Good morning pickleballers!
It's a very exciting Monday - issue #2 of the World Pickleball Magazine is OUT NOW and we have launched this site, as you can see.
You really should pick up a copy of the magazine - we focus on the World Pickleball League in India and have so many exclusive interviews with the main people behind the scenes, the key players, the coaches and even the commentator!
It's 135+ pages of absolutely pure pickleball gold - and it only costs a little bit more than a coffee from your local Costa/Starbucks/delete where applicable.
Click on the image below and you'll be able to get yourself quickly transported to Mumbai in all its glory - but if you're not that interested in the WPBL then you can read all the latest news and gossip from the UK pickleball scene, Europe, Africa and APAC. You can learn more about two key pioneering moments in English pickleball history. And you can feast upon six pickleball drills to improve your game - oh, and we profile a future star too.
Honestly, get a copy. It's really good.
We've also rebranded this daily news to the World Pickleball Report, but essentially it is exactly what you were getting before.
So, let's crack on!
MLP Draft Creates Shockwaves in Pickleball!
Yesterday's Major League Pickleball (MLP) Premier Level Free Agency Draft has shaken up the pickleball world, with teams making bold decisions to fill their six-person rosters. The draft saw teams strategically selecting players, with some prioritizing talent while others focused on marketing appeal.
- DC was the only 2024 playoff team that improved its roster, adding Riley Newman and becoming a legitimate threat to win in 2025.
- St. Louis decided to run it back, keeping Bright, Fahey, Patriquin, and Tardio.
- Phoenix's pick of Jack Sock was seen as a marketing move rather than a strategic talent acquisition.
- New Jersey selected Genie Bouchard, a move questioned by analysts who suggested there were better options available.
- Jim Kloss identified Zane Ford and Victoria DiMuzio as breakout players to watch. Atlanta selected Victoria DiMuzio. New York selected Zane Ford.
The draft highlighted the contrasting approaches of teams, with some willing to spend big to secure top talent, while others adopted a more budget-conscious strategy. The selections have sparked debate among fans and analysts alike, with many questioning the logic behind certain picks. As the season approaches, the pickleball community is eager to see how these new team compositions will perform on the court.
Sacramento Crowns Champions in Golden Ticket APP Open
The 2025 APP Sacramento Open, a USA Pickleball Golden Ticket event, wrapped up at Spare Time Sports Clubs in Roseville, California, showcasing intense competition and thrilling victories. The tournament, which ran from February 26 to March 2, drew top pickleball talent vying for a coveted spot in the USA Pickleball National Championships.
Christopher Haworth dominated the Men’s Singles, securing the championship title against Mariano Yeh. In Mixed Doubles, Bobbi Oshiro and Will Howells advanced to the championship match after defeating Mark Dancuart and Jillian Braverman in the semifinals. Daria Walczak and Patrick Kawka also secured a spot in the Mixed Pro Doubles championship match. They demonstrated resilience, defeating Christopher Haworth and Amanda Hendry in the semifinals.
Other highlights from the APP Sacramento Open include:
- Aidan Schenk & Clayton Powell's quarterfinal victory in Men’s Pro Doubles.
- Domenika Turkovic's advancement to the semifinals in Women’s Singles.
- Erik Lange & Purple Jesus Manthou's commanding performance in the Men’s Pro Doubles Quarterfinals.
- Will Howells and Jack Munro securing a semifinal spot after a comeback in the Men’s Pro Doubles Quarterfinals.
- Casey Diamond and Rio Newcombe edging out a tough quarterfinal win in Men’s Pro Doubles.
Sacramento, known as the Farm-to-Fork Capital, provided a vibrant backdrop for the event, blending world-class pickleball with local cuisine, history, and arts.
Veolia Cape Coral Open to Serve Up a Pickleball Extravaganza
Cape Coral, Florida, is gearing up to host its first-ever PPA Tour event, the Veolia Cape Coral Open, from March 5-9, 2025. The tournament at the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center promises high-stakes action, with 1,000 ranking points on the line.
The Men’s Doubles draw will feature Ben Johns teaming up with Andrei Daescu, facing tough competition from other top teams. In Men's Singles, Ben Johns enters as the No. 1 seed, while Tyson McGuffin makes his return from injury.
The Mixed Doubles draw is set to be highly competitive with Anna Leigh Waters partnering with Ben Johns. Other teams to watch include Anna Bright and JW Johnson. The Women’s Doubles draw is also packed with talent, including Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau, as well as Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher.
The Veolia Cape Coral Open marks a significant milestone for the city, showcasing top-tier pickleball talent and fierce competition. With high-profile players and crucial ranking points at stake, fans can anticipate intense battles throughout the tournament.
