AJ Dillon Ambitions, GoRally Finals & Ben Johns Praises Vietnam

Here's the latest pickleball news from the last 24 hours.

GoRally Super League 2025: Champions Crowned Across Multiple Divisions

Bengaluru, India – The GoRally Super League 2025 concluded its successful PWR 400 tournament on Finals Sunday, delivering high-intensity contests across multiple categories and cementing its status as a premier event in Indian pickleball. Hosted across two prominent Bengaluru venues, GR Indiranagar and GR Jayamahal, the IPA-sanctioned event attracted top regional talent.

In the Men’s Singles Division 1 final, Rishi Reddy emerged triumphant, defeating Rashein Samuel with an impressive 11-1, 11-9 victory. Reddy’s performance was marked by tactical brilliance and consistent pressure, minimising unforced errors and dominating rallies. Meanwhile, Aman Singh clinched the Men’s Singles Division 2 title, dominating Ranjit Kupil 11-6, 11-5 by showcasing precision and tactical prowess. In lower divisions, Raghav Shinde was crowned Men’s Singles Division 3 champion, controlling the Non-Volley Zone effectively to secure an 11-4, 11-4 win against Arun TD. Amar Shetty took the Men’s Singles Division 4 top honour, overcoming Hardik Mittal 11-3, 11-9.

Doubles action also provided thrilling finishes. The Men's Doubles Division 1 title went to Rashein S and Ranjit K, who delivered a clinical straight-games victory (11-4, 11-9) over Rishi R and Gowtham RK. In the Division 2 final, Anish K and Prashanth V staged a strong comeback after dropping the first game, edging out Reynold X and Sathiya M in a tense three-game thriller (7-11, 11-7, 11-8). Spandan PV and Kasturi S claimed the Mixed Doubles title in commanding fashion, sweeping Gowtham RK and Sharmada B 11-7, 11-0, with their chemistry and quick transitions proving decisive. The association of these events with the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) and the Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) system underscores the rising competitiveness and appeal of the sport across the country.

PPA Virginia Beach Cup Preview: Jet Lag Concerns for Top Seeds as Waters Hunts 500-Day Streak

Virginia Beach, United States – The PPA Tour returns to the East Coast this week for the FasenraⓇ Virginia Beach Cup, a crucial "Cup" level event offering 1,500 PPA points. Hosted at Pickleball Virginia Beach, a dedicated facility with over 40 courts, the tournament kicks off a busy stretch leading up to the Vegas Cup and the Pickleball World Championships.

All eyes will be on Women’s Singles favourite Anna Leigh Waters, who is nearing the 500-day mark since her last PPA Tour singles loss. Waters benefits from the absence of her main rival, Kate Fahey, who is skipping the event after getting married over the weekend. However, contenders like the No. 2 seed Kaitlyn Christian may struggle with jet lag, having just competed in back-to-back PPA Tour Asia events, including the Vietnam Cup.

The Men’s Doubles division features favourites Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio, who have won their last four tournaments together. However, the duo faces potential vulnerability this week, as Johns flew back on Sunday following two weeks of play in Asia, leaving him limited time for recovery. Similarly, Dekel Bar and Tyson McGuffin, both returning from Asia, may be dealing with travel fatigue. Hunter Johnson leads the Men’s Singles field, looking for his first win since taking over the No. 1 ranking, while Federico Staksrud aims to build on his recent Sacramento Vintage Open victory. In Mixed Doubles, the top-seeded duo of Johns and Waters are expected to reach the winner’s circle again, provided Johns manages his jet lag. The tournament is scheduled to run through Sunday, October 12, with the finals broadcast on Tennis Channel and a tape delay on ESPN2.

Australian Pickleball Crowns Dual Gold Winner Harrison Brown

Australia – The Australian Pickleball Championships 2025 concluded, celebrating multiple gold medalists across the professional and senior professional divisions. The event was highlighted by the exceptional performance of Harrison Brown, who secured two gold medals. Brown was crowned the Pro Men’s Singles champion and also triumphed in the Pro Mixed Doubles alongside Sarah Burr.

In the women's professional categories, Katie Morris secured the Pro Women's Singles gold. The Pro Women's Doubles title was claimed by Talia Saunders and Bernadette Massih after a "huge performance". The Pro Men's Doubles champions were declared Andy Horridge and Chris Turvey, earning their crown with a strong victory.

The Senior Pro divisions also saw fierce competition. Ivan Stride took home the gold medal in the Senior Pro Men's Singles, while Ange Green was the Senior Pro Women's Singles gold winner. In Senior Pro Doubles action, Daryl Wyatt & Martin Clark capped off their tournament run with a gold medal in the Senior Pro Men’s Doubles. Angela Bertuleit and Jeremy Pearson earned a special gold medal in the Senior Pro Mixed Doubles after a hard-fought victory.

Pickit PWR-50 Showdown Concludes with Clutch Finishes in Doubles

India – The Pickit – PWR-50 Pickleball Showdown wrapped up with four champions claiming titles after several dominant displays and a thrilling finish in the men's doubles category.

