Kovacevic slams pickleball, MLP preview, PPA points, tariffs threaten paddle prices, football star switches
Good morning, pickleballers!
If you celebrated Easter, I hope it was a good one - in my world, it involved running two Good Friday tournaments and an Easter Monday Festival at Pure Pickleball, hence no reports over the weekend.
But, I am back in the hot seat now and we have plenty to catch up on together.
Before you dive into today's world pickleball news, I want to make you aware of the latest World Pickleball Podcast - recorded last week.
In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, Gordo and I dive into the exciting developments of our last seven days in pickleball, from an entertaining charity calendar project featuring 'tasteful' shots of pickleball players to Gordon's bustling coaching sessions in Australia. We discuss the importance of team chemistry and strategy in competitive pickleball, drawing upon Gordon's experience as captain in MLP Australia. We also explore the intricacies of drafting a successful team in the UK Premier Pickleball Challenger League - I'm entering a Pure Pickleball team - offering insights into player selection, organisational tactics, and creating a supportive and competitive environment. Gordon also talks about Coach Andy in Uganda, doing some amazing work and we also discuss pickleballs.
So, it's a good one - you can find the World Pickleball Podcast on Apple, Spotify and Deezer or you can get your fix immediately below.
Right then - on with the latest pickleball news, courtesy of the World Pickleball Report. If you want to dive deeper into each news story, head over to our dedicated news page.
Tennis Star Kovacevic Slams Pickleball: "It's a Joke!"
Cap Cana, Dominican Republic – April 19, 2025 – World-ranked tennis player Aleksandar Kovacevic has delivered a scathing assessment of pickleball, dismissing it as a serious professional sport. In an interview with CLAY and RG Media during the Copa Cap Cana Challenger 175 event, which he ultimately won, the 26-year-old, currently ranked 79th globally, stated emphatically, "I hate pickleball! I think it’s a very dumbed-down version of tennis".
Kovacevic acknowledged pickleball's recreational appeal, saying, "It’s a fun game; my grandpa would probably pick it up in about 20 minutes. But as a real professional sport, it’s a joke". He believes its popularity in the US stems from its accessibility and ability to get people exercising, comparing it to "cornhole".
However, he draws a sharp contrast with padel, a sport he finds "super cool" and "very athletic" with a unique skill set. Kovacevic noted that many highly-ranked pickleball players come from a tennis background, implying they couldn't succeed in tennis. While in the Dominican Republic, Kovacevic also discussed humanising Novak Djokovic and his thoughts on removing bettors from tennis.
MLP 2025: $300K in Trades, But Will the New York Hustlers Thrive or Dive?
Orlando, USA – April 22, 2025 – The New York Hustlers enter the 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season with a unique strategy after a busy offseason. Despite raking in over $300,000 through trades, the Hustlers opted not to spend this capital in the draft. This decision has left many questioning whether their calculated risk will pay off on the court.
Coming off a 6th-place finish in the 2024 regular season, the Hustlers are banking on the potential of their doubles pairing, Zane Ford and Donald Young. While the duo shows promise, they lack significant results on the PPA Tour, raising concerns about their ability to consistently compete against top-tier talent.
Further complicating matters, the Hustlers' women's team is projected as the weakest in the entire Premier Level. The preview suggests that Lingwei Kong may see playing time if Spriridis or Schaefer struggle. With a projected record of 4-21 and a 15th-place standing, the Hustlers face an uphill battle to improve on their previous season. The MLP season kicks off in Orlando, and all eyes will be on whether the Hustlers' unconventional approach will lead to a surprising surge or a disappointing descent.
PPA Points Race Shocker: No Ben Johns in Top Finals Contenders!
The Dink Pickleball Headquarters, USA – April 17, 2025 – A stunning development in the 2025 Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Points Race has emerged: Ben Johns is currently not among the top contenders who would qualify for The Finals in all three events. With eleven events already completed in the season, the current list of players who would make it in singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles includes Anna Leigh Waters, Catherine Parenteau, Federico Staksrud, Christian Alshon, and Gabe Tardio.
This absence of Johns, a dominant force in professional pickleball, from the top tier of the points race is surprising. According to The Dink Pickleball, it is "shocking to see Ben Johns outside the top 8 and not qualified for The Race". There are still nine remaining tournaments on the PPA Tour, offering a significant 12,500 points for the winners. Despite the current standings, there is a prediction that Ben Johns will ultimately earn a spot in The Finals, potentially through his performance in singles at the remaining Cups and Slams. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see if the pickleball icon can climb back into contention as the season progresses.
