Welcome to your Wednesday, pickleballers!
As ever, the week is flying past as quickly as an overhit top spin roll at the kitchen.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of interviewing three people from the World Pickleball League for our upcoming World Pickleball Magazine - Gordon Watson, lead commentator for the tournament was first up. Then Rishi Bhansari, the COO and team manager of runners up Pune United. Then finally, and you might know this guy from his YouTube channel, Tanner Tomassi. A crazy day.
If you've not picked up your copy of the February World Pickleball Magazine you really have been missing out - it was a European Championships special and you can pick up a copy for just £5 below.
Joe James took a look at pickleball in South Africa and why it is expected to overtake padel in the not-too-distant future - read that here.
And I, as ever, have your PKLBulletin - your daily roundup of pickleball news.
Humana Cup Kicks Off: APP Tour to Crown Season-Long Pickleball Champions
The APP Tour is set to launch the 2025 Humana Cup, a series of seven events across the United States, that will award season-long prize money and the title of Humana Cup champions.
- The Humana Cup tournaments include:
- APP Vlasic Classic – Daytona Beach | Feb. 4-9
- APP Sacramento Open | Feb. 25 – Mar. 2
- APP Fort Lauderdale Open | Apr. 1-6
- APP New York City Open | May 20-25
- APP Newport Beach Open | July 1-6
- APP Dallas Open | Oct. 8-12
- APP Boca Raton Open | Nov. 4-9
- APP International Championships (Fort Lauderdale) | Dec. 9-14
The Sacramento Open, New York City Open, and Boca Raton Open will feature a Champions (50+) division only, while the Dallas Open includes a Masters (60+) division only. These dates and locations may be subject to change.
Week 1 Champions Humana Cup results saw Team Endara defeat Team Whitwell 5-4, Team Zickert defeat Team Schiller 5-4, and Team Welsher defeat Team Spielberger 6-2. For the Masters Humana Cup Week 1 results, Team Powers/ Headley defeated Team Ting/ Feinstein 5-3, Team Johnston/ Moorin defeated Team Gilbert / Price 5-4, and Team Hickman/Spearman defeated Team Dardis/ Harmuth 5-3.
Cleveland Central: $1m transformation equals brand new experience
Cleveland is getting ready to serve up a brand-new pickleball experience with the completion of the Cleveland Pickleball Center, a $1 million warehouse transformation project. Slated to open soon, the facility is located at 12400 Crossburn Ave., on the city’s West Side, a few miles from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
Rob Euerle, the owner of Greenscape USA Inc. and a Parma Ward 9 councilman, is the entrepreneur behind the centre. Euerle purchased the warehouse for $75,000 through Cleveland’s land bank program, saving it from demolition.
The Cleveland Pickleball Center will feature:
- 10 indoor courts
- A pro shop
- A private event space
- Bar and lounge areas
- Online court reservations
- Six Tesla EV charging stations
Euerle intends to add four outdoor courts in front of the building, and potentially three more in the back, along with an outdoor patio and lounge. The project received a $100,000 economic development grant from the Cleveland City Council. The new centre joins other indoor pickleball locations in Greater Cleveland, including the Erie Pickleball Club in Mentor, the Cleveland Premier Pickleball Club in Avon Lake, and an Ace Pickleball Club in Solon.
Comet rising: Gleed glad to bring pickleball to Stowupland, UK
Stowupland Sports Centre is set to become the latest hotspot for pickleball enthusiasts as the Comet Pickleball Club prepares to launch its first session. The new club aims to introduce one of the UK's fastest-growing sports to the Suffolk town.
Joseph Gleed, a level-one coach and one of the highest-ranked players in the country, is launching the new club. Sessions will be held every Tuesday evening from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The club is open to anyone over 18, with sessions costing £8.50 after a trial session.
Gleed conveyed his excitement to impart his skills and knowledge to aspiring players in the Stowmarket area. This initiative coincides with the recent approval of a new £2.4 million sports complex to be built on the land surrounding Stowmarket High School and Chilton Fields.
Counsell Trades Dugout for Dink: Cubs Manager Serves Up Pickleball Passion
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell is trading his baseball dugout for a pickleball court, embracing the sport to maintain his competitive edge during the off-season. The two-time World Series champion isn't just dabbling in the sport; he's actively using it to foster teamwork among his coaching staff.
Counsell frequently plays pickleball with his staff, blending fun with competition. According to Counsell, pickleball is a way to "not only have fun but keep the competitive juices flowing". This approach strengthens team bonds and promotes a positive atmosphere as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season.
Counsell's commitment highlights how sports can build camaraderie outside of traditional settings. As the Cubs gear up for the season, this recreational activity helps the coaching staff maintain their competitive edge while building relationships. This passion for pickleball demonstrates how sports can be a source of enjoyment and camaraderie outside the baseball diamond.
