Latest news: Pickleball updates from PPA Texas, Watford UK, Malaysia and a Bollywood injury

Good morning pickleballers!

You are already thinking about how much court time you can get in over the weekend, are you not?

Well, you know what they say - never plan a weekend of pickleball without reading your daily World Pickleball Report first. They don't say that, of course they don't. But maybe they should...

Watford Welcomes Whirlwind of Wiffleballs: First Pickleball Tournament a Smash Hit

Watford Leisure Centre recently hosted its inaugural pickleball tournament, the "Pickleball Tournival," and the event proved to be a resounding success, drawing over 65 attendees. The leisure centre, managed by Everyone Active, introduced its pickleball court in November of last year, and the sport has quickly garnered significant interest in the area.

The tournament attracted pickleball enthusiasts not only from Watford but also from leisure centres in Harrow, Three Rivers, and Brent. Participants competed in men's and mixed doubles games, with medals awarded to the winners. The event also featured raffles with prizes including a £100 pickleball bat and pickleball pendants.

Iain Milton, Everyone Active's contract manager, expressed his delight at hosting the first pickleball tournament, noting the growing interest in the "new, trending sport" since the courts opened. He extended thanks and congratulations to everyone involved. The success of this first tournament highlights the increasing popularity of pickleball and its ability to bring communities together for active and enjoyable events.

Is teenager Goins pickleball's future?

Sixteen-year-old John Lucian Goins is rapidly making a name for himself in the professional pickleball scene, leading many to wonder if he represents the future of the men's game. After upsetting top-seeded Ben Johns at the PPA Tour Cape Coral Open, Goins proved it wasn't a fluke with another strong showing at the PPA Tour Texas Open, where he won bronze in singles.

Goins' recent triumphs highlight his potential, especially considering his young age. Turning 17 later this month, the junior high school student is also a 5-star tennis recruit, suggesting a strong athletic foundation. His strategic prowess isn't limited to the court; Goins is also an avid chess player, a skill that likely contributes to his ability to construct intricate points.

Major players in the pickleball industry are already taking notice. Goins signed a paddle deal with JOOLA in January 2025 and, following his Cape Coral success, secured a deal with the UPA, guaranteeing him main draw appearances. These endorsements provide him with crucial support and opportunities to compete against top professionals. While his current success is primarily in singles, the increased exposure and high-level reps from his UPA deal could also pave the way for strong doubles results. With his combination of youth, skill, strategic thinking, and early professional backing, the question of whether Goins is pickleball's men's future seems less like speculation and more like a likely prospect.

Deja Vu on the Court: Alshon Repeats Cape Coral Triumph Over Martinez Vich, Heads to Texas Final

For the second consecutive tournament, Christian Alshon has emerged victorious over No. 6 seed Jaume Martinez Vich, booking his place in the men’s singles final of the CIBC Texas Open. The No. 7 seed secured the win in three games with a score of 11-5, 2-11, 11-4, mirroring their encounter just days prior.

Remarkably, Alshon had also defeated Martinez Vich in three games in the final of the PPA Tour Cape Coral Open the previous Sunday. This latest victory showcases Alshon's consistent performance against a formidable opponent and marks his second straight appearance in a PPA singles final.

Like their previous matchup, the Texas Open semifinal saw the players trade the first two games before Alshon dominated the deciding game, taking an early 8-0 lead. This win propels Alshon to face Federico Staksrud in the championship match, where he will aim for his second consecutive title after his Cape Coral triumph.

Staksrud Scores Revenge and Final Berth: Avenges Mesa Loss to Johnson at Texas Open

Federico Staksrud clinched a spot in the men’s singles final of the CIBC Texas Open, delivering an 11-6, 11-8 victory over No. 4 seed Hunter Johnson. This win was particularly significant for Staksrud as it avenged a recent defeat to Johnson in the semifinals in Mesa.

Despite both players coming off three-game matches in the Round of 16, Staksrud managed a relatively straightforward victory. He capitalized on an uncharacteristically inconsistent forehand from Johnson, typically one of his strengths. Staksrud, the top seed, advances to his first singles final since the Masters in January.

Speaking about Johnson, who has rapidly climbed the PPA singles rankings, Staksrud acknowledged his opponent’s formidable skill, noting his potential to be ranked even higher. However, on this occasion, Staksrud’s strategy and execution prevailed, securing his place in the final. He will now face Christian Alshon for the championship title. Notably, Staksrud and Alshon are also partners in men's doubles at the Texas Open. This sets the stage for an intriguing singles final between two players who know each other's games well.

Johns Knocked Out Early Again! Ford Stuns Top Seed at Texas Open

For the second tournament running, top-seeded Ben Johns has suffered an early exit in singles, this time at the hands of No. 17 seed Zane Ford at the CIBC Texas Open. Ford pulled off the upset of the day with an 11-8, 7-11, 11-3 victory in their men’s singles match.

