Cincinnati Upsets, English Records, Canada links with DUPR

Good morning, pickleballers - plenty has happened in the last 24 hours so you are in the right place to be brought up-to-date.

Firstly, our latest podcast is out - you can listen below or find us on Spotify and iTunes.

There's been a lot of pickleball news as well, so dive in.

 

Goins and Crum OUT as Cincinnati Showcase Delivers Thrilling Upsets and Comebacks

Cincinnati, USA – The Veolia Cincinnati Showcase presented by Six Zero unfolded with electrifying matches this past Wednesday, September 10 and 11, 2025, at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, delivering dramatic comebacks, dominant performances, and the advancement of seasoned professionals across multiple divisions.

In men's singles, Jay Devilliers orchestrated a stunning upset, defeating No. 8 seed John Lucian Goins 11-9, 10-12, 11-6 in an instant classic. Devilliers, making a strong return after a knee injury in 2024, remarkably overcame a 1-9 deficit in the first game. He attributed his victory after an intense eighty-minute battle to rigorous preparation, including three hours of studying Goins's game and the effective use of his two-handed backhand. Devilliers is now set to face No. 18 seed Adam Harvey in the next round. Meanwhile, Federico Staksrud delivered a blistering performance, dominating Alexander Crum 11-7, 11-1 in his Round of 32 opener to move confidently into the Round of 16. Tyson McGuffin also survived a thrilling three-game duel in men's singles, edging out Mohaned Alhouni 7-11, 12-10, 14-12 to advance.

The women's doubles draw witnessed a remarkable comeback from Maggie and Mary Brascia. After dropping the first game 2-11 to Ewa Radzikowska and Layne Sleeth, the sisters rallied with determination to win the next two games 11-4, 11-8, securing their spot in the Round of 16.

In men's doubles, former tennis stars Jack Sock and Donald Young made a triumphant return to the Lindner Family Tennis Center, a "full circle moment" for Sock, who was a tennis doubles runner-up at the same venue in 2014. They overcame No. 13 seeds Connor Garnett and Zane Navratil 11-8, 11-8 and will face No. 3 seeds Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu in the quarterfinals. Also advancing in men's doubles were Jay Devilliers and Riley Newman, who secured a hard-fought 11-6, 5-11, 11-9 victory over John Lucian Goins and Tom Protzek.

Mixed doubles saw Pablo Tellez and Chao Yi Wang stage their own impressive rally, coming back from an 8-11 first-game loss to defeat Lacy Schneemann and AJ Koller 11-4, 11-8, earning their place in the Round of 16. The showcase continues to heat up, promising more thrilling matchups as players vie for championship titles.

English Nationals Shatter Records as Pickleball Fever Grips Bolton

Bolton, England – Pickleball England is set to host a record-breaking English Nationals from Thursday, October 30th to Sunday, November 2nd, at Bolton Arena, with registrations already surpassing previous years. As of Monday evening, September 8, 2025, an astounding 1376 players have secured their spots for the 57 scheduled events, significantly outstripping last year's total of 1111 participants. The rapid uptake has led to most events already being fully booked, demonstrating the sport's burgeoning popularity across England.

This overwhelming response underscores the dynamic growth of pickleball within the UK, affirming its status as one of the fastest-growing sports. The tournament, open exclusively to registered Pickleball England members residing in or born in England (with an exception for the wheelchair event), serves as a crucial platform for the nation's top players. The increase of over 260 participants compared to the 2024 event is a clear indicator of the expanding competitive landscape and community engagement.

Organisers are gearing up for four days of intense competition, camaraderie, and celebration of the sport. The English Nationals at Bolton Arena are not just a tournament; they are a testament to the sport's vibrant future, bringing together athletes from various backgrounds to showcase their skills and passion. This record-breaking registration signals an exciting chapter for English pickleball, solidifying its place on the national sports stage.

Singapore's Pickleball Boom Hits Rocky Road Amid Court Shortages and Noise Concerns

Singapore, Singapore – Pickleball is experiencing an "exponential" surge in popularity across Singapore, yet its rapid growth is creating a unique set of challenges for local enthusiasts. Pickleball coach Wil Heng notes that finding an available court has become increasingly difficult since 2022, with waiting lists extending to the point where players like him struggle to book a slot. Data from Sport Singapore confirms this trend, with ActiveSG facilities reporting nearly 8,000 monthly bookings in the first half of 2025, a dramatic rise from fewer than 20 bookings per month previously. The People’s Association also reported a 40% increase in participation at its annual championship, while the Singapore Pickleball Association (SPA) saw a fivefold increase in its Pesta Sukan participants, growing from 424 in 2022 to 2,106 this year.

