Pickleball police, hope in Hawaii, dare to Dilli and RR is immensely proud
Good morning, pickleballers!
It's still awfully quiet in the pickleball news space - but what little there is out there, we have it for you in today's world pickleball news roundup.
But before that, let's talk about the latest World Pickleball Podcast.
In this one, Gordon Watson and I talk about the week's biggest global pickleball news - which this time out does include ALW and CP parting ways, all the latest from MLP and PPA Australia, our thoughts on Malaysia moving to #3 in the pickleball world and more.
You can find the World Pickleball Podcast on Apple, Spotify and Deezer or you can get your fix immediately below.
Last week, we released the latest World Pickleball Magazine, already considered by many (and not just from my pickleball club) to be the most comprehensive magazine for pickleball in the world (what a nice thing to say).
In the April magazine, we have feature interviews with all the people putting on the main pickleball leagues, tournaments and tours in Europe, lots of chat from Asia, a new section with Fail 1st Podcast (one of the best other pickleball podcasts out there) and more. Click below to get your digital copy.
Here's today's World Pickleball Report.'Immensely Proud': Rohrabacher Reflects on Golden Partnership with Bright After Split
USA – Rachel Rohrabacher has publicly addressed her split with women's doubles partner Anna Bright, expressing immense pride in their accomplishments. The announcement came via Rohrabacher's Instagram account earlier this week.
The duo, affectionately known as "The Girlies," had a remarkable partnership, boasting a 91-16 overall record and securing eight gold medals. They were considered significant contenders against World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters and her former partner Catherine Parenteau. Rohrabacher stated she was "truly fortunate" to have shared the court with Bright, acknowledging that Bright gave her her "first real shot" in professional pickleball.
Bright will now be partnering with Anna Leigh Waters for the remainder of the 2025 PPA Tour season. Rohrabacher reflected on their time together with "nothing but gratitude and love". While her next partner remains uncertain, she confirmed she recently underwent a successful medical procedure and will compete for D.C. Pickleball Team at MLP Orlando later this month. Rohrabacher concluded by thanking fans for their support and expressing excitement for the future.
Pickleball Police? Park Rangers Now Enforcing Paddle Noise Law in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, California – Pickleball players at Lang Park in Laguna Beach, California, are now required to use "quiet" paddles under a new city law. The Laguna Beach City Council passed the law in response to years of noise complaints from residents of a nearby senior community.
The new regulations will be enforced by the Police Department’s Park Rangers, and violators may face fines for using traditional, louder paddles, according to city officials. This move follows previous attempts by the city to mitigate the noise issue, including the installation of sound barriers around the converted tennis courts in 2023. However, these measures proved insufficient, leading to continued complaints and the implementation of limited playing hours, with no play allowed on Mondays or in the afternoon on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
To assist players in complying with the new rule, the city is selling approved quiet paddles to residents at cost ($120) and has already sold over 200 of them this week. Notably, the quiet paddle requirement is specific to Lang Park and does not apply to the six outdoor courts at Alta Laguna Park or the two indoor courts at the city’s Community and Recreation Center. The situation in Laguna Beach highlights the growing pains some communities are experiencing as pickleball's popularity surges.
Hawaii's Pickleball Frenzy: Over 1,000 Players Set to Clash at Honolulu Open
Honolulu, Hawaii – More than 1,000 pickleball players are converging at the Hawaii Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open this week, running from April 10–13 at the Hawaii Convention Center. This marks the return of Hawaii’s largest pickleball tournament, presented by HMSA.
The competition features Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Doubles, with the initial days focused on seniors 50+, and the weekend open to players of all ages. Beyond the fierce competition, the event offers free admission to visitors, who can participate in free pickleball workshops, enjoy live music, and explore an expo. Top pickleball professionals such as Morgan Evans, Max Freeman, and Jessie Irvine are also expected to attend.
Adding a philanthropic dimension, a portion of the tournament proceeds will support Hui Mahi’ai ‘Āina, a local nonprofit aiding Hawaii’s homeless population. This event underscores the booming popularity of pickleball nationwide. A full schedule is available at honoluluopen.com.
