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Wrist Woes Sideline Arnold's Singles Bid at Texas Open
Pickleball pro Julian Arnold has become a notable withdrawal ahead of this week’s CIBC Texas Open presented by Fasenra. According to reports, Arnold has pulled out of the men’s singles competition due to a wrist injury. This news will undoubtedly impact the singles bracket of the tournament, which is set to begin on Thursday. However, fans of Arnold will still have the opportunity to see him compete, as he is currently scheduled to participate in both mixed doubles with Lauren Stratman and men's doubles alongside Hunter Johnson later in the week. The extent of Arnold’s wrist injury is not detailed in the provided sources, leaving his performance in the doubles events uncertain. The CIBC Texas Open is already facing a number of player withdrawals, suggesting a potentially altered competitive landscape for the event. Live coverage of the tournament will be available on Pickleballtv and the Pickleballtv app.
Leg Injury Forces Radzikowska Out of Texas Open Sweep
The CIBC Texas Open presented by Fasenra has suffered another significant withdrawal with Ewa Radzikowska pulling out of all scheduled events. Citing a leg injury, Radzikowska will not be competing in any singles or doubles categories this week. This complete withdrawal means fans will miss seeing her across the various competitions at the Texas Open. Radzikowska’s absence adds to a growing list of notable players who have had to withdraw from the event due to various reasons. The tournament is set to kick off on Thursday, and the absence of players like Radzikowska will likely create new opportunities and dynamics within the draws.
Illness Sidelines McMillan from All Texas Open Events
Olivia McMillan is another player who has been forced to withdraw entirely from the upcoming CIBC Texas Open presented by Fasenra. According to the latest updates, McMillan is sidelined due to illness. This withdrawal means she will not be participating in any of the singles or doubles competitions scheduled for this week in North Texas. The tournament has seen a number of players withdraw, and McMillan’s absence due to illness further impacts the event's lineup. While the specific nature of her illness was not mentioned in the sources, her complete withdrawal suggests it is significant enough to prevent any participation.
Injury Grounds Igleski's Texas Open Singles Hopes, Doubles Still On
Chloe Igleski has joined the list of players withdrawing from the singles competition at the CIBC Texas Open presented by Fasenra due to injury. While her hopes for a singles title this week have been dashed, Igleski is still scheduled to compete in the women's doubles event on Saturday alongside her partner Helena Jansen. This indicates that her injury may not be severe enough to prevent her participation in doubles. Igleski’s withdrawal from singles adds to the growing number of injured players affecting the tournament. Her status for the doubles match on Saturday will likely be monitored closely.
Di Laura and Rettenmaier Latest to Withdraw from Texas Pickleball Showdown
The withdrawal list for the CIBC Texas Open presented by Fasenra continues to grow with the addition of Carlos Di Laura and Travis Rettenmaier. Di Laura has withdrawn from all events, while Rettenmaier has pulled out of men's singles due to a back injury. However, Rettenmaier is still scheduled to play mixed doubles with Allyce Jones and men's doubles with Donald Young later in the week. These latest withdrawals further impact the composition of the tournament, which is set to begin on Thursday. The reasons for Di Laura’s withdrawal were not specified in the provided sources. Despite his singles withdrawal, Rettenmaier’s planned participation in doubles offers some hope for his fans.
Back Issue Knocks Hovenier Out of Texas Open Singles
Blaine Hovenier is the latest player to be affected by injury ahead of the CIBC Texas Open presented by Fasenra, withdrawing from the men's singles competition due to a back injury. Despite this setback, Hovenier is still scheduled to participate in mixed doubles with Martina Frantova and men's doubles with AJ Koller later in the week. His withdrawal from singles highlights the physical demands of professional pickleball and the challenges players face in maintaining peak condition. While his singles aspirations for the Texas Open are over, his planned participation in doubles will still offer fans a chance to see him compete.
Mad Dash to the Top: Trouillot Named GM of LA Mad Drops
The Los Angeles Mad Drops have made a significant off-season move, announcing the promotion of Athena Trouillot from head coach to general manager. This rapid ascent to a leadership position comes after Trouillot's deep involvement with the Major League Pickleball (MLP) team since their first full season. Her journey with the Mad Drops began in 2023 when her wife, top pro Catherine Parenteau, was drafted by the team. That year proved highly successful, with the squad, also including Thomas Wilson, Julian Arnold, and Irina Tereschenko, clinching two titles.
