, Tiley is not only aiming to get more people active, but also to build a broader ecosystem of racquet sports. This approach positions pickleball as a key part of the future of sports participation and engagement.

Forget Boring Gyms: New Pickleball Courts with Cameras and Cushions Arrive!

A new era for pickleball is dawning as innovative facilities are popping up, designed to enhance the playing experience with state-of-the-art technology and player-friendly features. Dill Dinkers, a new pickleball club franchise, is leading the charge with its focus on high-quality courts and an emphasis on community.

Key features of these new facilities include:

• Pro Cushion Courts: These courts are designed with a special cushioned layer, aiming to reduce the impact on players' joints, which allows for longer and more comfortable play. According to Dill Dinkers, their model is to "annihilate your opponents, not your joints".
• Individually Fenced Courts: Each court is individually fenced to prevent interruptions from stray balls rolling onto the court, a common problem in many pickleball setups. This also helps keep each game contained, improving the playing experience.
• Special LED Sports Lighting: The facilities are equipped with specialized LED sports lighting designed specifically for pickleball, ensuring optimal visibility and playing conditions.
• Smart Digital Courts: These courts include cameras that allow players to record and review their games. Members can use an app to activate the cameras, review their play, and even zoom in to check close calls.

These features are designed to address common issues at many pickleball locations, like weather, lighting, and interruptions. The integration of technology allows players to analyze their performance, with options to send footage to professional coaches for review and feedback. Dill Dinkers is partnering with DUPR coach to offer this service, which could significantly improve players' skills.

The emphasis on community is another important aspect of these new facilities. The goal is to create an environment where members can connect with others, play at their level, and have fun. These clubs are also designed to provide a consistent, high-quality playing experience, addressing common complaints about existing facilities such as old warehouse spaces with plastic courts. In addition, these facilities offer a place to repair and maintain equipment, with on-site pro shops that offer a repair counter to fix paddles and sell grips.

The membership model for these facilities typically includes an annual or monthly fee, which provides access to a range of benefits, such as discounted court rentals, open play, clinics, and leagues. The combination of advanced technology, high-quality playing surfaces and community-oriented spaces is indicative of pickleball's move toward more mainstream acceptance as a serious and enjoyable sport.

Europe's Pickleball Revolution is HERE!

Pickleball is rapidly gaining momentum across Europe, with new professional tours, increased media coverage, and a growing community of players. The sport's expansion is signaling a significant shift in the European sports landscape, moving beyond recreational play to establish a firm professional presence.

Key developments include:

• The "Road to Arberg" Pro Pickleball Tour: This tour is a major catalyst for the sport's professionalization in Europe. It features a series of ranking tournaments, including the Revolution Cup, English Open, Shipping Open, and Stogard Open, where players accumulate points to qualify for the finals. The finals are held in St. Anton Arberg, Austria, and are designed to mirror the format of the ATP tennis tour finals. This structure provides a clear pathway for professional players to compete at a high level.
• Increased Tournament Structure: Pro pickleball events are being structured to have dedicated days for finals and bronze medal matches, which allows for better scheduling and encourages more spectators to attend and buy tickets.
• Media Coverage: The Professional Pickleball League (PPL) has partnered with Channel 4 Sport to broadcast 30-minute highlight packages of their events. This collaboration is providing significant exposure and promotion for the sport in Europe.
• Growth of Team Franchises: The PPL is expanding and looking to add more team franchises. The North London Storm was the first franchise team, with a team owner and a long-term commitment, rather than a team that disappears after a single season. This is intended to enhance the professionalization of the league.
• Rise in Competitive Play: There is growth across different levels, including masters and challenger levels, which is driving increased participation and competition. The level of play in Europe is also improving, with more players entering competitive pickleball regularly.
• Professionalization of Events: There is a push to professionalize pickleball events by creating more streamlined timings and schedules to allow fans to know who is playing when. There is also movement towards more structured formats such as single elimination with a back draw to bronze at pro level events.
• Refereeing: The increase in the professionalization of pickleball has led to a need for more referees. For example, there were around 20 referees at the European Pickleball Federation (EPF) events.
• Club Growth: As the sport grows in Europe, clubs are seeking to secure dedicated facilities, moving from booking courts at sports halls to having multiple courts at a single venue. This is a crucial step toward the further development of local leagues. Some clubs are also ranking their members to ensure competitive play within the club, with categories for beginners, intermediates and advanced players.
• Community and Social Aspects: Despite the increasing professionalization of the sport, the social and inclusive nature of pickleball remains a key element. Players at the top levels are friendly off the court, emphasizing a culture of sportsmanship and community.
• Development Pathways: Pickleball is beginning to be incorporated into school curriculums, and some students are starting to receive scholarships to play at universities, indicating a structured development pathway is emerging for the sport.

These developments indicate a thriving pickleball scene in Europe, characterized by increasing professionalism, community engagement, and media attention. As the sport continues to grow, Europe is poised to become a significant hub for pickleball, providing both recreational and professional opportunities for players.

PPA Insider Reveals Shocking Truth: You've Been Watching Pickleball Wrong!

In a recent revelation that has the pickleball world buzzing, PPA statistician Jim Ramsey has pulled back the curtain on what fans and players alike might be missing when they watch the sport. Ramsey, a self-described "numbers guy" with a 35-year sports broadcasting background, suggests that to truly appreciate pickleball, it needs to be experienced in person. This is because the speed and intensity of the game are often lost on television screens.

According to Ramsey, who tracks a wide range of stats for the PPA, from winners to dinks into the net, the dedication and precision of professional pickleball players are remarkable when seen live. He notes that the frequency with which they hit the ball in the sweet spot is astonishing. Ramsey emphasizes that, unlike many other sports, fans can get extremely close to the action at pickleball events, elevating the viewing experience. He encourages fans to seek out live PPA events to witness the game's true dynamism.

Ramsey's insights extend beyond the viewing experience, as he also provides valuable tips for improving one's game. He advises players to avoid standing with their toes on the baseline when returning a serve. Instead, he recommends taking a couple of steps back to create momentum going into the court, rather than backpedaling. Another key tip for recreational players is to aim for their opponent's feet whenever possible.

Other key points from Ramsey include:

• The Importance of Stats: Ramsey highlights the value of analyzing game statistics to understand and improve performance. He tracks various metrics during PPA events and shares detailed stats on his Facebook page, "Pro Pickle Ball Stats," offering valuable insights for those looking to delve deeper into the game. He also creates previews of tournaments and provides information to broadcasters, writers, and marketing staff before the events.
• The Height Advantage: As a 6'6" player, Ramsey finds his height gives him an advantage at the kitchen line. He particularly enjoys sharp-angle drop volleys because of his reach. He also predicts that very tall and athletic players will become more common in the sport.
• The Backhand Bias: Ramsey notes that more shots are hit to the backhand side than the forehand side in pickleball. He explains that his own backhand is his natural shot, due to his background in baseball and softball.
• Pickleball Vacations: Ramsey encourages players to incorporate pickleball into their vacations, highlighting organized tour groups and the option to combine play with other activities like a beach visit.

Ramsey's insider perspective challenges fans to see pickleball with a fresh perspective. He emphasizes the technical and strategic elements of the game, often overlooked when watching on a screen. By understanding these nuances and experiencing the sport live, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the athleticism and skill involved in pickleball.