Age Is Just a Number: Former Champ Anna Shirley Soars in Masters Pickleball
Conway, USA – April 21, 2025 – Anna Shirley, a former year-end #1 on the Champions Tour, is making a significant impact on the APP/AARP Masters Tour. Since joining in January 2025, Shirley has demonstrated that age is no barrier to success in competitive pickleball. Her fitness, professionalism, and competitive drive have quickly established her as a top contender in the division.
Following a standout performance at the APP Fort Lauderdale Open, the California native has achieved a career-high #3 ranking in women’s doubles on the 2025 APP/AARP Masters Tour. Shirley competes in both the 50+ and 60+ circuits, showcasing her versatility. She continues to participate in the Champions Tour as well.
Many within the pickleball community have lauded Shirley for her sportsmanship both in victory and defeat. Her recent surge in the Masters Tour rankings highlights a successful transition for the former champion, proving that experience and skill can continue to dominate at the highest levels of the sport.
Tariff Wars Threaten Pickleball Paddle Prices: CRBN Founder Vows Resilience
USA – April 20, 2025 – The escalating tariff war, particularly between the US and China, is posing significant challenges to the pickleball equipment market, with CRBN Pickleball feeling the strain. The new tariffs on imported goods, where many pickleball paddles, including CRBN's, are manufactured, have increased costs by up to 145%.
Garrett Gosselin, the founder of CRBN, has acknowledged these "real challenges" for his small business and vowed to remain transparent with customers. He lamented the uncertainty of the changing trade policies, making it difficult to plan. Despite the potential for increased costs, CRBN currently has no plans to raise prices on their paddles or other products and is doing everything possible to maintain current pricing.
Gosselin emphasised CRBN's commitment to its customers, team, and the sport, stating that this commitment "will never change". While a price increase in the US remains a possibility, the situation could potentially benefit Asian markets if manufacturers like CRBN ship directly, bypassing the high tariffs. The situation remains fluid, but CRBN has pledged to navigate these challenges while upholding their values.
Pickleball Franchise Frenzy: D.C. and Brooklyn Swap Names in Strategic Rebrand
New York, USA – April 19, 2025 – In a surprising move signalling a strategic shake-up within Major League Pickleball (MLP), the ownership groups of the D.C. Pickleball Team and the Brooklyn Aces have agreed to exchange franchise name rights. Starting with the 2025 season, the D.C. team will rebrand as the Brooklyn Pickleball Team, aiming to build on their quarterfinal finish in the 2024 Premier level playoffs. Al Tylis, now the principal owner of the Brooklyn team, expressed excitement about growing the sport in the borough where he was raised.
Conversely, the Brooklyn Aces will bid farewell to the Big Apple and adopt the name DC Pickleball Team, hoping to leverage their Mid-Season Tournament win from 2024 and create deeper connections within the D.C. community through the work of the Durant Family Foundation and Team Durant, as noted by principal owner Rich Kleiman. This name swap is part of a broader trend in MLP, with other franchises like the Carolina Hogs, Phoenix Flames, and Nashville Chefs also undergoing rebrands ahead of the season opener in Orlando from April 24-27.
From Football Icon to Pickleball Passion: Vietnam's Nguyen Hong Son Finds New Court Glory
Hanoi, Vietnam – April 8, 2025 – Nguyen Hong Son, a celebrated former Vietnamese football legend, has enthusiastically embraced pickleball as his new sporting pursuit. The 54-year-old, renowned for his achievements in Vietnamese football including multiple SEA Games silver medals and two Vietnam Golden Ball awards, now finds passion on the pickleball court.
In a recent interview, Hong Son highlighted pickleball's appeal, noting its inclusivity and suitability for all ages and genders. He believes the sport carries a powerful message of connection, inclusivity, and wellness. Having dabbled in tennis and golf, Hong Son appreciates pickleball's perfect balance of competition and community without a difficult learning curve. He sees it as a sport that fosters agility, flexibility, and willpower, much like his beloved football.
Hong Son emphasised the community-driven spirit of pickleball, stating that it connects family, friends, and colleagues. His embrace of the sport comes as pickleball is rapidly developing across Vietnam, and his involvement is expected to further fuel its growing momentum. For a sports icon like Hong Son to call pickleball “a sport that connects people” underscores its significance in the country.
Vulcan's Secret Weapon: How One Company's Balls Conquered the Exploding Pickleball Scene
Hot Springs, USA – April 22, 2025 – Vulcan Sporting Goods Co., based in Arkansas, has emerged as a dominant force in the rapidly expanding pickleball industry, largely due to the success of its pickleball balls. Founded by Vince Signorelli, Vulcan now proudly serves as the official ball supplier for both the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP).