Trouillot stepped into the role of head coach in 2024, and now, just a year later, she takes the reins as GM. Expressing her excitement, Trouillot emphasized her commitment to the team and their strong work ethic. The Mad Drops' 2025 roster includes returning players Parenteau, Wilson (currently injured), Jade Kawamoto, and Hunter Johnson, alongside new additions Quang Duong, Angie Walker, and Wes Burrows. With a storied history in the MLP, the Mad Drops, under Trouillot's guidance, will be aiming to make a strong return to the postseason in 2025. This promotion signals a new chapter for the team and a testament to Trouillot's dedication and leadership.
Bangalore Buzzes with New Double Bounce Pickleball Court, Free Play Starts Soon
Bangalore's thriving pickleball scene has gained a new landmark with the opening of a dedicated court by Double Bounce at Vaswani Presidio, Panathur Main Road. Pickleball enthusiasts in the city are set to benefit from this new facility, which aims to cater to the growing popularity of the sport. To celebrate its launch, Double Bounce is offering three days of free open play from March 17 to 19. Players of all skill levels are invited to experience the court without any booking requirements during these days, with the facility open from 6 AM to 11 PM, providing ample opportunity for everyone to try their hand at the game.
Following the free play period, official court bookings will commence on March 20 and will be managed exclusively through the Hudle app. This system aims to provide a structured playing experience with easy advance reservations. The Double Bounce facility hopes to further expand Bangalore’s pickleball community by offering a top-notch court in a convenient location. This development reflects the increasing traction of pickleball worldwide and in India, with Bangalore being no exception.
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Tennis Tots Trade Rackets for Paddles: Swiatek Coach's Kids Try Pickleball at Indian Wells
In a delightful crossover of racquet sports, the children of Iga Swiatek’s coach, Wim Fissette, were spotted trading their tennis rackets for pickleball paddles at the prestigious Indian Wells Masters. On Wednesday, March 13, 2025, Fissette's wife, Jasmien Clijsner, shared snapshots on her Instagram of their two sons trying their hand at pickleball. The youngsters were seen holding pickleball paddles, seemingly ready to engage in a game or two.
The Fissette family has been a constant presence at Indian Wells, supporting Swiatek throughout her campaign. These charming moments of the children exploring pickleball provide a light-hearted backdrop to the intense competition of the tournament. While their parents are deeply involved in the world of professional tennis, the youngsters' foray into pickleball highlights the growing appeal and accessibility of the sport. It’s a fun reminder that even those within the highest echelons of one racquet sport can appreciate the joys of another, especially amidst the excitement of a major event like the BNP Paribas Open.
Sneaker Giants Battle for Pickleball Supremacy: New Market Report Drops
A new comprehensive market study titled "Pickleball Shoes Market 2025," published by Coherent Market Insights, signals a burgeoning battleground for major footwear brands. The report offers valuable insights into the rapidly expanding pickleball shoe market, projecting significant regional and global growth between 2025 and 2032. This analysis highlights the evolving market dynamics, key investment areas, and a competitive landscape increasingly populated by well-known athletic shoe manufacturers.
The study identifies a significant number of players actively competing in this space, including established giants like Asics, Adidas, K-Swiss, Mizuno, New Balance, and Nike, alongside other notable brands such as Diadora, Lotto, P Inc., Puma, Victor Sport, and Wilson. This diverse array of contenders underscores the growing recognition of pickleball's popularity and the lucrative potential of its associated footwear market. Furthermore, Skechers has recently launched its own dedicated pickleball collection featuring shoes and apparel, indicating another major player entering the fray. With detailed segmentation analysis covering material types, end users (including professional and recreational players), and distribution channels, the report suggests an intensifying competition as these sneaker giants vie for dominance in the booming pickleball market.
Skechers Steps Up Its Game with Chic New Pickleball Line Co-Designed by Pros
Skechers is making a significant entry into the pickleball market with the launch of a stylish new collection of shoes and apparel. The brand emphasizes that the line combines fashion, practicality, and comfort to suit pickleball players of all levels. This exciting new venture is not just a solo effort for Skechers; they collaborated closely with professional pickleball players Tyson McGuffin and Catherine Parenteau on every detail of the collection.
According to Skechers, McGuffin and Parenteau were integral to the design process, influencing everything from colour and print choices to materials used, aiming to set a “new standard for performance and style in pickleball gear”. The collection features both men’s and women’s options, including the Viper Court Pro and Viper Court Pro 2.0 sneakers, apparel like the Courtside Performance Tank and Performance Court Skort for women, and the Speed Elite Singlet and Digiwave 5 Inch Short for men. Even equipment such as the Pickleball Inspire 12mm Paddle is part of the new offerings. With this pro-endorsed and stylish line, Skechers is clearly stepping up its game in the booming pickleball market.
