India Showdown, U.S. Open Drama & Global Pickleball Highlights
Good morning, pickleballers!
Nearly the end of another week and I am sure many of you are looking forward to getting on court over the weekend for some rec or competitive play. Personally, I am getting ready for the English Nationals Singles which takes place in Loughborough, UK.
In fact, Gordon and I discuss that and many other things (the ALW bust-up, Agassi and ALW getting knocked out of the US Open, MLP, NPL and PPA Australia and more) in this week's World Pickleball Podcast - you should really have a listen.
You can find the World Pickleball Podcast on Apple, Spotify and Deezer or you can get your fix immediately below.
Here's the latest pickleball news.
India's Pickleball War: Ministry Recognition Ignites Governance Battle, Legal Fight Looms
India – A significant conflict has erupted in Indian pickleball following the Sports Ministry's decision on April 25, 2025, to recognize the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) as the national body. This move is vehemently opposed by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), which has been active since 2008 and claims to have introduced the sport to India years earlier.
AIPA argues the recognition process lacked transparency and may violate the 2011 National Sports Code, which typically requires a body to exist for over three years to qualify for National Sports Federation status. The IPA, in contrast, was formed only in November 2024. AIPA also suggests the recognition of the newer organisation may have been influenced by lobbying.
Calling the decision "disheartening" and raising "serious concerns regarding transparency and fairness," AIPA leadership has stated they will engage in discussions with the Ministry. However, feeling that "exemptions" have been made for the IPA, AIPA's treasurer indicated they are left with "no choice but to take legal recourse" if talks fail. The dispute could have implications for the sport's development, funding, and athlete participation in India.
Global Pickleball Descends on Ards as Newtownards Hosts Major International Tournament
Newtownards, Northern Ireland – The Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex was the epicentre of international pickleball during the last weekend of April. A professionally organised, multinational tournament, hosted by Project Pickleball NI and Ards Pickleball Club, drew 220 competitors from various nations, including the USA. Featuring 12 individual tournaments, the event saw participation from nearly all top players across Ireland.
This landmark competition firmly cemented Ards’ position as a premier pickleball venue on the island. Local players from Ards Pickleball Club achieved significant success, reaching the semi-finals in nine events and earning multiple medals. Teenage siblings Gracie and Harry Hamilton were standout performers, winning gold in every event they entered. Their success, alongside other local podium finishes across various categories, underscored Ards' strong presence in the sport.
U.S. Open Drama: Waters Duo Advances, Agassi Exits Pro Debut, Fudge Chases Rare Triple Crown
Naples, Florida – The Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships at East Naples Community Park delivered significant drama and key results on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Top-ranked player Anna Leigh Waters and her mother, Leigh Waters, advanced to the women's pro doubles semifinals, continuing their title defence. They secured their spot with a dominant win and are set to face Daria Walczak and Allison Harris next.
Earlier in the tournament, Anna Leigh Waters partnered with tennis legend Andre Agassi for his professional pickleball debut in mixed doubles. After winning their first match, the duo, which included the newly 55-year-old Agassi, was eliminated in their second match.
Meanwhile, Megan Fudge, the APP's No. 1-ranked female player, is making a strong bid for a rare "triple crown of sorts". Fudge successfully advanced to the semifinals in women's pro singles, women's pro doubles (with Jillian Braverman), and mixed pro doubles (with Jack Munro). Her impressive performances across all three formats highlight a standout tournament for the American pro.
Pickleball King Ben Johns Relocates to Florida Hotspot, Revamps Training Regime
Boca Raton, Florida – World No. 1 pickleball player Ben Johns has relocated to Boca Raton, Florida, moving from Austin, Texas, in March. Johns made the move to be closer to family and friends, and to take advantage of Florida's status as a significant pickleball hub.
He noted that Florida offers a higher quantity of high-level professional players, which is beneficial for setting up games and drilling. This move has led to a significant change in his training approach. Previously, Johns stated he strictly drilled 100% of the time, primarily with his brother Collin Johns, and didn't play games. Now, he dedicates approximately 20% of his time to drilling and 80% to playing games with other high-level players in the area.
Johns feels these games are beneficial and encourage positive developments in his skills, allowing him to practice different aspects of his game. Players like Anna Bright, JW and Jorja Johnson, Christian Alshon, and his mixed doubles partner Anna Leigh Waters also reside on the southeast coast of Florida, providing ample training partners. Johns occasionally drills with Anna Leigh Waters, noting it's good for their partnership to be close by.
MLP Columbus Delivers Thrills: DreamBreaker Victories, Dominant Sweeps Highlight Event
Columbus, Ohio – Major League Pickleball (MLP) Columbus, part of the 2025 regular season, is underway at Pickle & Chill, featuring nine Premier level teams competing over four days. Early matches on May 1, 2025, delivered notable results, including intense DreamBreaker finishes and dominant sweeps.
