My word, it's February. Already. What happened to January?
Most of my January was spent getting everything ready for TODAY'S launch of the World Pickleball Magazine which will be on sale before 12:00 London today, Monday 3rd February 2025. I say that with fingers very much crossed as me and the team work through the final little bits of tech that have to be right before we unleash the magazine on the pickleball world.
We really think you will love it - it will be plastered front and central on the pklbull.com homepage the minute it is live so do check back.
A little addition to the PKLBulletin will be updates on my own pickleball journey - a good way to keep myself accountable too, as I continue to try and improve my game and chase down my goals.
Saturday was crazy busy - a very good session with Stoke PBC, some good drills before plenty of match play. And then it was off to do a test event at Pure Pickleball, our new pop-up venue in Cheshire (that's in the North West of England for those of you not in the UK). The new nets, court dividers and ball bins all had all the bits and pieces (thankfully) and looked great when put together - we believe we are ready for tonight's launch event, yep - two big launches in one day.
Sunday saw me in Peterborough playing in the Singles Series run by Pep and Trudy. 16 players of all ages and backgrounds going hard in rally scoring to 15 singles matches, 12 matches played. It was brutal, so many good players in attendance - I certainly didn't rock up expecting to win it but I was a little disappointed to only manage four wins and eight losses. Why disappointed? There were two matches I probably should have closed out but generally, I think my tactics were wrong - in matches up until yesterday, I felt "return and run" was a decent strategy in singles, if the return was relatively deep. Yesterday I learned that against better players, they can still pick you off and pass you even with a decent return and I didn't adapt my strategy fast enough (like, I only really realised on the long drive home!) Already looking forward to the next one in March!
Anyway, enough about that - back to the actual pickleball news.
First up, the World Pickleball League came to an end over the weekend with some amazing action in the playoffs - Louis Laville and Molly O'Donoghue having big roles to play in Pune reaching the final. How did it all end? You can read all about it in my recap!
And here's the rest of the news from the weekend in the world of pickleball.
McGuffin and Tardio Dominate Doubles, but Tardio Takes Singles Crown
The Proton Australia Pickleball Open in Melbourne saw Tyson McGuffin and Gabe Tardio team up to win the men's doubles title, showcasing their prowess as a formidable pair. However, the tournament culminated in a dramatic singles final where the two partners faced off. In a gruelling match, Gabe Tardio secured his first PPA singles title, defeating McGuffin in straight sets, 11-9, 11-4. Despite the loss, McGuffin had a successful tournament, also winning gold in mixed doubles with Lacy Schneemann.
Both players were visibly fatigued from a long day of competition, with Tardio even receiving medical attention for a quad injury. Despite this, the 19-year-old played exceptionally, particularly with his drives and baseline shots. The final marked a significant achievement for Tardio, who had previously not earned any singles medals, and it spoiled McGuffin's bid for a Triple Crown.
Both players are now looking to carry their momentum from Australia to upcoming tournaments in the U.S. Tardio will be competing at the Proton Tucson Open next week, while McGuffin is set to play at the Mesa Cup in mid-February.
Christian Claims Women's Singles Gold in Australia After Fierce Local Challenge
Kaitlyn Christian has continued her strong start to the 2025 season by winning the women's singles title at the Proton Australia Pickleball Open in Melbourne. The top-seeded Christian faced tough competition from local favorite, Somer Dalla-Bona, ultimately winning in a close final with scores of 12-10, 11-8. Dalla-Bona, seeded 12th, tested Christian with her world-class backhand and precise passing shots. However, Christian demonstrated excellent movement and court coverage, particularly at the kitchen line, allowing her to overpower the Australian player from the baseline.
This win marks Christian's second women's singles title in her last three tournaments. In the bronze medal match, Andie Dikosavljevic defeated Nicola Schoeman, securing the third-place spot for another Australian player. Christian, a former top-40 ranked women’s doubles player on the WTA Tour, has a special connection to Melbourne, having spent months there training during her tennis career. She mentioned that winning gold in one of her favourite cities means a lot to her. The tournament showcased the increasing skill of Australian players, who challenged the top American players, particularly in the singles events.