Despite the enthusiasm, players face hurdles, including being barred from using badminton courts in community centres, inconsistent rules across venues, and the high cost of private courts. Public outdoor courts, a cheaper alternative, often lead to disputes with other sports players and, significantly, generate noise complaints from residents in nearby condominiums, leading authorities to limit access or adjust playing hours.

The SPA is actively lobbying for more court space, advocating for new multipurpose halls in public parks away from residential areas and the repurposing of underutilised spaces like warehouses and old tennis courts. There's optimism on the horizon, with the Singapore Land Authority announcing a new facility featuring at least eight pickleball courts in Seletar, and another court slated for Chua Chu Kang in early next year. These developments offer hope that Singapore's passion for pickleball can continue its ascent, provided the attendant growing pains are adequately addressed.

Pickleball Canada Unifies National Play with Official DUPR Rating System

Canada – Pickleball Canada, one of the world’s largest pickleball federations, has officially adopted DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) as its national rating system, aiming to bring unprecedented fairness and consistency to the sport across the country. This strategic partnership means all Pickleball Canada members, from grassroots to competitive players, will now operate under a single, trusted rating. Every sanctioned event will leverage DUPR for seeding, enhancing transparency and accuracy in tournaments nationwide.

DUPR utilises a 2.000–8.000 scale, offering players clear, dynamic rankings that reflect real-time, match-based performance and progress. For tournament organisers, DUPR integration will streamline the process of seeding brackets, creating divisions, and managing events. Barry Petrachenko, CEO of Pickleball Canada, expressed pride in providing members access to this "premier global rating system," emphasising its role in promoting "level-based play and greater connectivity". DUPR CEO Tito Machado echoed this sentiment, stating the partnership is an "incredible step forward" in DUPR's mission to unify and grow pickleball globally.

This adoption not only unifies Canadian players under one advanced technology platform but also significantly strengthens their connection to a vast global network of federations, clubs, and leagues that also utilise DUPR. The move positions Canada to play a more prominent role in the worldwide pickleball community, fostering a more integrated and dynamic future for the sport.

Bermudian Pickleball Pro Imani Phillips Inspires Vietnamese Youth, Eyes World Cup

Hanoi, Vietnam – Bermudian pickleball sensation Imani Phillips recently concluded an impactful three-week visit to Vietnam, where she combined competitive play with a mission to promote the sport among students and coaches. The 23-year-old law graduate, who pivoted to a professional pickleball career, shared her expertise at ESchool International School, an invitation extended by fellow Bermudian and the school's Head of Extracurricular Activities, Aiyetoro Hinds.

Phillips described her experience at ESchool, which boasts four pickleball courts, as "amazing," enjoying matches against PE teachers and engaging with English-speaking students. Hinds lauded Phillips's visit, noting the significant benefits for both coaches and students and expressing a desire for her return. During her stay, Phillips also competed in local tournaments, reaching the quarter-finals, an impressive feat given the high level of competition from predominantly male players.

Although an initial plan to play in the MB Vietnam Open 2025 did not materialise, Phillips expressed immense gratitude for the opportunities pickleball has afforded her, allowing her to travel and experience new cultures. Now back in Bermuda, Phillips is setting her sights on the upcoming Pickleball World Cup, scheduled to begin on October 27, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her journey highlights not only her personal dedication to the sport but also pickleball's growing global reach and its power to connect people across continents.

USA Pickleball Taps Pickletile as Preferred Builder, Tackles Noise with Innovative Tech

Austin, USA – USA Pickleball has announced an unprecedented partnership, naming Austin-based Pickletile as its "Preferred Court Builder and Official Noise Reduction Partner," signalling a significant step in addressing one of the sport's major public criticisms: noise. This collaboration marks a shift for USA Pickleball, which, as the sport's National Governing Body, will now direct inquiries for court construction guidance to Pickletile, moving beyond its traditional role of providing a manual.

At the heart of this partnership is Pickletile's patented Pickleglass technology, designed to offer approximately 50% sound suppression in outdoor installations without compromising aesthetics or playability. The innovation works by redirecting sound waves upwards, dissipating them vertically rather than horizontally, a crucial benefit for courts in densely populated or residential areas. This aligns with USA Pickleball's "Quiet Equipment Category" initiative, launched in September 2023, which promotes products and construction practices aimed at mitigating noise.

