Apple’s Pickleball Film, Women’s League in India, NYC & Sydney news

Good morning, pickleballers!

We are halfway through the week, so it's an opportune moment to update you with all the global pickleball news from the last 48 hours.

In other good news, Gordo and I will be hitting the studio later today (and again on Friday) to record the first podcast in a while - we'll be chatting English Open today and then everything else on Friday. Don't forget to tune in!

Here's your latest pickleball news.

Dutch Star Roos van Reek Achieves Milestone at English Open with Gold, Silver, and Bronze

England, United Kingdom – Roos van Reek, a prominent figure in the pickleball scene, marked a significant milestone at the recent English Open, securing three medals and reflecting on a year of remarkable progress. The Dutch player earned a bronze in singles, a silver in women's doubles with her regular partner Kaitlynn Hart, and a gold in mixed doubles alongside Richard Livornese.

Van Reek described her second English Open appearance as a "milestone," noting how her competitive journey truly began a year ago after challenging top American players. While she held low expectations for singles, her confidence soared in doubles, particularly with Hart, whom she lauded as "an absolute gun on and off the court". Her mixed doubles partnership with Livornese, though new, clicked immediately. Van Reek praised Livornese's positivity and ability to remind her to enjoy the game, humorously likening herself to a "black cat" and him to a "golden retriever".

Her pickleball career involves extensive travel, keeping her away from her home in the Netherlands. She expressed gratitude to Ramsport, a Chinese clothing and paddle brand, for their support in enabling her to compete more in Asia, including an upcoming competition at the Hong Kong PPA Asia following a training week in Vietnam. Van Reek also highlighted Australia as an "amazing place for pickleball," crediting its leagues for her current career. Despite the "dream" lifestyle, she admits to missing her family and friends, who offer unwavering support, with her mother even setting middle-of-the-night alarms to watch livestreams of her matches.

PPA Tour Asia Sansan Fukuoka Open to Host Global Talent with ¥10 Million Prize Pool

Fukuoka, Japan – The PPA Tour Asia, Sansan Fukuoka Open is set to captivate pickleball enthusiasts from August 26 to August 31, 2025, at the Itoshima City Sports Park. This major event promises to draw global talent with a substantial prize pool of approximately ¥10,000,000 (USD 70,000), featuring both professional and amateur competitions.

Organised by Sansan, Inc. under the authority of the United Pickleball Association Asia Pte. Ltd., with operations handled by Pickleball One, Inc., the tournament signifies a major stride for pickleball in Asia. Registration for amateur events has been extended until August 8, 2025, while professional entries closed on July 31, 2025.

Players can compete in both professional and amateur categories, though simultaneous entries for multiple amateur events on the same day are prohibited to avoid scheduling conflicts. Professional players will be seeded based on PPA ranking points and DUPR ratings, with four main draw spots reserved for qualifiers. Pro main draw and bronze medal matches will follow a single-elimination, best two out of three games to 11 points format. Amateur matches will vary, including double elimination for skill events and round robin followed by playoffs for age divisions. All professional players must use UPA-A certified paddles, while amateurs can use UPA-A or USAP approved paddles. The event's large prize pool underscores pickleball's growing potential as a professional sport in the region.

Teenage Phenom Mary Monson Shines at English Open Amidst Busy Schedule

England, United Kingdom – Mary Monson, a remarkable 16-year-old from Utah Tech University, showcased her talent at the English Open, reaching the quarterfinals in both doubles and mixed doubles despite battling illness during the tournament. Monson exemplifies dedication, balancing her college and high school studies, daily training, and a part-time job, all while competing on an international stage.

Representing DUPR as an ambassador, Monson's participation in the English Open held special significance as she competed in front of her mother's family, who reside in the UK, providing her with immense motivation. She humorously described the "European style" of play as "pure chaos," characterised by "crazy angles, insane gets, super athletic points," expressing her impressiveness at the high level of competition. Even at less than full strength, Monson proved her international prowess by defeating top players from both Europe and the United States.

A particularly memorable moment for Monson was winning her Round of 16 match simultaneously with her younger sister's semifinal, celebrating together with their cheering family present. Looking ahead, Monson has ambitious goals, including winning a Collegiate National Championship with Utah Tech University, earning her first professional medal, being drafted into Major League Pickleball, and ultimately competing in the Olympics. Her story stands as a testament to how focus, discipline, and passion can drive young athletes to succeed both on and off the court.

CNPL's Metropolitan Split in Oakville Offers High-Stakes Play and Luxury Getaway

Oakville, Canada – The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) is set to host its high-stakes Metropolitan Split event on September 6–7, 2025, at CourtX in Oakville, Ontario. In an exciting new partnership, the CNPL has teamed up with Club Med, offering fans a unique opportunity to win an all-inclusive luxury getaway.