The hometown Columbus Sliders secured their fifth straight win, outlasting the Phoenix Flames in a DreamBreaker where Roscoe Bellamy stepped up in place of an ill teammate. The St. Louis Shock continued their strong start to the season, achieving a convincing 4-0 sweep over the Atlanta Bouncers, improving their record to 3-0.
In another dramatic finish, the Phoenix Flames earned their first victory of the season by defeating the Carolina Hogs in a thrilling DreamBreaker that went to 23-21, with Genie Bouchard clinching the final point. These early contests highlight the competitive nature and excitement of the MLP season.
Brazilian Pickleball Reaches New Heights with Record-Breaking R$100k Prize Pool at Liga Supremo
Santos, Brazil – Brazilian pickleball is reaching new financial heights with the Liga Supremo, etapa Sanavita, tournament underway in Santos. Beginning on Thursday, May 1st, 2025 at the Santos Pickleball Clube, the event is set to distribute over R$ 100 mil (more than US$19,500) in prize money. This sum represents the largest prize pool in the history of Brazilian pickleball.
Around 400 athletes are confirmed to compete over the four-day tournament. Liga Supremo is founded on valuing athletes, aiming to accelerate professionalisation by dedicating 50% of its revenue to competitors. The event features both national and international talent, including world medalists from Peru and Canadian player Tara di Giuseppe, alongside top Brazilian players. Competitions span mixed, doubles, and singles categories across professional and amateur levels, with Open events offering double points for the Brazilian professional ranking. The tournament is available for viewing live on the Liga Supremo YouTube channel.
Vietnamese Star Quang Duong Makes Splash, Signs Sponsorship Deal with Sypik Paddle Brand
Ha Long, Vietnam – Rising pickleball sensation Quang Duong, the 19-year-old world No. 7 in PPA Tour men's singles, has officially signed a significant sponsorship agreement with Sypik, a Vietnamese paddle brand. The move, announced shortly after Duong's departure from Selkirk after two years, is being celebrated by Sypik as a landmark partnership.
Sypik described the signing as a "historic handshake" between a top Vietnamese athlete and a growing Vietnamese brand. They are enthusiastic about adding the "uber talented" Duong to their roster. The company sees it as a moment of "Vietnamese pride" that affirms their place on the global pickleball stage and aims to bring "Vietnamese aspirations to the world". Duong had previously worked to promote pickleball with Selkirk across various Asian countries.
Duong recently participated in the Sypik Master All-Stars Exchange in Ha Long on April 19, further cementing his connection with the brand and the Vietnamese pickleball community. This collaboration not only elevates Duong's profile but also underscores the increasing prominence of both Asian players and brands in the sport's rapid global expansion.
US Pro Thomas Yu Forges Global Links, Becomes Ramsports Ambassador to Boost Asia Pickleball
Shenzhen, China – U.S. professional pickleball player Thomas Yu has partnered with Ramsports, a prominent pickleball group in Shenzhen, becoming their first international brand ambassador. Announced on April 21, 2025, this collaboration is a strategic step to strengthen pickleball's global presence, specifically targeting growth across Asia. The official signing ceremony was held at the Ramsports Pickleball Stadium in Longhua District.
Yu, a rising force in the U.S. pickleball community, expressed his admiration for Ramsports' high-standard facilities, organised events, and active community, recognising their importance for the sport's long-term development. He sees the partnership as aligning with Ramsports' vision of "sports without borders, culture with warmth" and a shared belief that pickleball serves as a language connecting the world. Joint initiatives planned include international racket designs, youth training camps, and cultural exchange programs. This partnership is poised to energise the pickleball movement in China and expand its reach.
Singapore's Ryan Ng Tapped for Elite UPA Asia Trailblazers Program, Eyes Pro Career in US
Singapore – Ryan Ng, the 21-year-old Singaporean pickleball player, has been selected for the inaugural United Pickleball Association (UPA) Asia Trailblazers Programme. Ng, who switched from tennis to pickleball three years ago, will join the program in Arizona on May 5th, shortly after completing his national service.
The three-month all-expenses-paid stint will provide Ng with intensive training, mentorship from professionals, and the opportunity to compete in PPA Tour and MLP events in the US. Ng is the only Singaporean in this first batch of 12 Asian players, viewing his selection as a source of pride and responsibility to represent his country.
A 2025 Singapore Pickleball Open mixed doubles champion and men's singles bronze medallist, Ng aims to embrace the pressure and improve his game with the goal of turning professional. He acknowledges that his training was limited by national service but looks forward to training six days a week in the US as part of this significant opportunity to pursue his dream.