Pickletile founder and CEO Scott Miller confirmed the company's readiness to meet the anticipated surge in demand, having spent the last year building a nationwide team capable of offering complete turnkey solutions, from single court builds to large-scale facility design projects. Miller also highlighted the long-term value of Pickleglass, which, despite a higher upfront cost, promises a longer lifespan and less maintenance with a 10-year warranty, compared to the one-year warranty typically found on chain link fencing and acoustic tarps. This partnership is poised to transform court construction and enhance the pickleball experience nationwide.

RTA Pickleball Tour Gears Up for Electrifying 2025 Championships and Visionary 2026 Season in Europe

Europe – Exciting developments are on the horizon for European pickleball enthusiasts, as the RTA Pickleball Tour prepares for significant announcements regarding its 2025 and 2026 seasons. Working diligently behind the scenes, organisers are committed to elevating the sport, promising the "very best" for both professional and amateur players across the continent. The initiative aims to enhance the competitive landscape and foster greater participation, solidifying pickleball's rapidly growing footprint in Europe.

The immediate focus is on the upcoming Arlberg Pickleball Championship 2025, which is set to feature not only the highly anticipated Invitational Finals but also a brand-new Team Challenge offering impressive prizes. This championship is poised to be a highlight of the European pickleball calendar, showcasing top talent and fostering competitive spirit as players vie for prestigious honours. The introduction of a Team Challenge adds an exciting new dynamic, appealing to both seasoned competitors and aspiring players.

Looking further ahead, the RTA Tour is teasing substantial updates for its RTA2026 season, which will cater to a wide spectrum of players. While specific details are still under wraps, the anticipation is building for what promises to be "the next chapter of European Pickleball". These upcoming changes reflect a strategic vision to further grow and enhance the sport's presence throughout Europe, creating more opportunities for engagement and competition for players and fans alike. Players and fans are encouraged to follow the RTA Pickleball Tour for forthcoming announcements that will shape the future of the sport.

Jammu Poised to Host Historic 9th National Pickleball Championship

Jammu, India – Jammu City is gearing up to host a landmark event for India's rapidly expanding pickleball community: the 9th National Pickleball Championship, scheduled from September 26 to 28. Organised by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), this prestigious tournament is expected to draw approximately 300 players from over 22 states, marking a significant milestone as the city's first time hosting such a major national pickleball event.

This championship reinforces Jammu's growing potential as an emerging sports hub, a sentiment echoed by AIPA President Arvind Prabhoo, who stated, "Pickleball has become a movement across India, uniting people of all ages and regions. Hosting this championship in Jammu is a proud moment for us as it opens new horizons for the sport". Prabhoo expressed confidence that the event would ignite passion among young athletes and further establish Jammu as a vital centre for emerging sports in India.

Puneet Chopra, President of the Jammu Pickleball Association, also highlighted the honour of hosting an event of this scale, emphasising its role in showcasing the city's evolving sports culture and providing a platform for local players and enthusiasts to witness the sport's growth firsthand. Since 2013, AIPA has successfully organised eight national championships in various cities like Panipat, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Jaipur, steadily building a legacy of inclusivity and national pride. The upcoming championship in Jammu continues this tradition, promising thrilling competition and inspiring a new generation of pickleball players in the region.

Orlando's JOOLA Pickleball Celebration: A Festival of Community, Competition, and Fun

Orlando, USA – The 2025 JOOLA Pickleball Celebration transformed Orlando into a vibrant hub of pickleball activity over a week-long event, blending world-class competition with unparalleled fan interaction and a strong sense of community. The celebration showcased the sport's universal appeal, drawing players, professionals, and fans to one of the year's most anticipated pickleball gatherings.

A cornerstone of the event's success was the phenomenal support from the local Orlando pickleball community. The One+ (One More) Pickleball Club exemplified this spirit by quickly providing 50 volunteers to help manage the more than 50 PickleRoll courts set up within the convention hall, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

The Pro-Exhibition was a highlight, featuring Team Anna, led by Anna Bright and including stars like Tyson McGuffin and Collin Johns, against Team Ben, led by Ben Johns and featuring luminaries such as Simone Jardim and Donald Young. Team Ben ultimately triumphed, but the audience enjoyed thrilling action and close-up access for photos, autographs, and giveaways, creating an unforgettable fan-first experience. Beyond the main spectacle, attendees benefited from full-day clinics led by pros like Zack Taylor, Anna Bright, and Lea Jansen, receiving personalised coaching and tips. The celebration also highlighted pickleball's inclusivity, with participants ranging from juniors in the National Junior Pickleball Tournament to enthusiastic older adults, demonstrating how the sport unites all ages and skill levels. The event was a testament to the fun and joyful spirit of pickleball, complete with oversized equipment, themed teams, and an '80s dance party, proving it's more than just a game—it's a community celebration.