Pickleball news: Alshon is ace, Waters wins, 4am games and top tips
Good morning pickleballers!
I hope everyone had some great games on court over the weekend - personally, I was at the Telford Open in the UK. It was a brilliantly run tournament by Pickleball Central and We Do Pickleball, sponsored by Franklin. They kept it simple, open age with three skill brackets and the quality of play was amazing. It was cool to see a big (330ish players) tournament a 40-minute drive from home!
But you are not here for that - you want to read up on all the pickleball news I could have been reporting on over the weekend if I hadn't been playing.
Here it is!
Alshon's Ace Again! Takes Second Straight Men's Singles Title at Texas Open
Christian Alshon has once again proven his dominance in men's singles pickleball, overpowering top seed Federico Staksrud to clinch his second consecutive title at the CIBC Texas Open presented by Fasenra. The No. 7 seed delivered a decisive performance, securing an 11-4, 11-7 victory in the final match.
Commentary during the thrilling encounter highlighted Alshon's reliance on huge serves setting him up for powerful forehands on his third shots, a strategy that clearly paid off. Despite Staksrud gaining momentum in the second game, leading 7-5, Alshon surged back with a six-point run to seal the championship.
"It means a lot to win not just one but two [singles titles] after having several years of no golds in singles," said an elated Alshon after his victory. "It’s an awesome feeling, and I really feel like my singles game is coming along. People should be scared". Adding to the weekend's results, No. 6 seed Jaume Martinez Vich secured the bronze medal after No. 4 seed Hunter Johnson retired from their match. Alshon's back-to-back wins solidify his position as a formidable force in the professional pickleball circuit.
Waters Wins Again! Survives Fahey Fightback for Texas Open Singles Gold
Anna Leigh Waters clinched the women’s singles gold at the CIBC Texas Open presented by Fasenra, overcoming a determined challenge from No. 4 seed Kate Fahey in a thrilling final. The top seed secured the victory with an 11-4, 15-13 scoreline, but not without a dramatic second-game comeback from her opponent.
Waters appeared to be in control, reaching match point at 10-3 in the second game. However, Fahey mounted an impressive fightback, reeling off eight consecutive points to earn a game point at 11-10. The two players battled fiercely as the score climbed, but Waters ultimately secured the win on her fourth match point after saving a game point herself.
"Kate’s a fighter," acknowledged Waters after the intense match. This victory marks Waters' return to the top in singles at the Texas Open, where she suffered her only singles defeat of 2024. Adding to her successful tournament, Waters also secured mixed doubles gold. No. 5 seed Lea Jansen took home the bronze medal in the women’s singles competition following a withdrawal.
Black and Todd Triumph! Secure First Women's Doubles Title in Texas Sweep
Tyra Black and Parris Todd have clinched their first women’s doubles title together in impressive fashion at the CIBC Texas Open presented by Fasenra. The No. 3 seeds delivered a dominant performance, sweeping past No. 5 seeds Callie Smith and Etta Tuionetoa with an 11-5, 11-5, 11-4 victory.
After an unpredictable Saturday that saw top seeds fall, Black and Todd seized their opportunity to claim gold in the Lone Star State. Despite falling behind 1-5 in the opening game, they mounted a remarkable comeback, scoring the final ten points to take the lead. From there, they maintained their momentum, comfortably winning the subsequent games to secure the sweep.
This victory holds special significance for Black, marking her first title in women’s doubles and coinciding with the two-year anniversary of her decision to become a professional pickleball player. “It’s been exactly two years since I decided to become a professional pickleball player, so this means so much to me to win this week,” Black expressed. In the bronze medal match, Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher defeated Lea Jansen and Lucy Kovalova. Black and Todd’s decisive win underscores their potential as a formidable doubles pairing on the PPA Tour.
Johns & Tardio Crowned! Outlast Alshon/Staksrud in Five-Set Men's Doubles Epic
Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio have claimed their first men’s doubles title as a partnership, battling through a thrilling five-game final against top seeds Christian Alshon and Federico Staksrud at the CIBC Texas Open presented by Fasenra. The No. 2 seeds emerged victorious with a score of 11-1, 10-12, 7-11, 11-7, 11-4, kicking off Championship Sunday with a hard-fought win.
Johns and Tardio started strong, with Tardio finding success attacking Staksrud early on. However, Alshon and Staksrud rallied, taking the second and third games to move within one game of the title. Johns and Tardio showed resilience, securing a crucial fourth game before regaining their initial momentum to dominate the decisive fifth game and clinch the championship.