Vietnam Pickleball Open Cup Draws 400+ Athletes, Showcases Sport's Explosive Growth in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – The Vietnam Pickleball Open Cup (VPC) By Pharmacity successfully concluded its second edition from April 16 to 20, 2025, at The Dinker Club – Premier Pickleball Arena in District 7. The event attracted more than 400 top athletes from across the country, underscoring the rapid expansion of pickleball in Vietnam.
Competitors vied in singles and doubles across professional and amateur divisions, as well as under-35 and over-35 age categories. The tournament boasted a total prize pool of VNĐ500 million (approximately US$19,500), setting a new benchmark for pickleball events in the region.
Beyond the intense competition, the VPC featured special exhibition matches, including a clash between the People's Police Pickleball Club and the Phoenix Flames from Major League Pickleball (MLP). The event also incorporated entertainment with appearances by popular celebrities. Organised by New Sports, the VPC is recognised for its major role in boosting pickleball's popularity, proving it is "more than a sport—it’s a movement".
Sypik Master All-Stars Exchange Celebrates Vibrant Vietnamese Pickleball Community in Ha Long
Ha Long, Vietnam – The Sypik Master All-Stars Exchange 2025 injected electrifying energy into the courts at Ha Long Star Pickleball on April 19, 2025. Running from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the event successfully gathered players and fans from across Vietnam for a spectacular celebration of the sport's spirit, emphasising talent, community, and pure joy.
The event featured a star-studded lineup, including the popular Quang Duong Brothers and Bao Duong, alongside the Sypik Team and the Sypik Junior Team. Matches showcased thrilling action and top-tier skills. Beyond the competition, attendees enjoyed a full pickleball festival atmosphere with exclusive merchandise booths and surprise activities. Quang Duong's participation underlined his connection with the brand and the Vietnamese pickleball community.
Described as a shining example of pickleball's rapid growth in Asia, the exchange underscored that the sport is more than just competition. It represents a vibrant movement that unites athletes, artists, and fans in a shared celebration of energy, skill, and community, fostering the sport's promising future in Vietnam.
National Pickleball League (50+) Secures Major Multiyear Sponsorship with QC Kinetix
Naples, United States – The National Pickleball League (NPL), the premier circuit for pickleball players over the age of 50, has announced a significant multi-year presenting sponsorship deal with pharmaceutical company QC Kinetix. The agreement, effective May 1, 2025, positions QC Kinetix as the NPL’s “official regenerative medicine partner”.
This partnership means the league will now be known as “NPL presented by QC Kinetix”. QC Kinetix is set to increase its visibility across NPL events, with its logo prominently featured on player uniforms, on-site signage, and broadcast coverage. The sponsorship also includes branded segments during matches, such as the “Weekend MVP presented by QC Kinetix” and the “QC Kinetix ‘Pain-Free’ Moment of the Match”.
The deal, negotiated directly between the league and the company, marks a substantial investment in the growing segment of senior pickleball. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but the partnership underscores the NPL's rising profile and its appeal to brands targeting active, older adults. QC Kinetix joins a roster of NPL sponsors including DEXA Scan and Gearbox.
Player Paddle Free Agency: Pisnik to Warping Point, Frazier Joins Volair in Brand Shake-Up
Naples, United States – The professional pickleball scene is seeing significant movement in player sponsorships, with Tina Pisnik and Dylan Frazier recently announcing new paddle partnerships. These changes follow closely behind other notable brand transitions in the sport.
Tina Pisnik has transitioned from ProXR and is now joining Warping Point. Warping Point stated they are excited to have Pisnik, highlighting her "elite experience and passion for the game" as they aim to "take Warping Point to next dimension".
Meanwhile, Dylan Frazier has departed Selkirk and signed with Volair. Volair announced that Frazier will not just play for them but will also be instrumental in building and developing their next generation of pro-level paddles. They are "beyond hyped to have him in the lab and on the court".
These high-profile paddle switches underscore the dynamic nature of the rapidly growing sport's endorsement market as players and brands seek alignments for the future.
Meet Zebby: The Golden Retriever Puppy Serving Up Cuteness as an Unofficial Pickleball Referee
United States – As pickleball continues its rapid ascent as the fastest-growing sport, even furry friends are getting in on the action. Zebby, a delightful Golden Retriever puppy, has captured hearts online by taking on the role of an unofficial pickleball referee during his human's games.
A video shared on TikTok shows Zebby diligently monitoring the court, showcasing his love for the sport in his own unique way. While he enjoys chasing after the ball, his main duty seems to involve finding a shady spot to relax and play with his personal tennis ball.
Zebby's adorable antics have resonated with viewers, with many commenting on his cuteness and apparent joy at being part of the game. This heartwarming story highlights the inclusive and fun-loving spirit surrounding pickleball, proving that it's a sport for everyone, including the four-legged fans. Zebby is truly living his best life on the pickleball court.