Global Pickleball News: Kyrgios, PPA Daytona, Mumbai & Tech Paddles

Good morning, pickleballers!

It's the weekend, and there is plenty of pickleball happening across the world - and what does that bring? It brings pickleball news - and we have it all for you right here.

Court Mastery: Pro John Cincola Reveals Top Strategies for Rapid Improvement

New York, USA – Pickleball enthusiasts looking to sharpen their competitive edge gained access to elite-level advice this week as pro player John Cincola released five critical tips for elevating gameplay.

Drawing on his extensive experience on the pro tour and his background in coaching, Cincola emphasised that improvement begins with specific intention. His first major tip, "Target Fix," addresses a common amateur mistake: hitting the ball just to keep it in the court. Cincola advises players to "aim small, miss small," focusing on three distinct goals for every shot: controlling spin, trajectory, and pace to hit a specific landing spot.

Mechanics play a central role in his advice. For the "Elbow Push," Cincola warns against rolling the paddle across the body, which causes the elbow to flip out and leads to inconsistency. Instead, players should push their hitting elbow directly toward their target line. Similarly, he highlights the "Wrist Set," noting that the wrist controls the paddle's face; observing and maintaining a consistent wrist position from the ready position through the finish is vital for reliable results.

Footwork and positioning were also highlighted. Cincola stressed the importance of the "Split Step," urging players to adopt a wide, low stance the moment the ball touches the opponent's paddle to ensure readiness. Finally, he recommended "getting behind the ball" by aligning it with the foot during a return. Cincola noted that players often think they are executing these moves correctly when they are not, and suggests exaggerating movements in practice to break old habits and see actual results.

Court Crossover: Tennis Star Nick Kyrgios Targets Pickleball Debut in Australia

Melbourne, Australia – The tennis-to-pickleball pipeline is set to gain its most volatile and exciting recruit yet, as Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has hinted at a competitive debut in the sport.

While Kyrgios has been spotted practising on pickleball courts and is already an investor in the Miami Pickleball Club, his involvement is moving from the boardroom to the baseline. During a recent appearance on the Nothing Major Podcast, the former Wimbledon finalist revealed plans to play men’s doubles alongside American tennis pro Jack Sock at the upcoming PPA Tour Australia Pickleball Open. The event, scheduled for January 28 to February 2 in Melbourne, marks the PPA Tour’s first international stop, highlighting the sport's rapid global expansion.

Despite this crossover, Kyrgios is not abandoning his tennis roots just yet. He clarified that while the Melbourne event is a stepping stone, he remains committed to the professional tennis circuit for the immediate future, with scheduled appearances at the Brisbane International and the Australian Open in January. However, he teased that 2026 could mark his official full-time competitive debut in pickleball.

The partnership with Jack Sock, a formidable tennis player who has already successfully transitioned to professional pickleball, has fans anticipating a high-octane performance. This move represents a significant injection of star power into the sport, as Kyrgios’s flair and competitive fire are expected to draw new eyes to the professional pickleball scene in 2025 and beyond.

Mumbai Gears Up for Global Sports Pickleball Grand Slam and League Action

Mumbai, India – The Andheri Sports Complex is set to transform into a pickleball hub next week as Global Sports Pickleball (GSPB) hosts the second season of the Pro and Challenger Pickleball League alongside the Grand Slam 2025.

Running from December 16 to 23, the week-long event aims to solidify India’s status as a key destination for the sport. The tournament will feature a mix of top-tier international talent and India’s rising stars. Hemal Jain, a GSPB executive, confirmed a diverse roster including Asia’s number one player Quang Duong, 15-year-old prodigy Arjun Singh, and experienced pro Megan Fudge. Jain noted that Indian players competing alongside these world-class athletes will significantly contribute to the sport's development in the region.

The event kicks off with a Grand Opening Ceremony on December 16, which will be broadcast live on major networks, including ZEE5 and Zee Café, ensuring extensive national coverage. The ceremony will include the unveiling of the 2025 Trophy and an exhibition match showcasing select top players.

