Agassi’s US Open Pickleball Debut, Clarkson Injury, MLP Rankings Drop

Good morning, pickleballers!

Halfway through the week once again - have you played enough pickleball yet? Of course, you haven't. Maybe, just maybe, reading today's pickleball news will give you enough motivation to get back on court at some point today.

As it is Wednesday it is World Pickleball Podcast recording day so Gordo and I will be hitting the studio later on to spend 30 minutes or so talking about all the latest news in the world of pickleball.

Who knows what we will talk about? I say that, but I can well imagine a couple of the stories mentioned below might come up.

Speaking of which, here's today's World Pickleball Report. If you want to dive into each story in more depth, you can head over to our dedicated pickleball news page.

Tennis Legend Andre Agassi Makes Pro Pickleball Debut Partnering with Anna Leigh Waters at U.S. Open

Naples, USA – Tennis icon Andre Agassi is set to make his professional pickleball debut at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships. The former world No. 1 tennis player will compete in mixed doubles, partnering with top-ranked pickleball sensation Anna Leigh Waters. Their highly anticipated first match is scheduled for April 30 at noon ET in Naples, Florida, and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

Waters invited Agassi to team up, noting their similar aggressive playing styles and a shared objective: to help grow the sport of pickleball. Agassi, who has embraced pickleball and become a vocal ambassador, expressed his love for the game's welcoming community. While this marks his pro debut, Agassi clarified that he does not plan to join Major League Pickleball or the PPA Tour full-time due to other commitments. His participation, however, is expected to significantly boost pickleball's visibility and attract new fans to the rapidly growing sport. The U.S. Open Pickleball Championships features over 3,400 competitors and began on April 26.

'Bloody Dangerous': Jeremy Clarkson Shows Gruesome Pickleball Injury

UK – Television personality Jeremy Clarkson has revealed a painful injury sustained while playing pickleball. The star shared a photograph of his hand, which appeared blood-soaked, resting on a pickleball racquet. Alongside the image, Clarkson posted the caption: "Turns out pickleball is bloody dangerous".

The "gruesome" snap prompted numerous reactions from fans online. Many commented with surprise and humour, noting that Clarkson had experienced various accidents but was seemingly undone by pickleball.

This injury follows a recent health issue for Clarkson, who underwent heart surgery and had a stent fitted in October. Despite that serious event and doctors stating he was "days away" from being very ill then, he recently reported feeling "very well". The pickleball incident adds another physical challenge, albeit less severe, to his recent experiences. Clarkson, who admits it's "impossible" to slow down due to numerous commitments, demonstrated that even recreational sports can lead to unexpected injuries.

MLP Powerhouse Rankings Revealed: Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters Lead Elite Lists

USA – Major League Pickleball (MLP) has released its latest men’s and women’s doubles rankings, which are based on players' DUPR ratings. This move is part of MLP's ongoing efforts to attract the best players and build the strongest talent pool for future seasons.

Leading the men's doubles list is Ben Johns with a DUPR rating of 7.41. He is followed by JW Johnson at 7.17 and Christian Alshon at 7.12. The women's doubles rankings are topped by Anna Leigh Waters, holding a 6.67 DUPR rating. Anna Bright ranks second at 6.38, with Jorja Johnson in third at 6.29.

Other notable players in the men's top ten include Andrei Daescu, Federico Staksrud, Hayden Patriquin, Dylan Frazier, Thomas Wilson, Gabriel Tardio, and Riley Newman. In the women's top ten, Hurricane Tyra Black, Catherine Parenteau, Jackie Kawamoto, Tina Pisnik, Rachel Rohrabacher, Etta Tuionetoa, and Parris Todd are listed.

MLP uses these rankings to help create fairer and more competitive teams, aiming to boost excitement and quality across events. The rankings are set to make pickleball more exciting, potentially influencing future drafts, trades, sponsorships, and prize pools as the league continues to grow.

2025's Most Powerful Pickleball Paddles Unleashed by Top Brands

USA – Players seeking to enhance their power game on the pickleball court have new options available in 2025, as leading brands have released paddle models specifically designed for maximum force and court dominance. Companies such as Adidas, JOOLA, Paddletek, Proton, and Gearbox are introducing new technologies aimed at boosting performance.