Johns praised Tardio’s performance throughout the tournament, which included multiple challenging matches. "It was a battle this week," Johns said. "Yesterday, we had three three-game matches, and then this one went five. It’s really great to know that you’ve got a partner by you that will stick through in the tough matches and really ball out in that last game". This gold medal marks an improvement for the pair, who earned silver in their first tournament together in Mesa.
Waters/Johns Golden Again! Cruise to Mixed Doubles Title in Texas
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns have once again demonstrated their formidable partnership, securing the mixed doubles gold at the CIBC Texas Open presented by Fasenra with a decisive victory over No. 2 seeds Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson. The top-seeded duo cruised to an 11-4, 11-3, 14-12 win, marking their second title together in as many weeks.
Despite Johns having just completed a gruelling men’s doubles final, he showed no signs of fatigue as he and Waters delivered a dominant performance. While the Johnsons threatened to extend the match by earning three game points in the third game, Waters and Johns held strong to secure the straight-game victory.
This win is particularly significant for Waters, marking her 50th career mixed doubles title on the PPA Tour, with an impressive 47 of those achieved alongside Johns. Reflecting on their successful partnership, Waters noted, "I feel like we have great chemistry on the court. Our games mesh very well together, so I feel like that’s kind of what has brought us here". Johns also commented on the sport's evolution, expressing his thankfulness for pickleball and its growth.
Upset of the Tournament! Smith/Tuionetoa Stun Top Seeds Waters/Parenteau
The pickleball world witnessed a major shock at the CIBC Texas Open presented by Fasenra as the first-time partnership of Callie Smith and Etta Tuionetoa pulled off a stunning upset. They defeated the top seeds, Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau, in a thrilling three-game match with a score of 4-11, 11-8, 11-8. This marks the first loss of 2025 for the formidable duo of Waters and Parenteau.
Despite Waters and Parenteau taking the first game and leading 5-0 in the second, Smith and Tuionetoa fought back tenaciously to steal the second game and force a decider. The momentum continued in the third game, where the No. 5 seeds again trailed 4-8 before scoring the final seven points to clinch the remarkable victory on the Humana Championship Court.
The wind played a significant role in the match, with both of Smith/Tuionetoa’s runs occurring on the side where they were playing into the wind. Waters even requested to move the match indoors due to the increasing wind, but her request was unsuccessful. Reflecting on the challenging conditions, Smith stated, "We’ve had to deal with some weather today, but I feel like Etta and I hung tough". Their unexpected triumph is undoubtedly the biggest surprise of the tournament thus far.
Midnight Paddles: Pickleball Reshapes Ahmedabad's Nightlife, Games Go Till 4 AM
Forget late-night snacks and coffee runs – pickleball is the new after-dark activity in Ahmedabad, with games now extending until 4 AM. This booming sport is transforming the city’s traditionally early nightlife into a vibrant scene on the blue-brown courts, illuminated like cricket stadiums.
What started as a small gathering has exploded into a community. Paddle Play, a local group, has grown to 2,500 members who connect through WhatsApp to organize matches. According to co-founder Heytvi Gandhi, pickleball is filling a void in Ahmedabad’s leisure activities, becoming a popular way to bond and network.
The ease of learning pickleball is a major factor in its rapid adoption across age groups and professions. Ahmedabad now boasts over 500 pickleball courts, including the grand Bainbridge complex with 20 state-of-the-art courts. This late-night sporting culture is even boosting local businesses, with cafeterias near the courts thriving well past midnight. As Ahmedabad aims to become India’s pickleball capital, the sound of paddles continues to echo through the night.
Vietnam's Pickleball Explosion: Player Numbers Double to 30,000 in a Year
Vietnam is experiencing a pickleball boom, with the number of players nearly doubling since 2024 to an estimated 30,000. This surge in popularity has fueled a significant increase in both casual and competitive tournaments held weekly across the country. The growing interest has also driven higher demand for pickleball equipment and apparel.
Recognizing the sport's potential, brands have actively promoted pickleball, even bringing in international stars like Quang Duong and former tennis legend Andre Agassi for exhibitions. A significant milestone was the launch of the first National Pickleball Championship in early March 2025, featuring top athletes. This event signals increasing support from sports authorities, investors, and sponsors.