Evans Shocks Mesa: Aussie Pickleballer Stuns Tardio in Carvana Cup Upset
Tom Evans, the No. 46 seed, caused a stir at the Carvana Mesa Cup presented by Proton by achieving a Round of 64 singles victory over No. 17 seed Gabe Tardio. The 23-year-old Australian secured an 11-4, 8-11, 11-8 triumph in 42 minutes on Grandstand Court at the Arizona Athletic Grounds.
Evans, who will proceed to face No. 49 James Ignatowich in the Round of 32, also gained attention earlier this month at the Proton Tucson Open by defeating top seed Federico Staksrud in three games.
Jim Kloss reported that Tuesday at the Carvana Mesa Cup in Mesa, Arizona was a beautiful day and the Phoenix-area crowds responded. Kloss noted that MLP had announced their team roster drops.
Evans signed an exclusive contract with the UPA back in late January following a successful career with the NPL in Australia. Kloss noted that Evans's doubles game needs improvement but that a Premier MLP team might pick him as their 6th player to stash him on the bench to see if he can improve over the course of 2025.
Poughkeepsie Gets Pickled: Hudson Valley Serves Up Region's Largest Pickleball Centre
Poughkeepsie is now a pickleball destination with the grand opening of the Hudson Valley Pickleball and Golf Center on February 15, 2025. Located at 1895 South Road, this facility is the largest of its kind in the Hudson Valley, offering a mix of pickleball and golf amenities.
The centre features:
- 10 indoor pickleball courts with Herculan Pickleball Flooring, known for providing 35% shock absorption to reduce joint strain.
- Each court is equipped with cameras, enabling players to review their sessions.
- A stadium court with extra space and three cameras, designed for tournaments and leagues.
- Five Golfzon golf simulators, featuring a 24-position moving plate and four hitting surfaces, offering a realistic golfing experience with over 250 courses.
Owners Brian Vigorita and Glen Beram emphasize the welcoming atmosphere for players of all skill levels to enjoy pickleball and golf. The facility also offers pickleball and golf instruction, locker rooms with showers, and a concession stand. The opening marks a major addition to the area’s sports and recreation options.
MLP Shake-Up: Hustlers Dump Entire Roster in Keeper Deadline Chaos
The New York Hustlers have made a bold move in the Major League Pickleball (MLP) scene by dropping their entire roster. This shake-up occurred at the Player Keeper Deadline for the 2025 season.
Here are the key details:
- The Hustlers will not be keeping any players from their previous lineup.
- Players dropped include Susannah Barr, Jack Sock, Riley Newman, and Lea Jansen.
- The team now has three male and three female draft needs.
The Player Keeper Deadline allows teams to keep up to three players from the previous season. To be eligible to be kept, a player must meet certain criteria, including being under UPA contract through at least 2025 and being one of the 88 originally drafted players from 2024. Teams were also required to drop at least one player from their roster.
Will Daughton reports that every player that was dropped will have a chance to be drafted during the Premier Level and Challenger Level drafts, which will take place on Mar. 2 and Mar. 3, respectively. The Hustlers' decision opens up significant opportunities for new talent to join the team as they rebuild their roster for the upcoming season.
Kenny Loggins Doubles Down: Pickleball Tournament to Rock Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is gearing up for a high-energy pickleball showdown as the Kenny Loggins Pickleball in the Danger Zone Tournament is set to take place from May 2-4, 2025, at the Santa Barbara Municipal Tennis-Pickleball Courts.
This event will feature round-robin play with playoffs, and offer Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in various divisions.
Here are the tournament details:
- Mixed Doubles will kick off the event on Friday, May 2.
- Women’s Doubles will be on Saturday, May 3.
- Men’s Doubles will conclude the tournament on Sunday, May 4.
- Skill levels range from 3.0 to 5.0.
- Age divisions may include 19+, 30+, 40+, 50+, 60+, and 70+ categories, based on registration.
- Registration is open from February 15, 2025, and closes on April 21, 2025.
- Cost is $75 per player until March 1, when it increases to $85.
The venue offers 14 courts, including 10 permanent and 4 portable nets. Participants may cancel their events for a refund (minus a $15 admin fee) until 11:59 PM on April 21, 2025.
Lake Geneva Goes Senior: Minor League Pickleball Introduces 50+ Division
Lake Geneva is set to host another round of Minor League Pickleball (MLP), this time with a special focus on senior players. On April 5 and 6, 2025, the Lake Geneva Tennis & Pickleball facility will welcome the return of MLP, highlighted by the introduction of a new DUPR 18 50+ division.
Following a successful event in January, which included 36 teams and over 20 Dreambreakers, this event promises competitive matches and team play. The addition of the DUPR 18 50+ division allows high-level players aged 50 and above to compete against their peers.