Seeing the early potential of pickleball, which had 48.3 million U.S. players by 2023, Signorelli launched a full pickleball line in 2018. In 2023, Vulcan introduced the VPRO Flight Outdoor Pickleball, a product meticulously designed for optimal bounce, flight, and visibility. Despite resembling a wiffle ball, its high-quality construction from polymers moulded into spheres with 40 holes sets it apart.
Vulcan's four factories currently produce approximately 16,000 balls daily to meet the surging demand of the sport. Signorelli attributes pickleball's popularity to its social nature and its appeal across generations, with significant growth seen at the college and high school levels. By partnering early with the PPA Tour, Vulcan has cemented its role in the professionalization of what Signorelli calls “a game for life”.
India's Pickleball Power Surge: Claims 7 Medals at Vietnam Open
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – April 19, 2025 – Indian athletes have delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 Vietnam Pickleball Open Cup, bringing home a total of seven medals. The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) announced that the Indian squad secured two gold, three silver, and two bronze medals in the open category of the event.
The tournament, held in Ho Chi Minh City, witnessed stellar performances from India’s top pickleball talent. Vrushali Thakare was a standout, winning gold in Open Women’s Doubles with Tyak Karina, and also securing a silver and bronze in the Open Mixed Doubles Pro category with Vanshik Kapadia. Mayur Patil delivered an equally impressive performance, earning gold in Men’s Open Doubles and silver in Mixed Open Doubles. Vanshik Kapadia also bagged a silver medal in Open Men’s Doubles Pro. Kuldip Mahajan rounded off India’s medal tally with a bronze in the Open Men’s Doubles.
Arvind Prabhoo, President of AIPA, expressed immense pride in the athletes' achievements, stating that they "continue to raise the bar and demonstrate the true spirit of Indian Pickleball". AIPA highlighted that this impressive performance has further strengthened India’s growing presence in the international pickleball arena, reflecting the rising calibre of Indian athletes and pointing to a bright future for the sport in the country.
Malaysia's Tourism Giant Backs Historic $22,000+ Pickleball Grand Slam
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – April 22, 2025 – The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), a major player in the country's tourism sector, is throwing its weight behind the inaugural MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam 2025 (MPG 2025). This historic event, the first international pickleball tournament of its kind in Malaysia, will take place in Kuching, Sarawak, from October 7 to 20, 2025, and will feature a substantial prize pool of $22,680 (MYR100,000).
MATTA's support highlights the growing recognition of pickleball as a significant contributor to sports tourism. The tournament is expected to attract over 1,350 players and 2,600 spectators, potentially generating an estimated MYR31.6 million in tourism revenue. Registration for the MPG 2025 will open on May 1, 2025. The event is endorsed by the Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) and other local sports bodies, aiming to further develop pickleball as a competitive and recreational sport in Malaysia while boosting both domestic and inbound tourism. MATTA president Nigel Wong emphasised the potential of the Grand Slam to connect communities across borders through a shared passion for pickleball.
Malaysian Pickleball Court Prices Skyrocket Amidst Booming Demand
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – April 22, 2025 – Pickleball court rental prices in Malaysia are on the rise as the sport experiences a significant surge in popularity. Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) President Farrell Choo Kah Thiam acknowledged that hourly rates have increased from approximately RM20 to around RM70. This price hike is attributed to the soaring demand for pickleball venues across the country.
The number of active pickleball players in Malaysia has grown dramatically, from 2,000 in March 2024 to over 10,000 by November 2024. This rapid growth has led to a high demand for courts, influencing the increase in rental costs. While some operators of traditional badminton and tennis courts initially resisted the adoption of pickleball, fearing damage to their facilities, the construction of dedicated pickleball courts is now happening at an "astonishing rate".
Despite the rising costs, Thiam remains optimistic, believing that as more dedicated pickleball facilities are built, the prices will eventually decrease. The MPA aims for 10% of the Malaysian population to play pickleball within the next decade, indicating a continued focus on the sport's growth. The upcoming inaugural Malaysia Open in Sarawak in July is further evidence of pickleball's expanding presence in the nation.
Jardim Jumps Three Ranking Spots: A Champions Tour Shake-Up!
Conway, USA – April 21, 2025 – Marcello Jardim has significantly climbed the APP/AARP Champions Tour rankings, making waves in all major divisions. Following a strong showing at the APP Fort Lauderdale Open, the updated 2025 rankings reveal Jardim now holds the top spot in men’s singles, ranks #4 in men’s doubles, and sits at #2 in mixed doubles. This impressive performance marks a triple ranking leap for the older brother of pickleball legend Simone Jardim.