Fashion Meets Forehand: Global Icon Heart Evangelista Embraces Pickleball in the Philippines
Manila, Philippines – Global fashion icon Heart Evangelista has taken up pickleball, sharing several videos of herself playing the sport on TikTok over the past week. The actress and influencer showcased not only her developing pickleball skills but also her signature style, sporting chic athletic wear including an athleisure dress from luxury brand Alo Yoga.
Evangelista's foray into pickleball highlights the increasing popularity of the sport in the Philippines. Pickleball is gaining traction among health enthusiasts and individuals seeking new physical activities. The sport, played on indoor or outdoor courts with small paddles and a plastic ball over a low net, offers an accessible and engaging way to stay active.
Her embrace of the sport could further boost its visibility and appeal within the country. Earlier in April, Evangelista was in Athens, Greece, for a fashion show before returning to the Philippines and taking to the pickleball courts. This new hobby adds another dimension to her already diverse interests and activities.
Revolutionary Rollout: New Sand-Textured Flooring Promises Tournament-Level Pickleball Anywhere
Shenzhen, Guangdong, China – Pickleball Court Co. has unveiled a revolutionary rollout pickleball court system featuring a sand-textured top layer engineered for optimal, tournament-level play. The company announced that this advanced court surface combines tournament-quality performance with exceptional durability and practical installation flexibility, setting a new standard in the rapidly growing pickleball industry.
The key to this innovation is the proprietary sand-textured top layer, which ensures excellent ball bounce and friction meeting tournament requirements. This specialized surface is designed to maintain its integrity even when repeatedly rolled, folded, or transported, avoiding cracking or peeling issues common with conventional surfaces. A spokesperson for Pickleball Court Co. emphasized the balance of ball response and player traction with the unmatched durability required by facility managers.
The multi-layer construction also includes a wear-resistant middle layer for impact absorption, a fibre stabilization layer to prevent dimensional changes, and a high-density PVC base for structural integrity and flexible transportation. Pickleball Court Co. offers four product lines to meet diverse needs, all featuring the sand-textured technology and available in various colours. Manufactured in Shenzhen, the flooring meets USA pickleball league competition standards and comes with a 2-year warranty. This technology aims to provide performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal for various applications, including commercial facilities and residential installations.
'Play for Dilli': India's Pickleball Revolution Starts with Social Media Talent Search
New Delhi, India – Dilli Dillwale has launched 'Play for Dilli', a groundbreaking year-long program designed to discover and cultivate emerging pickleball talent from across India. Announced on April 10, 2025, this initiative leverages the power of social media to break down geographical and social barriers in sports talent scouting.
The program is open to athletes aged 14 and above, inviting them to showcase their pickleball skills through video submissions on platforms like Instagram. This remote-first approach aims to provide national recognition to players regardless of their location or resources.
Leaders of Dilli Dillwale, including Ankiti Bose and Rohan Gavaskar, highlight the program's emphasis on inclusivity and equal opportunity in building a representative Indian pickleball team. The initiative involves online submissions and regular evaluations, with top-performing athletes gaining access to coaching and trial opportunities. 'Play for Dilli' is expected to significantly enhance the visibility of pickleball in India and foster a more diverse pool of players.
Against All Odds: Sierra Leone Pickleball Team's Grueling Journey to African Games
Accra, Ghana – The Sierra Leone Pickleball team overcame immense challenges to reach the All African Games in Ghana, a testament to their passion and resilience. Despite the Sierra Leone Pickleball Association being just two and a half years old and operating with limited resources, the team was determined to compete.
Facing transportation issues, equipment shortages, and a lack of national funding due to an economic crisis, their journey was fraught with obstacles. In a remarkable act of dedication, Jeremiah Moshopeh Pratt Jr., a leader within the association, and his wife sold a piece of their land to fund the team's transport to Ghana.
Their arduous journey began on March 7th, involving buses through Liberia and Ivory Coast. Stranded overnight in Liberia, they received help from local pickleball players. They arrived in Accra late on March 11th, missing the opening ceremony and their initial matches. However, thanks to a contribution from the Confederation of African Pickleball (CAP), the team was able to participate in a special exhibition event. Their story highlights the unwavering spirit and the power of community support in the face of adversity.