Among the notable releases is the Adidas Metalbone LP S, featuring a customizable weighting system for increased shot power, while the lighter Adidas Metalbone LP Team is designed for quicker reactions. JOOLA introduces its "Tech Flex Power" technology in models like the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16mm and the JOOLA Agassi Pro, which uses high-density foam for added flex and feel. Paddletek's Bantam TKO-C 12.7mm, designed with pro Christian Alshon, promises maximum power from the baseline and enhanced spin.

Proton's Series Three – Project Flamingo includes a new "Velocity Core" to boost power and spin, already in use by PPA Tour pros. Gearbox has also released the Pro Ultimate Power Elongated, noted for its aggressive play capabilities. These new paddles are expected to lead to faster, more thrilling matches as players utilise these tools to hit harder and react faster.

Game Changer: Canberra Opens Massive Purpose-Built Pickleball & Padel Facility

Canberra, Australia – A significant new venue for racquet sports enthusiasts has opened its doors in Fyshwick. The Canberra Racquet Club, a sprawling 4,000-square-metre complex, is set to redefine recreational sports in the Australian Capital Territory.

The facility boasts four indoor pickleball courts specifically built for the game, alongside six padel courts. This provides a premium playing experience, particularly for pickleball players who often use adapted tennis courts or multi-use halls. The dedicated courts feature proper dimensions suitable for tournaments and practice.

Described as a "purpose-built playground" for these rapidly growing sports, the club aims to foster a strong community. Canberra Racquet Club Manager Sonja Balic highlighted the accessibility, social nature, and fun aspects of both pickleball and padel. The club is partnering with Pickleball Canberra for social nights and introductory sessions. Beyond the courts, the facility includes a bar and a members' lounge, positioning itself as a new social hotspot. The venue provides an avenue for meeting new people through its community-focused approach and features like an app to find playing partners.

Komodo Pickleball Combats Pollution with Bioball: The First Biodegradable Pickleball

Grand Junction, USA – Komodo Pickleball, a local business based in Grand Junction, has introduced its patent-pending biodegradable pickleball. Named Bioball, the product aims to significantly reduce the sport's environmental impact by offering a ball designed to decompose completely.

According to Komodo Pickleball founder Dave Milo, the best way to dispose of a Bioball is by throwing it away. He stated that landfills will fully consume the balls, ensuring no microplastics are left behind and eliminating their carbon footprint upon decomposition. Milo also explained that Bioballs aid in the breakdown of other landfill materials by generating enzymes.

The launch of the Bioball represents a notable step towards sustainability in pickleball. Komodo Pickleball is also exploring the creation of more biodegradable pickleball equipment in the future. This innovation highlights the increasing role of environmental responsibility within the sports industry and could encourage other companies to pursue eco-friendly gear options.

Twenty-Six Nations Confirmed for European Pickleball Championships in Rome

Rome, Italy – The European Pickleball Federation has announced that twenty-six member countries have already confirmed their participation in the upcoming European Championships set to take place in Rome this September. This marks the second edition of the championships, and organisers are hopeful for even more participants.

To accommodate members needing more time to secure sponsorship for travel and competition, the entry deadline has been extended to Friday, April 25.

The list of nations already confirmed includes Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkiye, and Wales. The confirmation of these countries sets the stage for what is anticipated to be a highly competitive tournament.

Da Nang Dominates National Club Pickleball Championship with Impressive 18-Medal Haul

Bac Giang, Vietnam – The Da Nang Pickleball Federation team achieved remarkable success at the 2025 National Club Pickleball Championship held in Bac Giang Province, securing an impressive 18 medals. This accomplishment highlights the city's growing strength in the sport.

The championship featured nearly 700 athletes and coaches from 40 provinces and cities across Vietnam. Da Nang's team of 26 athletes, chosen from strong local clubs, demonstrated high professional quality throughout the tournament.

Da Nang claimed two gold medals in the amateur category, specifically in men's singles and men's doubles for players over 46 years old. However, it was in the professional category where Da Nang truly excelled, emerging as the most outstanding unit. Their players nearly "dominated" the under-35 age group, earning gold medals in men's singles (Lazaro Leander), women's singles (Lim Sarah Jane), mixed doubles (Leander and Jane), and men's doubles (Le Xuan Duc and Mayur Narayan). Additionally, Da Nang added 3 silver medals and 4 bronze medals in the professional events.

This significant medal haul is expected to further motivate local athletes. It reinforces Da Nang's position as a key player in national pickleball and supports the city's goal of becoming a leading center for the sport in Vietnam and the region.