Known for his adept volleys, quick footwork, and swift reactions, Jardim added to his medal count at the Fort Lauderdale Open, propelling him to elite status across singles, doubles, and mixed play. His well-rounded game has established him as a consistent threat in all three categories.
Looking ahead, Jardim and other Champions Tour players will compete in the $100,000 APP Cincinnati Open in May, a Tier II event offering further opportunities for ranking advancement. Jardim’s recent surge signifies a new era on the APP/AARP Champions Tour, demonstrating his continued dominance in the 50+ circuit.
MLP Gets a Taste of the Tropics: Once Upon a Coconut Named Official Hydration Partner
Orlando, USA – April 17, 2025 – Major League Pickleball (MLP) has announced a multi-year partnership with Once Upon a Coconut, naming the premium coconut water brand as its official coconut water. This collaboration will bring the brand's refreshing and electrolyte-packed beverages to pickleball fans and athletes across all of MLP's events, including the 10 regular-season tournaments, the mid-season tournament, the playoffs, and the MLP Cup in November.
The 2025 MLP season is set to kick off in Orlando, Florida, from April 24-27. Throughout the season, Once Upon a Coconut will provide hydration for athletes and fans, promoting its commitment to healthy hydration options with no added sugars. John Chiorando, CEO of Once Upon a Coconut, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the shared values of energy, competition, and excellence between the brand and MLP.
Once Upon a Coconut sources its premium coconut water from young green coconuts in Vietnam and is dedicated to sustainability through eco-friendly aluminium can packaging and a tree-planting initiative for every case sold. The brand also donates 10% of its profits to nonprofit organisations. This partnership aims to offer a natural and delicious alternative to sugary sports drinks for the rapidly growing MLP audience. MLP, founded in 2021, is the preeminent coed team-based professional pickleball league, and in 2024, it merged with the PPA Tour under the United Pickleball Association (UPA).
Erne Defence Evolution: PPA Pros Level Up Their Game in 2025
Conway, USA – April 22, 2025 – Professional pickleball players on the PPA Tour are showing significant improvement in their ability to defend against the dynamic Erne shot in the 2025 season. According to recent statistics from the first nine PPA Tour events, players are successfully keeping nearly half of all Erne attempts in play, marking a notable increase from the 42% defence rate observed in 2024. The data analysed comes from all doubles championship matches, providing a snapshot of the highest level of competition.
This evolution in Erne defence is leading to longer rallies in high-level pickleball matches. Players are demonstrating quicker reactions and committing fewer errors when faced with this challenging offensive manoeuvre. As the 2025 season progresses, fans can anticipate even more thrilling and competitive games as professional players continue to refine their defensive strategies against the Erne. The increased success in defending Ernes suggests a continuous elevation of skill and strategy within the professional pickleball arena.
MLB's Secret Addiction: Pickleball Fever Grips Baseball Stars
USA – April 17, 2025 – Pickleball has become a popular off-day activity among Major League Baseball personnel, ranging from front office members and coaches to umpires and some players. This growing enthusiasm has seen pickleball games become the norm throughout baseball, even replacing activities like basketball and golf.
An ESPN.com feature highlighted the genuine appreciation for pickleball within several MLB franchises, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies. The article detailed a recent Spring Training pickleball match between members of the Dodgers organisation that drew a significant crowd. Furthermore, it noted pickleball's role in the Rangers' successful 2023 World Series run.
As pickleball's popularity has surged, courts have become more accessible across the country, providing convenient exercise and a competitive outlet for those in baseball. The piece offers a look into how different teams are integrating pickleball into their team cultures.
Brazil's "Mini-Tennis" Mania: Pickleball Explodes from Elite Clubs to Public Courts
São Paulo, Brazil – April 22, 2025 – Pickleball, often dubbed "mini-tennis" due to its similarities to tennis and dynamic gameplay, is rapidly expanding across Brazil, moving beyond the confines of elite clubs to gain traction in public spaces. Initially embraced by celebrities and the wealthy, with some elite gyms offering lessons, the sport is now reaching a wider audience.
The first professional pickleball league in Brazil, Liga Supremo, was created this year, signalling a serious commitment to the sport's growth. This league already has 26 contracted professional athletes and will award R$ 2 million in prizes during the 2025 season. Notably, the Confederação Brasileira de Pickleball was founded in February 2024, and there are now at least 15,000 players across 22 states.
While private weekly practice can cost between R$ 250 and R$ 350 in São Paulo, the sport is becoming more accessible, with free courts available in public areas like Ibirapuera and Sesc units. This expansion from high-end venues to public courts and the establishment of a professional league indicate a burgeoning pickleball scene in Brazil, with predictions that it could become the most played racket sport in the country.