Here's what to expect:
- Saturday, April 5: Matches begin at noon with the DUPR 16 50+ and DUPR 18 divisions. The DUPR 18 division will feature prize money.
- Sunday, April 6: Play starts at 8:00 AM with the DUPR 16 and the new DUPR 18 50+ division.
- The competition will be team-based with guaranteed play of four or more matches per team. Dreambreakers will be used to determine the winners of closely contested games.
Organizers are encouraging interested players to register to secure a spot in what they hope will be another record-breaking event. The event promotes pickleball and provides opportunities for older players to compete at a high level.
Munster Open Makes History: Pickleball Fever Grips Kerry as 200+ Players Converge
The Kingdom is set to witness a historic moment in Irish sports as more than 200 pickleball players converge in Kerry for the very first Munster Open. The tournament, hosted by Kingdom Pickleball Club, will take place at MTU Kerry Sports Academy in Tralee this weekend.
Athletes aged from 18 to over 60 will compete in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles categories. Tom McCarthy of Kingdom Pickleball Club anticipates a great sporting spectacle, utilizing all nine courts at the venue.
Here are the key details:
- The Munster Open is the first of its kind for pickleball in the region.
- Over 50 players from Kerry will participate, with many expected to be contenders in their respective categories.
- Sports fans are invited to support local athletes from the Tralee venue's gallery throughout the weekend.
The event marks a significant milestone for pickleball in Ireland, showcasing its growing popularity and competitive spirit. With a diverse range of participants and an enthusiastic local crowd, the Munster Open promises to be an exciting chapter in Irish pickleball history.
Myntra Aces Wellness: Fashion Platform Debuts Corporate Pickleball Paradise
Bengaluru is witnessing a new trend in corporate wellness as Myntra, a leading fashion and lifestyle platform in India, has launched its first in-house corporate pickleball court. This initiative highlights Myntra's commitment to employee well-being and fostering a healthy work environment.
Here are the key details:
- The state-of-the-art pickleball court is located at Myntra's corporate office.
- The facility is open to employees, their friends, and families every day, including weekends.
- The launch was celebrated with an event graced by badminton icon and Commonwealth Games champion Ashwini Ponnappa.
Myntra's initiative stands out as a fully owned, in-house facility, distinguishing it from other tech parks and office spaces in Bengaluru that may have pickleball courts. Govindraj MK, CHRO of Myntra, emphasized that this move aligns with their efforts to offer unique experiences for their workforce, especially resonating with Gen Z employees. Ashwini Ponnappa commended Myntra's commitment to encouraging wellness through sports and supporting the growth of pickleball in India. This aligns with the projection that the pickleball market in India is expected to grow at over 26% CAGR from 2024 to 2029.
Pickleball Prep Serves Style: Brand Elevates On-Court Fashion Game
Pickleball Prep, a female-founded athleisure brand, is elevating on-court fashion with its colourful, fashion-forward apparel and accessories. The brand aims to empower women and girls to express themselves confidently while playing pickleball.
Key highlights of Pickleball Prep's collection:
- Pickleball bags that combine practicality and elegance.
- Lightweight and durable paddles, available in nine bold colours, including a special child-size version.
- Preppy sweaters for effortless style.
- High-quality visors that offer sun protection and comfort.
- A complete suite of matching essentials, including paddle covers, court towels, hats, and accessories like notepads, keychains, tumblers, and journals.
Founded in 2024 by Anne Cynar, Pickleball Prep addresses the need for high-quality pickleball gear that blends style and function. Cynar believes in the power of sports to build confidence, community, and an active lifestyle, which is reflected in the brand's designs. Pickleball Prep is available at select retailers and can be found on Instagram and TikTok.
Riverhead Gets Boxed In: Pickleball Container Bar Offers Ace Eats and Drinks
Riverhead is now home to a unique recreational concept with the opening of Box Pickleball Container Bar & Kitchen, an indoor pickleball facility and eatery constructed from repurposed shipping containers.
Here's what this new venue offers:
- Pickleball courts: There are nine courts available for open play, lessons, and clinics. Members pay $50 per hour for court time (weekdays) and $20 per player for open play, while non-members pay $60 per hour and $30 per player for open play.
- Dining experience: Comfort food with a twist is the speciality, with popular dishes like the Box of Balls, smash burgers, calamari, and wings. There's also a full bar, with speciality drinks like the Stormy Box and The Box Bloody.
- Unique setting: The facility is built from 11 refurbished shipping containers, or "boxes," housing the front desk, pro shop, offices, and bar/kitchen area.
- Other amenities: In addition to pickleball, Box Pickleball features two bocce courts, with leagues running weekly.
