Asia Backs Merger, OC Cup Upsets, Ahmedabad Plans New Courts
You can listen to today's pickleball news in our AI-driven Deep Dive.
Asia Unites: AFP Unanimously Backs Historic WPF-IPF Merger, Eyes Olympic Future for Pickleball
Singapore, Singapore – The Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP), headquartered in Singapore, has declared its full and enthusiastic support for the landmark unification of the World Pickleball Federation (WPF) and the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) into a singular, global governing body for the rapidly expanding sport. This pivotal decision was officially endorsed at a Special General Meeting (SGM) on June 14, 2025, where all participating AFP member countries unanimously voted to align with the new global structure, underscoring Asia's collective commitment to unity and progressive governance within pickleball.
As the official continental governing body for pickleball in Asia, the AFP plays a crucial role in unifying, supporting, and growing the sport across the continent through various development programs, regional competitions, and collaborative governance. According to Mr. Hogan Lai, Chairman of the AFP, this merger signifies "a new era for pickleball—one of shared vision, unity, and momentum on the world stage". The combined strengths of the WPF and IPF, with their focus on aligning with IOC governance standards and a community-driven approach, aim to create a unified international platform poised to propel the sport forward. This strategic consolidation is viewed as a potential "springboard" that could ultimately push pickleball into Olympic territory, marking a monumental step for the sport globally. The AFP has committed to playing an active role in this transition, shaping pickleball's development both within Asia and beyond.
Orange County Cup Shocker: Underdog Duo Humberg/Klinger Stun No. 3 Seeds in Mixed Doubles
San Clemente, USA – Friday proved to be a day of major upsets at the Select Medical Orange County Cup presented by Reign Storm, as the No. 28-seeded mixed doubles team of Mari Humberg and CJ Klinger delivered a stunning performance against the highly favoured No. 3 seeds, Etta Tuionetoa and Christian Alshon. Humberg and Klinger showcased remarkable synergy, securing a decisive victory with an 11-8, 11-2 scoreline.
The match was not without its moments of tension, as Alshon voiced frustration to referees regarding Klinger’s serve contact point, deeming it too high during the second game. However, these appeals did not deter the determined underdog duo, who maintained their composure and cruised to what was hailed as the day's biggest mixed doubles upset. Their triumphant quarterfinal performance has propelled both Humberg and Klinger into Semifinal Saturday, setting the stage for a busy and exciting weekend as they continue their unexpected deep run in the tournament.
Humberg Continues Dominance: Advances with Dizon in Women's Doubles at OC Cup
San Clemente, USA – Mari Humberg continued her impressive run at the Select Medical Orange County Cup presented by Reign Storm, advancing in women's doubles shortly after delivering a significant mixed doubles upset. Partnering with Meghan Dizon, Humberg showcased strong form as they effectively ended the tournament journey of the No. 37 seeds, Yufei Long and Jamie Wei.
The duo secured a comfortable victory with an 11-6, 11-3 score, demonstrating their growing chemistry and skill on the court. This win marks another successful step for Humberg, who is proving to be one of the breakout players of the tournament. With their decisive performance, Humberg and Dizon have earned their spot in Semifinal Saturday, where they are set to face Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright, promising an exciting and challenging match as they vie for a spot in the finals.
Klinger & Johnson Battle to Semifinals After Thrilling OC Men's Doubles Victory
San Clemente, USA – CJ Klinger rounded out an exceptional day at the Select Medical Orange County Cup presented by Reign Storm by partnering with JW Johnson to secure a hard-fought victory in men’s doubles. Following his earlier mixed doubles upset, Klinger and Johnson took on the formidable No. 8 seeds, Tyson McGuffin and Noe Khlif, in what was described as one of Friday’s most entertaining matches on Humana Championship Court.
The contest was a thrilling three-game battle, with Klinger and Johnson ultimately prevailing with an 11-5, 8-11, 11-5 scoreline. Their ability to close out the decider showcased their resilience and strategic play under pressure. This crucial win has propelled Klinger and Johnson into Semifinal Saturday, where they are scheduled to face Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin, continuing their quest for the men's doubles title at this highly competitive tournament.