Johns and Daescu Dynamic Duo to Shake Up Cape Coral Open
The Veolia Cape Coral Open is set to deliver high-octane pickleball action from March 5-9, 2025, at the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center, with an unexpected partnership stealing the spotlight: Ben Johns and Andrei Daescu. With Collin Johns sitting out, Ben will be teaming up with Andrei Daescu.
Their debut as a duo adds intrigue, especially considering Daescu's recent victory over Ben Johns in Mesa with Gabriel Tardio. They face stiff competition in the Men’s Doubles division from teams like Christian Alshon and Federico Staksrud, and Riley Newman and Dylan Frazier. Connor Garnett and James Ignatowich are also contenders as the No. 11 seed.
Fans can expect intense battles as elite players vie for one of the season’s biggest prizes. This tournament will test Johns' adaptability and Daescu's ability to form quick chemistry with a new partner.
McGuffin's Back! Can He Conquer Cape Coral After Injury?
The Veolia Cape Coral Open, a Carvana PPA Tour event, is generating buzz as Tyson McGuffin prepares to make his comeback from injury. Taking place from March 5-9, 2025, at the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center, this tournament marks Cape Coral's debut on the PPA Tour.
McGuffin, who had to withdraw from the previous tournament in Mesa, is eager to prove himself in the Men's Singles draw. However, he will have to face tough competition, including Ben Johns, the No. 1 seed fresh off his victory in Mesa. Other players to watch include Wyatt Stone, James Ignatowich, and Hunter Johnson. Connor Garnett also faces a challenging path to reach Championship Sunday. Jaume Martinez Vich seeks to take the next step and reach Championship Sunday.
This Open event promises thrilling action as McGuffin seeks to make a deep tournament run and demonstrate his prowess against top-ranked players.
Waters and Johns Aim to Reclaim Mixed Doubles Crown
The Veolia Cape Coral Open, a Carvana PPA Tour event, is heading to Florida from March 5-9, 2025, where Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns are determined to reclaim their dominance in Mixed Doubles. After a rare loss in Mesa, the top-seeded duo seeks redemption at the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center.
Their defeat by Dekel Bar and Anna Bright has fueled their determination to bounce back. However, the competition remains fierce, with Anna Bright now teaming up with JW Johnson. Another team to watch is Jorja Johnson and Hayden Patriquin.
Other teams include Vivienne David and Federico Staksrud, known for their strong chemistry, as well as Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon, a pairing with the potential to pull off big upsets. Jessie Irvine and Gabriel Tardio continue to be a consistent mixed doubles threat.
Bright and Johnson: A New Force in Mixed Doubles Pickleball?
The Veolia Cape Coral Open, a Carvana PPA Tour stop, is set to unfold from March 5-9, 2025, at the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center, and all eyes are on the intriguing new partnership of Anna Bright and JW Johnson in the Mixed Doubles division. With Cape Coral hosting its first-ever PPA event, the stakes are high as teams battle for crucial ranking points and tournament prestige.
Bright, previously known for her partnership with Dekel Bar that led to a victory over Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns in Mesa, is teaming up with JW Johnson. This unexpected pairing adds a layer of unpredictability to an already thrilling tournament.
Waters and Johns, after their rare loss in Mesa, are eager to reclaim their dominance, making them a team to watch for redemption. Jorja Johnson and Hayden Patriquin are also among the key teams to watch.
The question remains: can Bright and Johnson quickly develop the necessary chemistry to challenge established teams and emerge as a dominant force?
PPA Tour's Next Big Thing? Keep Your Eye on DiMuzio and Ford
As the PPA Tour continues to grow, all eyes are on the emerging talents of Victoria DiMuzio and Zane Ford, who are poised to make significant strides in the professional pickleball scene. According to Jim Kloss, these two players have the potential to quickly move up the rankings.
Zane Ford, currently ranked #84 in doubles, is recognized for his singles game but is incorporating doubles strategies into his play. Ford demonstrates power and touch in his shots and needs to improve his volley and dinking skills. His performance playing men’s doubles with Gabe Joseph at Mesa, nearly defeating Collin Johns and AJ Koller, underscores his potential.
Victoria DiMuzio, ranked #118, is a more recent addition to the PPA Tour and a tennis convert. DiMuzio possesses great power and an excellent drive but needs to develop her pickleball skills, including dinks, drops, and resets. With dedication, DiMuzio has the raw tools to become a top-25 player within a year.
These up-and-comers will need to improve their game and get that signature win that will allow them to get better partners in the future.