Schneemann's Star Turn: Double Gold at Australian Pickleball Open
Lacy Schneemann had a remarkable showing at the Proton Australia Pickleball Open, securing two gold medals and establishing herself as a rising star in the sport. Schneemann's first victory came in mixed doubles, where she partnered with Tyson McGuffin to defeat top seeds Jessie Irvine and Gabe Tardio in a thrilling five-game comeback. The pair overcame a two-game deficit, with Schneemann's strategic play on the right side of the court proving to be the key to victory. This win marked Schneemann's first PPA title, a feat she described as feeling "pretty special."
Not content with one gold, Schneemann teamed up with Vivian Glozman in the women's doubles final to overpower top seeds Allyce Jones and Tyra Black in four games, securing her second gold medal of the tournament. Schneemann and Glozman demonstrated excellent teamwork and court awareness, breaking through their opponents' strong defensive play. This victory was also Glozman's first PPA title. Schneemann's performance in Australia has been described as a "star turn" and she will be looking to build on her momentum in upcoming tournaments in the US. The Australian tournament was a resounding success for Schneemann, with two gold medals, and a great experience with a friend on tour.
McGuffin Credits 'Bedroom Cardio' for Australian Pickleball Success
Pickleball star Tyson McGuffin is turning heads both on and off the court after attributing his recent success at the Proton Australia Pickleball Open to "a lot of bedroom cardio." McGuffin, known for his electrifying presence and WWE-like persona on the court, has revealed that he and his wife enjoyed a kid-free vacation in Australia, taking full advantage of the opportunity to spend some quality time together.
McGuffin's performance in Australia was indeed noteworthy, with gold medals in both men’s doubles with Gabe Tardio and mixed doubles with Lacy Schneemann. While his remarks were lighthearted and humorous, his success was undeniable. Despite falling short of a triple crown when he lost to his doubles partner Tardio in the singles final, McGuffin's double gold victory makes him a top story in the world of pickleball. According to one source, "They don't call Tyson McGuffin the most electrifying man in sports for no reason."
The comments have added to McGuffin’s already colourful persona, establishing him as a unique character in the sport. While his claim might be tongue-in-cheek, his results in Australia speak volumes about his abilities on the pickleball court.
India Open 2025 Set to be Asia's Largest Pickleball Spectacle with $125,000 Prize Pool
The India Open 2025 is poised to be the largest pickleball tournament in Asia, with a staggering $125,000 prize pool, drawing over 1,200 players from around the world. Taking place from February 3–9, 2025, at NESCO Goregaon in Mumbai, the event marks the debut of the Global Sports Pickleball Pro & Challenger League, featuring 10 city-based teams. The tournament is organized under the leadership of Global Sports founders Hemal Jain, Niraj Jain, Divyesh Jain, and Suresh Bhansali.
The league will include teams such as the Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors, owned by Janhvi Kapoor, the Ahmedabad Olympians, owned by Anmol Patel & Aditya Gandhi, and the Bengaluru Blazers, owned by Amrita Deora, among others. Other teams will represent Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Nashik. The event has also garnered support from Bollywood writer-director Shashank Khaitan as a partner, and filmmaker Karan Johar as the brand ambassador.
The tournament will be played across 25+ courts, and is expected to be a major milestone for the sport in India and beyond. This event is anticipated to be an electrifying display of competition and community, highlighting the growing popularity of pickleball.
Badminton Star Turns to Pickleball: Chan Peng Soon Opens 18 Courts in Malaysia
Former Malaysian badminton star Chan Peng Soon, a silver medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a gold medalist at the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games, has opened a new sports complex outside of Kuala Lumpur that includes 18 pickleball courts and 16 badminton courts. This move highlights the increasing popularity of pickleball in Southeast Asia, where it is beginning to challenge badminton’s long-standing dominance.