Miracle Man Garnett Stuns Sock with Back-to-Back Improbable Comebacks, Reaches OC Semifinals
San Clemente, USA – Connor Garnett delivered a breathtaking display of resilience and determination at the Select Medical Orange County Cup presented by Reign Storm, pulling off a remarkable men’s singles quarterfinal victory against Jack Sock through a series of improbable comebacks. Garnett defeated Sock with an 11-9, 12-10 score, defying massive deficits in both games.
In a particularly stunning display, Garnett found himself trailing 0-10 in the second game, only to score 12 consecutive points on a single side out to clinch the game and the match. This astonishing feat followed an earlier comeback in the first game, where he overcame a 2-9 deficit. Garnett’s fighting spirit was not new to the tournament; in the Round of 16 against Grayson Goldin, he famously saved five match points before closing out the match in the third game. Reflecting on his performance, Garnett emphasised the need to "keep battling and keep fighting," acknowledging that "singles is a game of runs". His heroic efforts have secured his spot in Semifinal Saturday, where he is set to face the No. 2 seed, Hunter Johnson, as he seeks to make his second consecutive PPA Tour final.
Strategic Revenge: Parenteau Avenges Atlanta Loss, Outlasts Fahey in OC Singles Comeback
San Clemente, USA – Catherine Parenteau, the No. 7 seed, orchestrated a strategic comeback at the Select Medical Orange County Cup presented by Reign Storm, defeating Kate Fahey 1-11, 11-2, 11-7 and successfully avenging her previous loss at the Atlanta Pickleball Championships. After Fahey dominated the opening game 11-1, appearing set to repeat her previous victory, Parenteau made a crucial adjustment to her game.
Recognising Fahey's powerful baseline play, Parenteau strategically shifted to shorter, dipping shots, drawing Fahey to the kitchen line on her own terms. This tactic allowed Parenteau to execute spin-heavy, angled shots that disrupted Fahey’s positioning, creating opportunities for passing shots. This counterpunching style proved highly effective, as Parenteau comfortably claimed the second game and battled back from a 3-6 deficit in the decisive third game. Parenteau credited her preparation and "watching a lot of film" on Fahey for the win, stating she felt "back in the groove" with her singles play after a challenging year. Her victory propels her into the semifinals, one win away from her first singles final since 2024.
Judit Castillo Tops No. 3 Seed Christian, Storms into Semifinals
San Clemente, USA – The Select Medical Orange County Cup presented by Reign Storm continued to deliver exciting upsets, as No. 10 seed Judit Castillo triumphed over No. 3 seed Kaitlyn Christian in a hard-fought singles match. Castillo secured her spot in Semifinal Saturday with a gritty 11-9, 12-10 victory.
This win marks a significant achievement for Castillo, who displayed remarkable composure and skill to overcome a higher-seeded opponent. Her performance underscores the depth of talent present in the women’s singles draw at the Orange County Cup, where established players face stiff competition from rising stars. Castillo's advancement sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling Semifinal Saturday as she continues her quest for the tournament title.
Urban Transformation: Ahmedabad's Riverfront Set for Dedicated Pickleball Courts
Ahmedabad, India – The city of Ahmedabad is poised for a significant enhancement to its outdoor sports landscape, as the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd. (SRFDCL) has initiated tenders to lease a 1,375 square meter plot on the west side of the riverfront for the establishment of dedicated pickleball courts. This strategic move aims to promote modern urban sports and bolster community well-being, signalling a growing interest in pickleball, one of the world's fastest-growing sports.
The five-year lease, with a base monthly rent of ₹1.65 lakh, presents a unique opportunity for private developers or sports organisations to create a vibrant recreational zone. The initiative seeks to build specialised pickleball courts alongside other outdoor activities, with the goal of making the city a potential regional hub for the sport. SRFDCL stated that this effort "aims to further enhance sports infrastructure on the Riverfront and promote community wellness and leisure". Interested parties must submit their tender applications by July 9, 2025, with the opening scheduled for July 11. This development is expected to attract new audiences and energise the community sports culture in Ahmedabad, further cementing pickleball's rise in India, which has also received an invitation to compete at the 2025 Pickleball World Cup in the USA.