However, this rapid expansion hasn't been without its challenges. The sport is facing organizational growing pains, including concerns about officiating standards and disputes over prize money. At the recent National Championship, some athletes publicly criticized referees and organizers. Officials acknowledge shortcomings like a lack of experienced referees and standardized playing fields. Despite these hurdles, efforts are underway to formalize the sport's governance, with plans for referee training programs and a national pickleball federation. Vietnam's pickleball scene is rapidly evolving, balancing enthusiastic growth with the need for stronger organization.
Tennis Titans Try Pickleball! Tsitsipas and Badosa Enjoy Mixed Doubles Fun
Tennis power couple Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa recently traded their rackets for paddles to enjoy a lighthearted mixed doubles pickleball match in Miami. The pair, who were in town ahead of their campaigns at the 2025 Miami Open, joined the growing number of tennis professionals trying their hand at the increasingly popular sport of pickleball.
A video clip of their friendly encounter on the pickleball court was shared on X (formerly Twitter) on March 15, 2025. This fun diversion comes after Tsitsipas' run at Indian Wells and Badosa's withdrawal from the BNP Paribas Open due to injury.
Pickleball's rapid rise in recent years has captured the attention of athletes from various sports. While it remains to be seen if Tsitsipas and Badosa will pursue pickleball more seriously, their participation highlights the sport's broadening appeal, even among the top echelons of tennis. This playful match offers a glimpse into the couple's activities off the professional tennis circuit and underscores the widespread enthusiasm for pickleball.
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Paris Pickleball Calling! Skechers Open Set for May 2025
Get ready, pickleball enthusiasts! The Skechers Paris Pickleball Open is scheduled to take place from May 23rd to May 25th, 2025. This exciting tournament is part of the RTA Pickleball Tour and is officially approved by the French Tennis Federation at level K250.
Players intending to participate must ensure they have a valid 2025 multi-racket license or a pickleball license. Additionally, all participants are required to provide their DUPR ID during registration, as results will be recorded there.
The tournament will feature singles on Friday, May 23rd, followed by women’s and men’s doubles on Saturday, May 24th, and mixed doubles on Sunday, May 25th. While the specific location within Paris, France is yet to be defined, the event promises action on 24 hard courts with GreenSet surfaces. Registration details and a link to Google Maps will be available. Players should note the DUPR ranking cutoffs for different skill level categories, with the rankings as of May 1, 2025, being considered. Don't miss this opportunity to compete in the heart of Paris!
Block Party! Callie Jo Smith's Tips to Master the Pickleball Block Volley
Pickleball players struggling with their block volleys can find valuable guidance from Callie Jo Smith, who recently shared essential tips on Instagram. Smith emphasizes that a primary error many players commit is attempting to overpower the ball instead of simply absorbing its pace, often leading to unwanted pop-ups or mishits.
To enhance this crucial skill, Smith recommends three key adjustments. Firstly, players should relax their grip on the paddle. A gentler hold facilitates better absorption of the ball's speed. Secondly, raising the elbows contributes to improved stability during shot absorption. Lastly, employing a slight paddle angle can aid in controlling the ball's trajectory, preventing it from either popping upwards or hitting the net.
By implementing these techniques, players can effectively neutralize aggressive attacks from their opponents during matches. Smith’s insights aim to build confidence in players' skills, reminding them to focus on proper technique rather than relying on excessive force. Ultimately, mastering the block volley through these adjustments can significantly improve a player's overall performance and reduce unforced errors on the court.
Unlock Your Potential: Koszuta Reveals the Power of Pattern Recognition in Pickleball
Pickleball players looking to elevate their game can gain a significant edge by understanding pattern recognition, a concept often overlooked by newer players, according to pickleball expert Kyle Koszuta. Sharing his insights on Instagram, Koszuta emphasizes that pickleball is far from random; instead, certain patterns repeat consistently throughout matches. Recognizing these recurring sequences is crucial for making better strategic decisions on the court.
Koszuta has even developed a pattern recognition library within his online pickleball school to help players identify these tendencies. By paying close attention to what unfolds on both sides of the net, players can start to discern these patterns. For instance, observing if a particular opponent struggles under pressure when the ball is directed to a specific location can reveal a exploitable pattern. Understanding these nuances allows players to anticipate their opponents' moves and enhance their overall performance. Koszuta’s advice highlights that awareness and observation are fundamental to unlocking one's full pickleball potential.