Chan's decision to include pickleball courts reflects the sport's growing appeal in the region. Pickleball's simplicity and accessibility are attracting players, and its rise coincides with some recent setbacks for Southeast Asian badminton players in major international tournaments. According to Chan, while he expects pickleball's rise will impact badminton, fans will continue to follow badminton.
Farrell Choo, president of the Malaysia Pickleball Association, introduced the sport to his students just before the COVID-19 pandemic. The sport's increasing presence on platforms like YouTube and TikTok also contributes to its visibility among younger generations. Pickleball's growth in Malaysia and the broader region suggests a significant shift in sporting interests, with pickleball becoming a popular alternative to badminton and other racquet sports.
Ugandan Leader Appointed to Spearhead African Pickleball Development
Regina Nakibuule from Uganda has been appointed as the Director of Sports Development for the Confederation of African Pickleball (CAP), marking a significant step for the sport's growth on the continent. Nakibuule will serve a four-year term, until 2029. This appointment took place during a meeting where delegates from 19 eligible African countries voted for new leaders and board members. The Confederation of African Pickleball aims to drive the sport to new heights across the continent.
The newly elected leadership team includes Dr. Kwabena Akufo from Ghana as President, Kartik Kapoor from Tanzania as Vice President, Captain Collins Munene from Kenya as Secretary General, Salomon Kalisa from Rwanda as Director of Finance, and Babatunde Epoyun from Nigeria as Director of Tournaments & Events. Additionally, regional directors were appointed including Brian Omwando (East Africa), Barnaby Ephraim (West Africa), Younes Choukri (North Africa), Michelle Kriese (Southern Africa), and Tonfak Roger (Central Africa).
The new leadership of the CAP is expected to bring expertise, passion, and dedication to help achieve their vision for pickleball’s future in Africa. Nakibuule's role will be crucial in implementing strategies to promote and develop the sport across Africa.
Stevenage Pickleball Club Celebrates First Birthday with Massive Growth
The Stevenage Pickleball Club is celebrating its first anniversary with a surge in popularity, demonstrating the sport's rapid growth in the UK. In just one year, the club has grown to 110 members and is expanding its offerings to accommodate increasing demand. The club currently runs three open sessions that are frequently sold out, and has now added a fourth session on Thursdays, with six courts available at each session.
The club also provides beginner classes on Tuesday mornings. Finding available courts and locations has become a top priority due to the high demand for pickleball in the area. Additionally, the club has entered a team in the Herts Pickleball League, and recently held its first inter-club tournament, which was won by Pat Howe and Peter Simmons.
Pickleball is an inclusive sport, suitable for people with disabilities, and the club is planning sessions for people with Parkinson's. Club member Sally Huggins has combined her passion for pickleball with her job, volunteering to sign for deaf players at coaching sessions and tournaments. The Stevenage Pickleball Club's success reflects the growing national trend of pickleball, exemplified by the opening of a purpose-built pickleball and padel centre in Dorset.
Massive Pickleball Paradise Opens in Natick Mall: 21 Courts, Gourmet Dining, and More!
A new 100,000-square-foot sports and entertainment complex called Bosse has opened at the Natick Mall, offering a unique combination of athletic and culinary experiences. This facility boasts 21 indoor pickleball courts, making it a premier destination for the rapidly growing sport. But it's not just about pickleball; Bosse also features a modern Italian-inspired restaurant, a viennoiserie, and a courtside eatery, with menus that transition from day to night.
The culinary experience is crafted to enhance every moment, with options ranging from caramelized kouign-amann to antioxidant smoothies and a Moroccan grain bowl. Chef Chris Coombs, co-founder of Bosse and acclaimed Boston restaurants Deuxave and Boston Chops, is behind the menu. Bosse is designed as a one-stop sport, entertainment and wellness destination, offering a fully equipped gym, sports theatre, Full Swing golf simulators, a darts lounge, and recovery areas, including a hammam and cold plunge. There is also a "fun zone" for kids.
Bosse aims to be the premier indoor pickleball, wellness, and lifestyle destination in New England. It is located at 310 Speen Street, Natick, MA.