In the Men’s Singles Final, Santosh Bhagat produced a controlled and consistent campaign, overpowering Kashish Shah with scores of 11-2, 11-4. The Women’s Singles Final saw Pragati showcase sharp footwork and accurate baseline placements, beating Mudita Arora decisively 11-3, 11-1.

The Mixed Doubles final was equally commanding, as Richa and Jatin clinched the title over Devesh and Priyanka with a dominant 11-2, 11-0 performance, showcasing impeccable communication and court coverage.

The most intense match of the day came in the Men’s Doubles Final, where Ankur and Ankit edged out Akshay and Jatin in a double tiebreak finish, winning both games 11-10, 11-10. Ankur and Ankit displayed exceptional composure in the clutch moments to secure their victory. The event underscored the increasing competitive depth and tactical precision evident across formats in Indian pickleball.

WPC Series Event Leeds: Bright Shines with Double Gold in 5.0 Division

Leeds, United Kingdom – The WPC Series Event in Leeds saw intense competition in the 19+ 5.0 divisions, with Joshua Bright emerging as a dominant force, securing gold medals in both singles and doubles.

In the Men's Singles 19+ 5.0 Final, Joshua Bright proved too strong for Michal Cicvak, winning decisively with scores of 11-2, 11-3. Bright carried this momentum into the Men’s Doubles 19+ 5.0 category, partnering with Paweł Jankowiak. The duo defeated Dylan Stephens and Sam Anderson 11-2, 11-5 to claim the gold medal.

The Mixed Doubles 19+ 5.0 Final featured a tight contest, ultimately won by Jess Anderson and Sam Anderson. They triumphed over Ian Marshall and Gemma Newton with scores of 11-5, 12-10, showcasing their coordination and clutch play in the close second game.

GOAT Ben Johns Praises Vietnam’s 'Incredible Job' Growing Pickleball

Da Nang, Vietnam – Pickleball star Ben Johns, often referred to as the GOAT, concluded his recent tour of Southeast Asia by raving about the highly passionate pickleball scene in Vietnam. Johns noted that the energy in Vietnam, where events like the recent MB Vietnam Cup 2025 feel "special and rare," reminds him of the early, exciting days of the sport in the United States.

The enthusiasm was palpable at the MB Vietnam Cup 2025, where 7,906 Vietnamese fans filled the Tien Son Sports Arena for Championship Saturday. Johns described Vietnam as being in the "most dynamic and positive growth phase" in Asia, praising the country for its efforts in expanding courts, increasing participation, and organising tournaments.

Offering advice to the country's rising generation of players, Johns emphasised two core principles: never lose the joyful spirit of playing, regardless of the level of competition, and focus on improving core skills every day. He stressed that pickleball is essentially "a race to see who learns faster," where the ability to absorb new things quickly is vital for success. Johns noted that he maintains his pinnacle status by training nearly every day, balancing on-court practice with gym workouts, proper nutrition, and rest.

Pro Pickleball Stars Celebrate 'Love Actually' Wedding Weekend

New Jersey and California, United States – In an extraordinary coincidence that felt like a real-life Love Actually scenario, three professional pickleball players tied the knot simultaneously on Saturday. Kate Fahey, Gabe Joseph, and Aanik Lohani all married their respective partners on the same day, marking one of the busiest weekends off the court before the PPA Worlds and PPA Finals.

Kate Fahey married Charlie Gravina in New Jersey. Her wedding was a gathering of notable pros, including Anna Bright, Brooke Buckner, and Hayden Patriquin. Fahey, who got engaged in October 2024, looked "stunning" in a satin halter backless gown.

Across the country in California, Gabe Joseph exchanged vows with Neeka. Joseph, known for his unique on-court attire, chose a timeless and elegant classic tuxedo for his big day. Fellow California-based pros, including Roscoe Bellamy, Ryan Sherry, and Sam Querrey, attended the celebration.

The final ceremony involved Aanik Lohani and Marnie Dickson. Lohani, who proposed in Santorini in May 2024 after five years of dating, looked thrilled as he celebrated with friends and family. Pro athletes trading athletic gear for suits, ties, and evening gowns made for a fun change of pace for the pickleball community.

Guwahati Hosts State-Level Tournament, Showcases Pickleball Growth

Guwahati, India – The Assam State Pickleball Team Selection Tournament concluded successfully on October 4 and 5 at The Pickleball Club, highlighting the burgeoning popularity of the sport in the region.

The event, which also served as an official Pickleball World Ranking tournament, was held in association with Impakto, India’s first AI-powered smart shoe brand. Impakto, designed for Indian feet, partnered with the initiative to inspire youth and support the growth of Indian sports. Adding a futuristic element, the tournament featured the Impakto Navigator, India’s first AI-powered smart shoe, offering features like SOS alerts, fall detection, and workout tracking.