MLP Orlando Unleashed: Can the Champs Defend? Will Breakups Break Teams?
Orlando, USA – April 21, 2025 – The Major League Pickleball (MLP) 2025 season is set to ignite in Orlando, Florida, from April 24-27 at the USTA National Campus. All eyes will be on the defending champions, the Dallas Flash, to see if they can replicate their success from 2024. The Flash, featuring JW and Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black, have shown golden results on the PPA Tour in 2025, raising expectations.
A major storyline for the opening event revolves around the "break up" of prominent partnerships, most notably Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau. Waters now plays for the New Jersey 5s, while Parenteau is with the LA Mad Drops. Their highly anticipated first face-off is scheduled for Sunday. Similarly, the separation of Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher will be a point of interest when their respective teams clash.
The Orlando event will also see four teams moving up from the Challenger Level to Premier. The impact of the new scoring rule (rally scoring with Dreambreaker remaining) on match results will also be closely watched. The opening day will feature a special "Court Crossover" event with Orlando Magic NBA legends joining members of the Orlando Squeeze on the pickleball court.
Pickleball Rocks Malaysia: McGuffin and Local Stars Light Up Showcase
Setia Alam, Malaysia – April 21, 2025 – Tyson McGuffin, a globally recognised pickleball professional ranked in the top 10 of the PPA Tour, headlined an electrifying Pickleball Showcase Event in Malaysia. The event, held at 9Pickle, Setia Alam, marked the official announcement of TOMAZ as the exclusive distributor of JOOLA, a leading pickleball brand.
The showcase featured a star-studded All-Star Match with prominent Malaysian entrepreneurs and personalities, including MP Tomaz (CEO of Tomaz), Christy Ng (Founder and CEO of Christy Ng), badminton player Aaron Chin, and footballer Duta Syazmin, among others. The evening also included a Pro Players Exhibition Match highlighting Malaysia’s top emerging pickleball talents such as Adam Ashraf, Colin Wong, and Myra Arisa.
The free-admission event, held from 6 PM to 10 PM, drew significant attention and underscored the growing momentum of pickleball in Malaysia. McGuffin’s presence, alongside local icons from various fields, signalled pickleball's move into the mainstream, highlighting its appeal and increasing popularity in the Southeast Asian nation. This event follows closely on the heels of Quang Duong’s recent appearance, further boosting the Malaysian pickleball scene.
Down Under Duel: Elite Pickleball Stars Clash at PPA Tour New Zealand Cup
Auckland, New Zealand – April 21, 2025 – Top pickleball players from Australia and New Zealand are set to compete in a thrilling showdown at the PPA Tour New Zealand Cup 2025, taking place from April 24-27 at the TotalCoach Tennis Centre in Auckland. Organised by PPA Tour Australia and MLP Australia, the event promises high-stakes singles, doubles, and junior matches with prize money and crucial ranking points up for grabs.
This tournament marks the return of professional pickleball to Auckland and will also feature the debut of the MLPA Challenger and Masters Leagues, showcasing 64 elite players from the region. The PPA Tour Australia is recognised as the official professional league across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, offering over $1 million in prize money throughout the 2025 season. The tournament will kick off with pro qualifiers on April 24, followed by main events in singles, mixed doubles, gender doubles, and junior categories across the subsequent days. Fans can anticipate exciting matches and the emergence of rising stars in this growing professional pickleball platform. Registration for the pro event closed on April 14th, with prize money awarded to the top three in Pro and Pro Masters events.
Pickleball Purists in a Pizkle: Rapid Rise Ruffles Racquet Game Feathers in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – April 22, 2025 – Pickleball’s soaring popularity in Malaysia is causing some friction with enthusiasts of traditional racquet sports. The hybrid sport, blending elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has witnessed an explosion in participation, growing from 2,000 active players in March 2024 to over 10,000 by November. This rapid expansion, however, has led to concerns from purists as more pickleball courts are introduced, sometimes modifying existing tennis and badminton facilities.
Complaints have surfaced regarding the changes to shared courts, with players expressing worries about visual disruptions and potential wear and tear. Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) President Farrell Choo acknowledged initial resistance from some court operators concerned about surface damage. Despite this, the number of dedicated pickleball courts is increasing. While court rental prices for pickleball have risen due to demand, Choo remains optimistic that costs will decrease as more dedicated facilities are built. The MPA is actively promoting pickleball's growth, aiming for 10% of the Malaysian population to play within the next decade and even lobbying for its inclusion in the Malaysia Games. The inaugural pickleball Malaysia Open in Sarawak in July is also anticipated to further elevate the sport's profile.