The Metropolitan Split is a pivotal competition for the CNPL’s eight teams, who will be battling for crucial playoff spots. Spectators can anticipate intense rallies, thrilling competition, and interactive fan experiences throughout the weekend. To enter the Club Med vacation giveaway, attendees simply need to check in at the Club Med booth inside CourtX upon arrival. A single winner will be chosen through a random drawing during the event weekend.

Tickets for this anticipated showdown are already on sale via Showpass and are selling rapidly. This partnership significantly raises the profile of pickleball in Canada by merging top-tier professional play with enticing fan rewards. The event not only presents a critical challenge for the league's teams but also adds an extra layer of excitement for spectators with the chance to win a Club Med trip, making it one of the biggest CNPL events of the year.

Coachella Valley Scorpions Hold Second Place in NPL Standings After Austin Showdown

Austin, USA – The Coachella Valley Scorpions concluded the fourth weekend of the National Pickle League (NPL) in Austin with a 2-2 record, maintaining their position tied for second place in the overall NPL standings, trailing only Seattle. This weekend marked the first time all 12 NPL teams competed together this season.

On Saturday, the Scorpions faced a mixed bag, losing 8-4 to the Oklahoma City Punishers but then securing an 8-4 victory against the formidable Princeton Bruisers, led by the NPL's top-ranked woman, Sherri Courter. Sunday's matches, held at Pickleball Kingdom as part of the new "Select Series" for 60-year-old players, saw the Scorpions continue their fight. Marcin Rozpedski and Sabrina Guillebeaux delivered a thrilling three-game win against Naples JBB United, while Natalie Hill and Kara Williams contributed to a second team victory. However, the Scorpions ultimately fell 7-5 to the host Austin Ignite.

The NPL also conducted USA Pickleball-approved paddle testing during the weekend, with most Scorpions' paddles receiving green approval stickers. With the regular season winding down, the Scorpions will compete in the final regular-season event on September 20-21 in Indianapolis. All eyes will then turn to the NPL Championships in Seattle from October 17-19, where a substantial $150,000 prize pool awaits.

Hyderabad to Host Largest Pickleball Tournament with ₹15 Lakh Prize Pool

Hyderabad, India – The Hyderabad Open 2025 is poised to make history as the largest pickleball tournament ever held in the city, offering an impressive prize pool of ₹15 lakhs. Scheduled from August 22 to 24 at CrossCourts, Hyderabad, the event is organised by the World Pickleball League On Tour and Hyderabad Superstars.

This landmark tournament will feature an expansive 60 competition categories, catering to intermediate, advanced, and professional players, with events divided by DUPR ratings to ensure equitable play. Categories span from U/18 singles, doubles, and mixed doubles to 35+, 50+, and Open divisions across all formats. Hyderabad Superstars, co-owned by actors Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani alongside KLO Sports, aims to further promote pickleball within Hyderabad's diverse community.

With Franklin India as the official ball sponsor, Pickl’out as the experience partner, and KonnectPickleball as the community partner, the event anticipates over 500 players across the three days. The Hyderabad Open 2025 not only offers significant prizes but also serves as a crucial platform for emerging local talent, with opportunities for players to potentially join the Hyderabad Superstars franchise. The team is slated to compete in Season 2 of the World Pickleball League in Mumbai from January 24 to February 8, 2026.

India Unveils Groundbreaking Women's Premier Pickleball League

India, India – In a pioneering move to empower female athletes, All Things Pickleball (ATP) in India has officially launched the Women’s Premier Pickleball League (WPPL), the nation's first-of-its-kind professional pickleball league exclusively for women. This innovative initiative aims to provide a dedicated platform for women to compete professionally, significantly advancing women's sports and bringing competitive pickleball to a broader audience across India.

Senthil Ram, Founder of the WPPL, emphasised the league's "Women First, India's First" ethos, stating, "We want people to feel pride, excitement, and inspiration. We hope WPPL becomes capitalism to change the stream of Indian sports". Ram highlighted the league's commitment to encouraging more women players, attracting brand support for women's leagues, and fostering belief in professional women's sports, asserting that the WPPL is "not a side note of a larger league. It is a main event".

The league will feature 10 franchise-owned teams, each comprising five women players, who will compete in a high-energy, professionally managed format designed to showcase the pinnacle of women's pickleball. The inaugural season of the WPPL is scheduled for November 2025, promising top-tier competition and expected celebrity involvement. Beyond the elite matches, the WPPL is committed to promoting women in sports at both grassroots and professional levels, signalling a transformative era for female athletes in India.