Québec Pickleball Frenzy: Top Players Gear Up for Round Robin Rumble
Pickleball fever is set to grip Québec as top players prepare for the Tournoi à la ronde des Mordus du Pickleball on April 12, 2025, at the Montcalm Centre Multiraquette. This exciting event promises a competitive showdown with a round-robin format across various skill-based divisions. Participants can expect intense 11-point matches that must be won by a 2-point margin, with a maximum score of 15.
The tournament will cater to a wide range of abilities, including a special 2.5 skill category across mixed, women’s, and men’s divisions, as well as a women’s singles category for 3.0 skill levels and above. The top four teams from each group will advance to the coveted medal round. With 12 courts in play, the competition is expected to be fierce.
Registration for this Québec pickleball spectacle opened on March 11, 2025, and will close on April 6, 2025. The entry fee is CAD 57.50 per participant. Players and spectators will benefit from free parking available at the venue located at 1141 Boulevard Champlain. The Tournoi à la ronde des Mordus du Pickleball is poised to be a highlight in the Canadian pickleball calendar, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for the sport in the region.
AI to Revolutionize Your Dink? SportAI and Shark Join Forces for Pickleball Training
The world of pickleball training is poised for a technological leap as SportAI, an AI startup, has announced a partnership with Shark, a manufacturer of pickleball and beach tennis equipment. This collaboration aims to develop an AI-powered coaching app specifically for Shark's customers, promising to bring cutting-edge technology to players seeking to improve their game.
The app, currently under development and expected to launch later this year, will leverage SportAI's computer vision algorithms. This technology will provide users with detailed technique analyses, encompassing critical aspects such as player movement, swing curves, and ball-striking metrics. Furthermore, the app will incorporate generative AI to offer personalized training regimens and even recommend suitable equipment.
Lauren Pedersen, co-founder & CEO of SportAI, highlighted the excitement around offering this data for product development and recommendations. While SportAI's models for tennis and padel are currently more advanced, the company is actively investing in refining its pickleball and beach tennis analysis capabilities. This innovative partnership between SportAI and Shark signals a significant step towards integrating artificial intelligence into pickleball coaching, potentially revolutionizing how players learn and refine their skills.
Is Your Paddle Past Its Prime? UPA-A Issues Retirement Guidelines
The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) has released new guidance to help players and manufacturers determine when a pickleball paddle should be retired from play. While not an official rule, this guidance aims to maintain performance standards and the integrity of competition within the parameters set by the UPA-A.
According to the UPA-A, several indicators suggest a paddle is no longer playable:
- Cracking: Any visible cracks or structural damage on the paddle face, edge guard, throat, or handle.
- Crunching: A crunching sound when squeezing the paddle face, indicating internal breakdown.
- Rattling: Loose materials inside the paddle that produce a rattling sound when shaken.
The governing body of the PPA Tour encourages both players and manufacturers to adhere to these best practices. Recognizing these signs is crucial for upholding the highest level of performance and ensuring consistency in professional pickleball events. This guidance from the UPA-A serves as a valuable resource for the pickleball community to ensure fair and consistent play.
Poach Perfect: The Doubles Pickleball Secret Weapon Revealed
In the dynamic world of doubles pickleball, a tactic known as poaching is emerging as a crucial "secret weapon" for teams looking to gain an edge. This strategic maneuver, highlighted in recent discussions within the pickleball community, involves a player strategically moving across the center line to intercept a shot intended for their partner. The effectiveness of poaching lies in its ability to disrupt the opponents' established patterns and create unexpected opportunities for points.
A key aspect of successful poaching is the element of surprise. By establishing a pattern of poaching, one player can create an expectation in the minds of their opponents. However, the real mastery comes in the judicious disruption of this pattern, a technique playfully termed the "Poach-and-Pick". This involves feigning a poach, causing the opponent to adjust their positioning, only for the poaching player to yield, allowing their partner an open shot.
The benefits of incorporating poaching into a doubles strategy are manifold. Initially, a well-executed poach can directly lead to "cheap points". Moreover, the mere possibility of a poach forces opponents to be more cautious and precise with their shots, often leading to increased errors. Understanding and manipulating these patterns is a hallmark of advancing in pickleball, turning what might seem like a risky move into a "perfect" weapon for doubles dominance.