The 20-year-old Ford appeared poised to take the match in two games, leading 4-1 in the second, but Johns rallied to force a deciding third game. However, Ford was undeterred and dominated the final game to secure his place in the quarterfinals.

Ford's performance was particularly notable in cat-and-mouse points, an area where Johns typically excels. Ford managed to use angles and topspin rolls effectively to disrupt Johns' position at the kitchen line. This loss marks the second consecutive tournament where Johns has failed to reach the semifinals in singles. In the quarterfinals, Ford was beaten by No. 7 seed Christian Alshon. Earlier in March, at the PPA Tour Cape Coral Open, Johns was also upset in singles by the then unranked John Lucian Goins.

Two for Two: Fahey Repeats Cape Coral Victory Over Devidze, Advances to Texas Final

Kate Fahey has once again proven to be a tough opponent for Salome Devidze, securing a straight-game victory (11-6, 11-7) in the semifinals of the CIBC Texas Open. This win marks the second consecutive tournament where the No. 4 seed Fahey has defeated the No. 6 seed Devidze, having also triumphed over her in the quarterfinals of the PPA Tour Cape Coral Open just last week.

Unlike their previous encounter in Cape Coral, which went to three games, Fahey needed only two to advance in the Lone Star State. Fahey started strong in the opening game, taking a 6-0 lead. Although Devidze mounted a comeback to tie the score, Fahey closed out the game. She maintained her momentum in the second game, navigating even a lengthy stoppage due to a line call review, to secure her spot in the final.

Fahey noted that remaining calm helped her close out the match and advance to her first final of the 2025 season. She is now set to face top seed Anna Leigh Waters in the championship match. This repeat victory over a seeded player demonstrates Fahey's consistent performance and positions her as a strong contender heading into the final.

Waters on Wobbly Leg Heads to Final: Injury Won't Stop Top Seed's Title Pursuit

Top-seeded Anna Leigh Waters has battled her way into the women’s singles final of the CIBC Texas Open, overcoming not only a tough opponent in Lea Jansen but also a nagging leg injury. Waters secured her spot with an 11-8, 11-6 victory over Jansen, but the journey hasn't been entirely smooth for the reigning champion.

In her quarterfinal match, Waters sustained a leg injury while chasing down a ball, describing it as "pretty swollen and bothering me a little bit". Despite the discomfort, Waters showed resilience in her semifinal match. She admitted that the adrenaline of being on the court helped to numb the pain.

Even with the injury, Waters managed to overcome a strong start from Jansen, who took an early lead in the first game. Waters’ ability to adjust and ultimately win in two games demonstrates her determination to defend her top ranking. She will now face No. 4 seed Kate Fahey in the final, a rematch of the Cape Coral final where Waters also emerged victorious. Waters' performance despite her injury underscores her focus on securing another title.

Pharma Giant Serves Up Pickleball Partnership: AstraZeneca's Fasenra Joins PPA Tour

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is embracing the burgeoning popularity of pickleball, announcing a new marketing push for its asthma medication Fasenra through an official partnership with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour. The season-long sponsorship will run throughout the 2025-26 season.

As part of the agreement, Fasenra will be listed as a presenting sponsor of the Texas Open, which is currently underway in Dallas. Furthermore, an October tournament will be known as the Fasenra Virginia Beach Open, highlighting the level of their commitment. AstraZeneca plans to use this partnership to offer "interactive experiences" to educate the PPA community about severe eosinophilic asthma.

Matt Gray, executive director of Fasenra for AstraZeneca, stated that this "out-of-the-box approach outside of the typical healthcare ecosystem" aims to increase understanding of this chronic disease and encourage patients to discuss treatment options. This initiative aligns with Fasenra's ongoing direct-to-consumer campaign, which includes a pickleball-themed commercial showing individuals with asthma returning to their hobbies. This isn't AstraZeneca's first foray into pickleball, as their cancer medication Calquence sponsored the 2024 Pickleball Slam. Other pharmaceutical companies, such as Novo Nordisk and IBSA, have also previously engaged in pickleball-related marketing.

Bollywood Star Bhagyashree Injured in Pickleball Accident, Fans Voice Concern

In a shocking turn of events, Bhagyashree, the renowned actress best known for her role in the classic film Maine Pyaar Kiya, has been injured while playing pickleball. The incident resulted in a serious injury to her forehead, prompting immediate concern from her numerous fans. Pickleball, a sport gaining traction among celebrities, was the activity during which the unfortunate accident occurred.

Following the injury, Bhagyashree was swiftly taken to a hospital where she underwent surgery. News and images of the actress before and after the surgery have circulated widely on social media, triggering a wave of reactions from her followers. While many fans have expressed their shock and offered heartfelt wishes for her speedy recovery, some online users have voiced scepticism regarding the incident. Comments ranged from expressions of concern and admiration for her resilience to more doubtful remarks.