Major League Pickleball Finals Descend on New York City for Epic Showdown

New York City, USA – The Major League Pickleball (MLP) Playoffs culminate this week in the Big Apple, as the semifinals and finals take centre stage in New York City after an electric quarterfinal round in San Diego. Four elite teams are set to clash: top seed St. Louis Shock against the fifth seed Columbus Sliders, and the third seed New Jersey 5s taking on the sixth seed LA Mad Drops.

The St. Louis Shock, who swept Orlando 2-0 in San Diego, enter with significant momentum and are widely favoured, boasting four of the top seven players from the regular season. The Columbus Sliders, however, are riding high after a thrilling 2-1 victory over defending champions Dallas Flash, decided by three nail-biting DreamBreakers. Meanwhile, the New Jersey 5s eliminated the Texas Ranchers in two matches, while the LA Mad Drops, fueled by ever-improving chemistry, delivered a strong 4-0 win against Brooklyn.

The semifinals will kick off on Friday, August 22, at City Pickle, Central Park, with the St. Louis vs. Columbus match at 11:30 a.m. EST, followed by New Jersey vs. LA at 1:30 p.m. EST. The action will be broadcast on Pickleballtv, with a national CBS window beginning at noon EST on Saturday for either a deciding third semi-final match or the start of the Finals. Experts predict a St. Louis victory over Columbus, and an LA win over New Jersey, leading to a St. Louis triumph in the finals, promising a must-see pickleball spectacle.

Mumbai Masters Cup Edition 2 Set to Ignite Competition with ₹6.5 Lakh Prize Pool

Mumbai, India – The Mumbai Masters Cup Edition 2 is returning with high stakes, organized by Momentum Sports and set to take place on August 30 and 31, 2025. Hosted at the MAKS Pickleball Academy in Mira Road East, Mira Bhayandar, this Indian Pickleball Association (IPA)–approved and PWR 200–ranked tournament will offer participants a total of ₹6.5 lakh in prizes.

The tournament is strategically scheduled across two days to accommodate various skill levels. Advanced and professional players will compete on Saturday, August 30, ensuring top-tier competition. The following day, Sunday, August 31, will be dedicated to intermediate and beginner players with DUPR ratings below 4.5, providing a broad platform for participation. All matches will be held indoors at the academy’s state-of-the-art courts.

The Mumbai Masters Cup is a significant event within India's burgeoning pickleball circuit, adding prestige and credibility to players' official records through its IPA approval and ranking. Momentum Sports aims to boost the sport's popularity across India by providing a platform for players to showcase their skills, nurturing local talent, and ultimately contributing to the growth of pickleball at both national and international levels. The event promises to be a key moment for the region's pickleball community.

Kelana Jaya to Unveil New Pickleball and Padel Courts Amidst Sport's Soaring Popularity

Kelana Jaya, Malaysia – A significant boost to the local sports scene is on its way as the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), in a public-private partnership, embarks on constructing an RM800,000 pickleball and padel venue in Kelana Jaya, Selangor. This development at the former futsal court in SS7 aims to revitalise an underutilised space by capitalising on the booming popularity of pickleball and the steady rise of padel in the region.

Under the agreement, an unnamed private firm will construct and manage the facility for 21 years, with MBPJ renting out the courts. Councillor Mohamed Hamka Mohamed Jumah indicated that construction is expected to take approximately four months, potentially making the new courts operational by December of this year. The rapid timeline reflects the eagerness of local youth to utilise the new facility, which will feature modern amenities including anti-glare lighting and proper court markings.

Pickleball has experienced an "explosion" in Malaysia, leading to widespread calls for its inclusion in the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma). While its inclusion remains unconfirmed, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari previously stated it would be part of the state's 2025 Budget presentation. Should pickleball be added to Sukma, these soon-to-be-opened courts in Kelana Jaya would be a timely and valuable asset for the sport's development and competition.

Ontario's Premier Pickleball Championship Set to Crown Provincial Stars and Shape Team Ontario

North York, Canada – The Pickleball Ontario Provincial Championship 2025 is set to be held from August 28 to August 31 at the new Pickleplex Social Club Downsview in North York, Ontario. This four-day event will crown provincial champions and play a crucial role in selecting the 2026 Team Ontario.

The championship, hosted at a facility featuring 13 individually fenced courts designed for competitive play and using the Franklin X40 ball, mandates that all participants be permanent residents of Ontario and hold valid memberships with both Pickleball Canada and Pickleball Ontario. Registration for the event closes on August 21, 2025, with a fee of CAD 70.00 per player.

The tournament will follow a skill and age-based championship format, with most events beginning with round robin play leading into a single elimination medal round. Open events, however, will utilise a double elimination format, and their results will directly contribute to the 2026 Team Ontario selection process. As a Pickleball Canada-sanctioned event, it adheres to official rules, requiring players to use USA Pickleball-approved paddles. This championship stands as one of the most significant events on Ontario's pickleball calendar, providing vital opportunities for athletes across all skill levels and age categories.