The tournament saw energetic participation across all age groups, including Under 16, 30+, 40+, 50+, and 60+ categories in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Players from across the state competed, drawing significant local interest. The Indian Pickleball Association and the Assam Pickleball Association extended their gratitude to participants, spectators, and partners for ensuring the event was a grand success.

Kendal Pickleball Club Celebrates Membership Boom and Launch of Northern League

Kendal, United Kingdom – Ahead of World Pickleball Day on Friday, October 10, enthusiasts in South Cumbria are underscoring why the sport is considered the "fastest growing" trend in the UK. The region has become recognised as a "hotbed" of pickleball activity, thanks to the success of local clubs in Kendal, Carlisle, Carnforth, and surrounding areas.

The Kendal Pickleball Club, initially introduced to the area in 2019 and formally set up by Fiona Moncur, has experienced significant expansion. The club now boasts 144 members, with 60 playing regularly across three venues in Kendal. The club supports players of all abilities through "come and try" sessions, professional coaching, and competitions.

The growth in local talent is now translating into success on a larger stage, with players from the area collecting medals at major international events, including the English, Irish, and Welsh Opens. Perhaps the most significant development is the imminent launch of the Northern League later this month. The league will pit eight northern regions of England against each other in a competition featuring the north's most elite players. The Westmorland Warriors will be led by manager Ian Shaw and captain Archie Catnach, while Cumberland Storm will be managed by John Wright and captained by Luke Whitfield.

NFL Star AJ Dillon Aims to Be the 'LeBron James of Pickleball'

Philadelphia, United States – Philadelphia Eagles running back AJ Dillon has set staggeringly high expectations for his future in pickleball, boldly stating he "can be the LeBron James of pickleball" or the "[Lionel] Messi of pickleball". The 27-year-old NFL player suggested that his rate of improvement in America's fastest-growing sport is a "generational run," provided he is given enough time.

Dillon, who co-hosts the Toonen To Dillon Podcast, shared a humorous anecdote about his introduction to the sport earlier this year. His first serious session came after hosting a local fundraiser, "Pickleball For A Purpose," in Green Bay. Hooked after that first exposure, Dillon ended up playing for two-and-a-half hours at a dedicated facility called The Picklr.

However, Dillon’s first experience was not flawless, particularly when navigating the non-volley zone. He recalled charging the net and trying to spike balls, admitting: "I was like, ‘Is that in?’ They’re like, ‘You can’t step there.’". Despite the learning curve, Dillon is clearly dedicated, noting that relentless training and commitment to excellence are already integral to his routine. Should he need a mentor in Philadelphia, teammate and fellow pickleball enthusiast Jake Elliott is available to lend a helping hand.

PCL Asia Season 2 Announces Record $256,000 Prize Pool

Philippines – Following the success of its inaugural season, which concluded with the Philippines crowned champion, the Pickleball Champions League (PCL) Asia is set to return bigger and better for Season Two. The league promises tougher competition, higher stakes, and improved visibility for the sport and its athletes across the continent.

PCL Asia Chairman Steve Kuhn announced a record-breaking USD $256,000 prize pool for Season Two, signalling the league’s commitment to escalating the competition. The increased investment and the expected addition of more teams will intensify the rivalries established in Season One, where teams were surprisingly competitive and close.

The official Philippine leg of the tournament is scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, to be held at the SM Mall of Asia. With Toby’s Sports assisting in the organisation of the new season, Chairman Kuhn vowed that Season Two will "raise the bar," anticipating more intense games and a brighter spotlight on pickleball throughout Asia. This commitment to high-level competition and lucrative prize money is welcomed by Asia’s pickleball community, who are constantly seeking greater exposure.

Amateur Steve Janssen Gets Gold-Worthy Story at Cincinnati PPA

Cincinnati, United States – Amateur player Steve Janssen, participating in the 60+ division at the Veolia Cincinnati Showcase, came away with a story that eclipsed any medal he won. Janssen, whose wife refers to herself as "Pickleball Widow," previously gained fame for having to ask Anna Leigh Waters to leave his assigned practice court during a PPA event in Vegas.

In Cincinnati, the hilarious scenario repeated itself: Janssen once again had to politely ask Waters, his favourite player, to vacate his court—and she remembered him from the previous encounter.

However, the highlight occurred before his 60+ 3.5 Men’s Doubles bronze medal match. Janssen was greeted courtside by pickleball pro Riley Newman, who noticed Janssen’s old, beloved Riley paddle (which he had bought five years prior at a Newman clinic) and gifted him a hat. Moments later, a referee confused Newman for Janssen and opponent Andrei Daescu for Janssen's opponent, instructing them to begin the 60+ bronze match. Janssen was left frozen on the sidelines, watching Newman "be him," until the referee realised she had been pranked. Janssen, who had previously won gold in the 60+ mixed division, left with a story that his wife deemed "pure gold," emphasising that the people, laughter, and lasting stories are what make pickleball great.