KL Open Pickleball Championship Set to Smash Records in Malaysia
Malaysia is set to witness a historic moment in the nation's burgeoning pickleball scene with the first-ever KL Open Pickleball Championship 2025, which is slated to take place from April 25 to 27. Alliance Bank is the title sponsor for the event.
The championship is expected to attract over 600 players, marking it as one of the largest pickleball tournaments in the country. This event underscores the rapid growth of pickleball in Malaysia, which has captured the attention of players and businesses alike.
The tournament will be held at Pickle Social Club, The Courts at KLGCC Resort.
- Alliance Bank's support includes benefits for the pickleball community, such as priority court bookings and cashback incentives for its credit cardholders.
In addition to the KL Open, the inaugural Pickleball Summit 2025 will occur on April 25 at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club. The summit aims to gather over 300 facility owners, investors, suppliers, and stakeholders to discuss the pickleball boom in Malaysia and foster new partnerships. Mark Choo, the co-founder of PSC, emphasized that the partnership with Alliance Bank highlights the sport's fast growth.
Pickleball Takes Center Stage at KL Summit
Kuala Lumpur is gearing up to host the inaugural Pickleball Summit 2025 on April 25, coinciding with the KL Open Pickleball Championship 2025. This landmark event aims to gather over 300 pickleball facility owners, investors, suppliers, and key stakeholders at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.
Organized by Courtsite, with support from the Malaysia Pickleball Association, the summit will provide exclusive insights into Malaysia’s booming pickleball scene. Attendees can anticipate discussions covering investment opportunities, expert-led panels on scaling sports centres, and networking opportunities to encourage industry growth.
Alliance Bank, recognizing the sport's rapid growth in Malaysia, is the title sponsor of the KL Open Pickleball Championship.
- The KL Open Pickleball Championship 2025 is expected to attract over 600 players, marking it as one of the largest pickleball tournaments in the country.
- Alliance Bank Visa Virtual Credit Card (VCC) holders can enjoy benefits, such as priority court bookings and cashback incentives.
Samuel Siew, the CEO of Courtsite, emphasized the collaboration's focus on innovation, service, and community engagement. The events highlight pickleball's increasing popularity in Malaysia, drawing attention from both players and the business sector.
Australian Masters Gear Up for Nationals Showdown
Pickleball enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the Australian Masters Pickleball Championships in Lismore, where older players will compete for a coveted spot at the Nationals. This inaugural event signals the growing popularity of pickleball across the globe, mirroring trends seen in the United States and Malaysia.
The championships follow a series of high-profile pickleball events, including the APP Sacramento Open, a USA Pickleball Golden Ticket event. These Golden Ticket events provide players a direct pathway to qualify for the USA Pickleball National Championships. Similarly, the Australian Masters event offers older players a chance to advance to their national championships.
made+ Steps into Pickleball Spotlight, Signs Tara Bernstein as Ambassador
made+, a U.S. manufacturer of planet-positive performance footwear, is stepping into the pickleball spotlight by signing Tara Bernstein, a pickleball athlete, fashion icon, model, content creator, and influencer, as its first-ever brand ambassador. Bernstein, a dedicated fan of the bangr pickleball shoe by made+, is a natural fit for the brand as it expands its footprint in the sport's rapidly growing community.
Bernstein emphasized pickleball's community aspect and its growth as the fastest-growing sport in the U.S..
- She highlighted that the brand’s commitment to sustainability, performance, and style makes them perfect for her busy life filled with pickleball, travel, and fashion.
- She also appreciates the ability to personalize her shoes with her logo and a variety of colors.
Founded in 2021 by Alan Guyan, made+ is revolutionizing the footwear industry with sustainably made-to-order shoes produced in the U.S. The bangr, designed for both indoor and outdoor play, is crafted from six upcycled plastic water bottles and free from excess foams and linings.
made+’s signing of Bernstein reflects the increasing commercial interest in pickleball.
Stevenage Pickleball Club Set to Make Waves After Tournament Success
The Stevenage Pickleball Club is gearing up for a breakout season after a successful internal competition that provided valuable experience for its players. Organized by Pat Howe and Pete Fitzgerald, the tournament involved 20 players who were divided into groups of five, each playing eight games.
Tom Wain led the way with 29 points, while Richard Ellis, Dave Leamy, Jeff, Mick, and Suzanne all scored 20 points or more. The club's team is set to play their second Herts League match at home against West Herts Wizards C.
This internal tournament highlights the growing popularity of pickleball and the increasing skill level of its players. Stevenage Pickleball Club's success mirrors the broader trends seen in the sport. In the U.S., pickleball was the fastest-growing sport for the fourth consecutive year. In 2024, 19.8 million Americans participated in pickleball, a 45.8% increase from 2023.