Sydney to Host PPA Tour NSW Pickleball Open with Over $20,000 in Prizes and Global Broadcast

Sydney, Australia – The PPA Tour NSW Pickleball Open is poised to bring record prize money and global attention to Sydney, taking place from August 29 to August 31, 2025, at the Auburn Tennis Club. This premier event will offer more than $20,000 in prize money and crucial 1,000 ranking points for players competing in “The Race”.

As part of the PPA Tour Australia, the official professional pickleball league for the region, the Sydney Open underscores the tour’s commitment to hosting elite events with high prize pools across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. The tournament welcomes players of all backgrounds, featuring divisions based on skill levels (from lower intermediate to Pro 5.0+) and age categories (18U Juniors, 19+, and 50+). All competitors must hold a Pickleball Australia membership and a Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) account.

The competition schedule includes Pro 5.0+ Singles on Friday, Pro 5.0+ Gender Doubles on Saturday, and Pro 5.0+ Mixed Doubles on Sunday, alongside amateur and junior divisions. Pro divisions will follow a double elimination, best-of-three games format, with the Championship Court streamed live daily on the PPA Tour YouTube Channel. This event marks the PPA Tour Australia's first visit to Sydney in 2025, highlighting the sport's rapid growth and increasing global presence.

PPA Tour to Host Historic Wooden Paddle Open in Sacramento for Pickleball's 60th Anniversary

Sacramento, USA – The PPA Tour has announced a unique event to commemorate pickleball’s 60th anniversary: the Pickleball Central Vintage Wooden Paddle Open, scheduled from September 16-21 at Life Time Arden in Sacramento, California. This historic tournament will require all participants, from professionals to amateurs, to use traditional wooden paddles, mirroring the equipment used when the sport was founded six decades ago.

Upon check-in, every player will receive a custom-branded wooden pickleball paddle, designed to evoke the sport’s origins. Even the pros will compete with these wooden paddles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, creating a level playing field to determine who would have been the best in the sport's early days. This is not merely an exhibition; valuable tour ranking points and prize money are on the line, adding a competitive edge to the nostalgic format.

Connor Pardoe, Founder and CEO of the Carvana PPA Tour, emphasised the significance of honouring pickleball's traditions and original gameplay amidst its current surge in popularity. The chosen venue, Life Time Arden, with its legacy dating back to 1953 and featuring up to 34 pickleball courts, provides a perfect blend of historical reverence and modern facilities for this commemorative event.

Apple Original Films Acquires Pickleball Comedy "The Dink" Featuring Star-Studded Cast

Los Angeles, USA – The highly anticipated sports comedy "The Dink" has officially been acquired by Apple Original Films, generating buzz across the picklesphere. The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Jake Johnson, Ben Stiller, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Chloe Fineman, Aaron Chen, Patton Oswalt, Chris Parnell, and Christine Taylor.

Adding to its appeal, tennis legends Andy Roddick and John McEnroe are set to appear in key supporting roles. The plot centres on Johnson’s character, a washed-up tennis pro who, in a desperate bid to save a struggling club and earn his father’s respect, is forced to break a sacred vow and do the "unthinkable": play pickleball. An image from the film reveals Johnson’s character as the President of Pickleball Operations at Mountain Crest Tennis Club, adding a humorous layer to his predicament.

Johnson expressed his excitement about the partnership with Apple TV, calling the movie "a ton of fun" with many "funny performances". Josh Greenbaum directed the film, which was written by Sean Clements. While the acquisition has been confirmed, a release date for "The Dink" has yet to be announced.

Pickleball Community Rallies for Pro Thomas Wilson with GoFundMe Campaign

USA, USA – The pickleball community is coming together to support one of its beloved pros, Thomas Wilson, with The Kitchen launching a GoFundMe campaign to aid his battle against serious illness. Wilson has been sidelined from professional play due to significant health challenges, including serious heart issues followed by a rare autoimmune and neuromuscular condition, forcing him to step away from the sport he loves.

The GoFundMe page highlights Wilson’s past as a "bright light on the court" known for his "energy, smile, and fierce competitiveness". His journey has been incredibly difficult, involving multiple surgeries, frightening health scares, and the emotional toll of stepping away from his career. Despite these immense challenges, Wilson continues to inspire those around him with his faith, positivity, and determination. He has openly shared his story, most recently on the Pickleballers podcast.

The campaign underscores Wilson's personal character, noting that he and his wife, Brittany, are "real-life angels" who have adopted two little girls and volunteered as Prayer Warriors. Every donation, regardless of size, is greatly appreciated as the pickleball community rallies to support Thomas and his family in his fight for health and recovery.