Koszuta's Secret Weapon: Online Library Helps Players Decode Pickleball Patterns
For pickleball enthusiasts striving to improve their strategic gameplay, Kyle Koszuta has unveiled a valuable resource: a pattern recognition library housed within his online pickleball school. Koszuta, who frequently shares insights on Instagram, stresses that recognizing the repeating patterns inherent in pickleball is key to making smarter decisions during matches. This library serves as a tool to help players identify these often-subtle tendencies.
By understanding these recurring patterns, players can move beyond instinct and develop more effective strategies. For example, Koszuta advises paying attention to common targets opponents prefer when serving, returning, or executing their third shots. Recognizing these favoured locations allows players to better anticipate where the ball is likely to go. Furthermore, the library aids in noticing subtle "tells" in opponents' play, such as a player looking in one direction before hitting the ball in another. This knowledge empowers players to predict their opponents' actions and gain a crucial advantage.
Positioning Power: Koszuta's Instagram Insights Unlock Smarter Pickleball Court Movement
Improving pickleball gameplay often comes down to subtle adjustments, and Kyle Koszuta recently shared pivotal insights on court positioning via Instagram. He underscores that a heightened awareness of on-court dynamics, particularly your partner's movements, can lead to significant improvements. For example, if a player observes their partner hitting a wide dink, remaining stationary is a missed opportunity.
Instead, Koszuta advises a proactive response: dropping diagonally and lifting the ball back into the court. This adjustment allows players to reposition effectively and return to the crucial kitchen line. Koszuta emphasizes that recognizing these moments for positional change is transformative. By making this seemingly small adjustment, players can avoid unfavourable situations and set themselves up for more aggressive and controlled plays. His guidance encourages players to be dynamic and responsive to their partner's actions, ultimately leading to smarter and more effective court coverage.
Receive to Believe: Koszuta's Pre-Match Strategy Favors First Serve Return for Tournament Success
Tournament and league pickleball players can gain an early advantage by adopting a specific pre-match strategy advocated by Kyle Koszuta on Instagram. After the initial paddle checks, players often have the choice to serve, receive, or select a side. Koszuta reveals his preference: receiving first, especially for players at lower skill levels up to 5.0. He cites data supporting this decision.
A key reason for this strategy lies in the nature of the first third shot of the game. Koszuta notes that nervous players frequently resort to a lob third shot. This tendency presents an opportunity for the receiving team to start the match with a powerful smash, immediately boosting their confidence and potentially unsettling their opponents. By opting to receive, players can proactively aim to gain an early offensive and psychological edge. Koszuta's advice offers a valuable tactical insight for players looking to optimize their performance from the very first point.
Lob Like a Pro: Koszuta Reveals Offensive Secrets to Target Opponents' Weak Shoulders
Transform the lob from a defensive manoeuvre into an offensive weapon with insights from Kyle Koszuta, recently shared in an Instagram video. Koszuta explains that the key to an effective offensive lob lies in identifying and targeting your opponents’ non-dominant shoulders. For instance, against a right-handed player, the left shoulder is often a vulnerable target. Koszuta points out that most players struggle with overhead shots on their non-dominant side, making it a strategically advantageous area to attack.
Demonstrating his point, Koszuta contrasts lobbing to the dominant right side of a player, which might yield a powerful return, with targeting the less comfortable left side of a right-handed opponent. When positioned on the right side of the court, right-handed players should aim their lobs down the line and slightly towards the middle, favouring the opponent’s left shoulder. By consciously aiming for this weakness, players can significantly increase their success rate with the lob, turning it into a potent tool for gaining an advantage during points.
Backhand Blitz: Koszuta's Simple Strategy Leads to Stunning Pickleball Comeback
Pickleball matches can turn on a dime with the right tactical adjustment, as highlighted in a compelling Instagram story shared by Kyle Koszuta. Koszuta recounts the experience of his friend Tyler and his partner, who found themselves facing a daunting 1-9 deficit in a game to 15 during a tournament. During a timeout, Tyler proposed a simple yet effective change in strategy. Upon returning to the court, they focused on dropping their shots consistently to the opposing players’ backhand side, instead of their usual power drives.
This straightforward adjustment yielded immediate results, sparking an incredible 14-point run that led to a 15-9 victory. The effectiveness of this backhand-focused tactic was further validated when the same team met again in bracket play, with Tyler and his partner securing a convincing 15-5 win. Koszuta emphasizes the value of taking a timeout to reassess when struggling and implementing one specific, targeted adjustment, as demonstrated by this remarkable comeback achieved through a "Backhand Blitz".