Bhagyashree, who made a significant impact in Bollywood with her 1989 blockbuster, had taken a step back from acting at the peak of her career to focus on her personal life. However, she has since made a return to the screen, maintaining a strong connection with her audience. Her recent injury has once again brought her into the spotlight, with fans keenly awaiting updates on her health and recovery. The incident underscores the potential risks associated with physical activities, even those considered relatively low-impact. Bhagyashree’s resilience in the face of this setback continues to inspire her admirers.

Pandas Go Poof! MLP Franchise Rebrands as the Nashville Chefs Under The Kitchen's Guidance

The Major League Pickleball (MLP) franchise formerly known as the Pandas has undergone a significant transformation, now officially branded as the Nashville Chefs. This rebranding comes under the guidance of The Kitchen, which took over the management role for the team in the fall of 2024, overseeing marketing, operations, and sponsorship sales.

The first major step for the Nashville Chefs in 2025 was to fill out their roster through the Challenger Level free-agency draft. The team decided to retain Ewa Radzikowska from the previous season's roster. In the draft, the Chefs secured the No. 2 overall pick after being outbid for the top spot, and they selected Anderson Scarpa as their top choice. They also picked up Marshall Brown with the No. 3 pick and Michelle Esquivel with the No. 9 pick.

The Chefs' management expressed excitement about their roster, believing they have secured top talent and invested more in the challenger draft than any other team. The team, operated by The Kitchen, is aiming for a serious run at the Challenger Level title this season. The players themselves are enthusiastic about the team's potential and their ability to achieve something special in the upcoming MLP season.

Malaysia Serves Up Free Pickleball for All Primary School Kids in Ambitious Initiative

In a bold move aimed at fostering youth activity and national unity, Malaysia has announced a groundbreaking initiative to provide free access to professional pickleball facilities and training for every primary school student in the country. Starting April 2025, the newly established Pickleball Stadium at Kenanga Wholesale City in Kuala Lumpur will open its doors to students nationwide from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Spearheaded by E-Motion Sdn Bhd in a private-public partnership, the program will offer free court access, equipment, and professional coaching to all participating primary school students. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh described the initiative as a "pickleball power move" and a "beacon of hope" to create an active, committed, and united generation. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s MADANI framework and the National Sports Vision 2030, emphasizing grassroots development and accessibility to sports.

This ambitious program comes as pickleball is experiencing a surge in global popularity. In Malaysia, this growing interest is also evident in the establishment of private facilities like Pickle Nation in Shah Alam, a hub featuring 12 courts created by friends to cater to the increasing demand for the sport. While questions remain about logistical implementation for schools in distant states, this nationwide free access initiative marks a significant investment in Malaysia's youth through the increasingly popular sport of pickleball.

Eight Friends, Twelve Courts: Pickle Nation Opens as Malaysia's New Pickleball Hub

A group of eight high school friends, mostly with a background in badminton, have launched Pickle Nation, a sprawling new pickleball centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Malaysia, boasting twelve courts. The friends, facing a lack of available courts, pooled their personal savings to invest RM2 million in creating their own ultimate pickleball hub.

Pickle Nation aims to be more than just a place to play, offering high-quality courts built to tournament standards, comfortable amenities including a restaurant (Robbo Restaurant), a lounge, and even ice baths in collaboration with WarriorPlunge. The centre also features a gear and merchandise store run by in-house coaches.

Currently open from 8 AM to 1 AM, court bookings are available at RM50 (off-peak) and RM70 (peak) per hour, with paddle rentals for RM5. The founders envision Pickle Nation as the central hub for pickleball in Malaysia, welcoming players of all levels and aiming to host various tournaments and training programs. Their goal is to foster the local pickleball community and provide a top-quality experience for all "picklers".

From Ping Pong to Pickleball Power: Table Tennis Secrets to Sharpen Your Court Game

Pickleball players looking to elevate their game can find valuable lessons from an unexpected source: table tennis. Despite the difference in playing surface and equipment, the rapid hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking honed in ping pong can translate remarkably well to the pickleball court.

One key takeaway is wrist control. In table tennis, subtle wrist movements generate significant spin and deception. Pickleball players can apply this to backhand rolls, snap volleys, and angled shots at the kitchen, adding unpredictability to their dinks and volleys.

Reflex training is another crucial benefit. The fast-paced nature of table tennis cultivates rapid reactions essential for winning hand battles at the pickleball net and executing quick resets. Practicing short-distance reaction drills can significantly improve a pickleball player's speed and anticipation.

Furthermore, spin mastery, a cornerstone of table tennis, is often underutilized in pickleball. Learning to impart heavy slice, topspin, and sidespin can give pickleball players a significant advantage, making dinks skid and drives dip, forcing opponents into difficult shots. While table tennis players might initially struggle with overheads and outball awareness in pickleball, the fundamental skills in hand speed, spin, and point construction offer a powerful pathway to improving one's pickleball prowess.