With ten team owners involved and a format designed to engage a rapidly growing fan base, the league promises to be one of the most impactful pickleball events in India to date. Organizers believe the combination of structured competition and enhanced digital coverage will drive a surge in the sport's popularity across the subcontinent.

Retail to Rally: Massive Indoor Pickleball Hub Opens in North Vancouver Mall

North Vancouver, Canada – A transformed department store is now the centre of action for British Columbia’s pickleball community, as Fairgrounds opens its flagship West Coast facility inside the Capilano Mall.

Occupying a massive 60,000 square feet of space that formerly housed a Sears and a bike park, the new club is Metro Vancouver’s largest indoor pickleball facility. The venue features 15 indoor courts designed with high ceilings and vibrant colors to create an inspiring atmosphere for players of all levels. The facility officially opened its doors on December 12, inviting the public to experience the courts for free during the opening weekend ending December 14.

“We designed this space to be inspiring and fun,” said Carr Norton, Head of Programming for Fairgrounds, emphasising the inclusivity of the club. Norton described pickleball as the "world's most accessible and social sport," noting that the intimate court size allows strangers to become friends quickly while getting exercise.

Beyond the courts, the facility includes lockers, change rooms, a gym, and a pro shop selling curated gear. Future plans include a café to serve food and drinks. To celebrate the launch, Fairgrounds is hosting activations with local businesses and offering free programming, including clinics and open play sessions, through December 21. The club aims to be a community hub, offering leagues, socials, and membership options for the growing number of players in the region.

Season Finale: New Contenders Eye Gold at PPA Daytona Beach Open

Daytona Beach, USA – The 2025 PPA Tour season is concluding with high stakes and fresh matchups at the Florida Dairy Farmers Daytona Beach Open, held at the renowned Pictona at Holly Hill venue.

With several top-ranked pros, including Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters (in mixed doubles), taking a break or limiting their play, the door is open for rising stars to claim medals. In men’s doubles, the absence of the usual "Big Four" partnerships has shaken up the bracket. The top seed goes to the newly formed duo of Andrei Daescu and Gabe Tardio, who face a field of interesting combinations, including the number two seeds Federico Staksrud and Christian Alshon. Predictions favour Daescu and Tardio to take gold over the red-hot Eric Oncins and Dylan Frazier.

In women’s doubles, Anna Leigh Waters returns to the court paired with Jorja Johnson as the number one seed. Despite lacking tournament experience together, their combined talent makes them the heavy favorites to win over challengers like Tyra Black and Catherine Parenteau. Mixed doubles offers a rare opportunity for a non-Johns/Waters gold, with siblings Jorja and JW Johnson predicted to dominate the field.

Singles competition also promises excitement. Federico Staksrud enters as the favourite in men’s singles, though he faces a potential grudge match against Noe Khlif early in the draw. In women’s singles, Kaitlyn Christian takes the top seed, but predictions lean toward a victory for Lea Jansen, provided she plays to her potential. This final stop serves as a crucial battleground for players looking to end the year with momentum.

Mumbai Picklefest Expects Big Crowds and Intense Action at Otters Club

Mumbai, India – The local pickleball community is buzzing with anticipation as Picklefest, a PWR 400 tournament, prepares to take over the Otters Club in Bandra West this weekend.

Scheduled for December 13-14, the event has drawn significant interest, with 250 registered players and 500 category-wise entries across 10 competitive divisions. Sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), the tournament will feature some of the country’s most prominent talent. The roster includes Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) winners Ammol Ramchandani and Pearl Amalsadiwala, alongside rising stars such as Mihika Yadav and Stavya Bhasin.

Organisers are projecting a footfall of over 1,500 attendees, making it one of the season's most anticipated events. The stakes are high, with a total prize pool of Rs 8 lakh, consisting of cash prizes, rewards, and giveaways for winners. The event underscores the IPA's commitment to developing the sport in India, serving as a platform for players to earn points in the Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) system, which influences team selection for district and national competitions.