Owner Peter Bachmore aimed to create an appealing community centre with an environmental impact. Justin Tempelman, the food and beverage director, notes that the kitchen is attracting patrons even without playing pickleball. Box Pickleball is located at 605 Old Country Rd., Riverhead.
Mesa Cup Talent Search: New Faces Emerge as MLP Teams Eye Draft Steals
Mesa, Arizona is proving to be a hotbed for emerging pickleball talent as Major League Pickleball (MLP) teams scout potential draft steals at the Carvana Mesa Cup presented by Proton. With MLP teams now expanding their rosters to six players, the focus is on identifying promising newcomers who can develop over the 2025 season.
Jim Kloss reports several players made a strong impression:
- Helena Jansen and Helena Spiridis: This duo won their first-round match, with Spiridis bringing a developed singles game from Australia and Jansen adding power.
- Audrey Brown and Victoria DiMuzio: These tennis converts rely on drives and power. Though they need to refine their soft game and transition fully to pickleball, their potential is evident.
- Liz Truluck: Truluck achieved a breakthrough win in mixed doubles with Eric Roddy. She is making progress toward the top 10 in singles.
- Tom Evans: The Aussie import is building on his recent singles win over Federico Staksrud. Despite needing improvement in doubles, his singles prowess makes him a potential MLP pick.
- Zane Ford: Known for his singles game, Ford also demonstrates good touch and topspin in doubles, making him a solid addition as the third man on a Premier MLP team.
These up-and-comers could be valuable assets for MLP teams looking to build depth and cultivate talent for the future.
Paddle Betrayal? Staksrud Swaps Adidas for JOOLA in Mesa Opener
Federico Staksrud stirred up quite the racquet at the Carvana Mesa Cup presented by Proton, but it wasn't his performance that made headlines. Despite having signed a deal with Adidas Pickleball in January, Staksrud was seen wielding a JOOLA paddle during his first match.
Here are the key details:
- Staksrud secured an 11-4, 11-8 victory over No. 64 seed Ty Parrish using the JOOLA paddle.
- He had previously represented JOOLA for two and a half years before switching to Adidas.
- Staksrud's first tournament with Adidas, the Proton Tucson Open, didn't go as planned, as he was eliminated before the quarterfinals in all three events.
Will Daughton reports that it remains to be seen whether Staksrud will continue using the JOOLA paddle in his Round of 32 matches. This unexpected paddle choice has raised eyebrows and has fans and analysts wondering about the reasons behind the switch, and whether it is a temporary change or a sign of things to come.
Temecula's Newest Serve: City Unveils Massive $3.8 Million Pickleball Oasis
Temecula has officially opened its newest recreational facility, a massive $3.8 million pickleball complex at Ronald Reagan Sports Park, locally known as "The Pit". The grand opening and ribbon cutting took place on February 18, 2025, drawing hundreds of enthusiasts to the Margarita and Rancho Vista roads location.
Here are the key features of Temecula's new pickleball oasis:
- 17 courts: The complex includes 17 courts divided by skill level, including a championship court, fencing, and bleachers.
- Accessibility: Court #1 is ADA-compliant, with handicap-accessible courts available and wheelchair play allowed.
- Free to play: There is no cost to use the complex, which is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Organized play: Courts are designated as Challenge Courts for advanced players and Social Courts for intermediate and beginning players, with specific rules for player rotation.
- Community involvement: The Temecula Pickleball Group on Facebook, with over 2,400 members, offers a way to get involved and learn how to play.
City Council Member James "Stew" Stewart hailed the facility as potentially the largest public pickleball facility in Southern California. Local pickleball ambassador Bret Bucher noted the project's 10-year journey from conception to reality and expressed gratitude to everyone involved.
UPA-A Cracks Down: New Rule Targets Dangerous Shots, Prioritizes Player Safety
The UPA-A is taking a firm stance on player safety with a new rule aimed at preventing dangerous shots. Effective immediately, the organization will penalize players who intentionally or recklessly target opponents above the shoulders.
Here's a breakdown of the new regulation:
- Technical foul: If a player deliberately or recklessly directs a powerful shot at an opponent’s head or neck area in matches with officials, the offending team will receive a technical foul, resulting in a point for the opponent..
- Financial penalties: The offending player will face a minimum fine of $2,500 for the first offence. A second targeting violation by the same team will result in a minimum fine of $5,000 and forfeiture of the match.
- Retaliation: If the opposing team retaliates, they too will incur a technical foul, a point penalty, and a minimum fine of $5,000 for the offending player. Further violations will result in forfeiture of the match and potential disciplinary action, including additional fines and suspensions.
The UPA-A emphasized that while the modern game is becoming faster and more aggressive, respect for opponents is paramount. Officials will consider intent, ball trajectory, and overall gameplay context when assessing violations. The rule aims to preserve player safety and the integrity of professional competition, ensuring pickleball remains a sport built on skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.