By combining elite competition with community celebration at a premier venue, Picklefest aims to showcase the dynamic nature of the sport that is sweeping across India.

Game Board on the Court: Diadem and Monopoly Launch Unique Paddle Collection

United States – In a whimsical fusion of classic board gaming and modern sports, pickleball equipment manufacturer Diadem has partnered with Hasbro’s Monopoly to release a playable paddle collection.

The collaboration, announced on December 12, features paddles that pay homage to the iconic property trading game. "Each paddle features a section of the iconic Monopoly game, letting you play with a little strategy, a little luck, and a whole lot of attitude," Diadem stated. The standout product is the "Monopoly Board 4-paddle Starter Kit," retailing for $150, which includes four paddles that can be arranged to form a complete, playable Monopoly board.

For serious competitors, the collaboration offers the "Edge BluCore x Monopoly Limited Edition," available in 14mm and 16mm models for $250. These paddles are designed for athletes seeking performance alongside a unique style.

Michael Manglardi, Co-Founder of Diadem Sports, described the project as an exciting way to celebrate a game he loved growing up, noting that bringing the two brands together feels "fun" and "unexpected". Whether for families looking for a starter set or pros wanting to make a statement, this collection brings a new meaning to "owning the court".

Driven by Design: Tesla and Selkirk Unveil High-Tech 'Plaid' Paddle

Idaho, USA – In a move that surprised the industry, electric vehicle giant Tesla and pickleball leader Selkirk Sport have dropped a limited-edition collaboration paddle that brings automotive aerodynamics to the court.

The "Tesla Plaid Pickleball Paddle," available exclusively through the Tesla Shop for $350, is the result of over a year of engineering collaboration between the two companies. The project began after a meeting at the 2023 USAP National Championships, evolving from a simple branding exercise into a rigorous R&D partnership. Selkirk Director of R&D Tom Barnes noted that Tesla’s design group worked closely with his team to refine geometry and stress-test prototypes in wind tunnels to optimise airflow and acceleration.

The paddle features a distinct edgeless design with a throat hole for air passage—a signature of Selkirk’s earlier models—enhanced by Tesla’s aerodynamic data. It incorporates a full-foam core and a newly developed TPU Power Ring designed to dampen vibration and prevent core crushing. Other high-performance features include a two-ply carbon fiber face and a Micro-Grit surface for spin.

Initial reviews suggest the paddle is a powerhouse, with spin rates pushing 2,500 RPM, though its swing weight of 124 makes it feel substantial in the hand. "This wasn’t simply a branding exercise. It was a true engineering collaboration," said Barnes, emphasising that the paddle is built for peak playability rather than just display.

Island Glory: Champions Crowned at 2025 Total Health Cayman Islands Open

George Town, Cayman Islands – After four days of fierce rallies and tropical heat, the 2025 Total Health Cayman Islands Open concluded on December 7, crowning a new set of champions at Pickleball Cayman.

The tournament featured a mix of local talent and international professionals competing across open and senior divisions. In the open division, John Cangelosi was a standout performer, capturing gold in men’s singles and bronze in men’s doubles alongside partner Balint Bako. The men’s doubles gold went to Richard Livornese Jr. and Zachary Marceau, while Livornese Jr. also took silver in singles and mixed doubles.

On the women’s side, Nicole Pitts secured the singles gold medal and added a bronze in women's doubles. The women’s doubles title was claimed by the duo of Jillian Braverman and Alexa Schull, who defeated Amanda Hendry and Riley Bohnert in the final. Braverman continued her winning streak in mixed doubles, taking gold with partner Aidan Schenk.

The senior division saw equally competitive play, with Peter Azar winning men’s singles and the team of David Allott and Munir Ali taking the men's doubles title. Leslie Jackson and Emma Simmons triumphed in senior women’s doubles, while Jerry Beck and Tammy Goldfisher secured the senior mixed doubles gold. The event successfully showcased the growing level of competition in the Caribbean pickleball scene.