MLP bust-up explained, CNPL changes, Australia and Malaysia latest
Good morning, pickleballers!
My word, we have a lot of pickleball news for you today - and we really do go all over the world this Tuesday.
So, none of the usual chat - we shall dive straight in.
"F**king b**ch," Confrontation, and Targeted Shot: Drama Explodes at MLP Orlando Final
Orlando, USA – The Major League Pickleball (MLP) Orlando final between the St. Louis Shock and the New Jersey 5s was marred by significant off-court drama during the Shock's 3-1 victory. Following the first mixed doubles match, Hayden Patriquin of the Shock reportedly called New Jersey's Anna Leigh Waters a "f**king b**ch". This immediately led to Waters confronting Patriquin near the St. Louis bench, escalating tensions and involving members of both organisations and MLP officials. Although no physical confrontation occurred, the heated exchange was a major point of contention. Patriquin later stated that words "shouldn't have been said" and offered an apology, attributing it to the "heat of the moment". The drama continued in the next mixed doubles match when New Jersey's Zane Navratil hit St. Louis player Gabe Tardio with a full-speed shot off the bounce, a move described by one author as clearly targeted, albeit below the neck and currently legal. MLP issued a statement addressing the incidents. The match highlighted intense competition and controversies, adding considerable spice beyond just the standings points.
CNPL Western Split Unexpectedly Moves to Burnaby, BC for July Showdown
Burnaby, Canada – The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) has announced a significant change for its upcoming Western Split event. Originally scheduled to take place in Kamloops, British Columbia, on August 9-10, the tournament will now be held at a new location and earlier date. The Western Split is rescheduled for July 19-20 in Burnaby, British Columbia, due to scheduling and facility conflicts.
The new venue for the event is the Inclusive Place of Pickleball, described as a state-of-the-art facility. Located at 9855 Austin Rd #2, this venue is expected to provide an outstanding experience for both players and fans, offering a world-class environment for the competition. The CNPL expressed enthusiasm, stating they are "thrilled to host" at the new location and anticipate intense matchups showcasing incredible Canadian talent. They also issued an apology for any inconvenience caused by the change. Fans wishing to attend can purchase grounds passes through the ticketing partner, Showpass.
Grab Your Spot: CNPL Grounds Passes Now Available for London and Montreal
London, Canada and Montreal, Canada – The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) has announced that grounds passes are now available for purchase for two significant upcoming events. Pickleball fans can secure their spot to witness professional-level matches at the season opener in London, Ontario, and a subsequent event in Montreal, Quebec.
The first event will be the CNPL Central Split, held in London, Ontario, on May 17 and 18 at Smash Pickleball. Following this, the second event takes place in Montreal, Quebec, on June 7 and 8 at the Royal Westcourt Social Club. Grounds passes are priced at $5 per day for advance online purchases, while tickets at the door will be $10 per day, encouraging fans to buy early. Attending these events provides access to both local and CNPL competitions, offering a chance to support the growth of professional pickleball in Canada. Tickets can be purchased via the ticketing partner, Showpass.
Brumado Athletes Eye National Titles at Brazilian Pickleball Championship
São Paulo, Brazil – Three athletes from Brumado are set to represent their city at the Brazilian Pickleball Championship, taking place from May 2 to 4 at SESI Vila Leopoldina in São Paulo. Sofia Diniz, Paulo Esdras, and Artur Figueiredo Carvalho will compete across various categories.
Sofia Diniz and Paulo Esdras will form a duo in the intermediate mixed doubles. Paulo Esdras is also scheduled to compete alongside Artur Figueiredo Carvalho in intermediate men's doubles and men's doubles 40+, and individually in single 1x1.
These athletes arrive at the national tournament on the heels of recent success, having all earned medals at the first stage of the Bahian Pickleball Championship in March. They are now aiming to capitalise on their strong momentum and secure national titles for Brumado. The championship is expected to draw leading players from across Brazil, promising a highly competitive event.
Fireball Pickleball Tournament Heats Up Beenleigh with May 2025 Competition
Beenleigh, Australia – Pickleball enthusiasts in Queensland are anticipating the Fireball Pickleball Tournament, returning to the Beenleigh Tennis Centre from May 10-11, 2025. This event is a key stop in the Fireball Pickleball Series across the state, offering a competitive environment for players of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
The tournament schedule features men’s and women’s doubles on Saturday, May 10, and mixed doubles on Sunday, May 11. Participants will play round-robin qualifying matches, followed by semifinals and finals. Round-robin games will be to 11 or 15 points, while medal matches are best-of-three games to 11, win by two. Following current USA Pickleball rules and using Franklin X40 pickleballs, the event will determine player rankings using the DUPR system. Registration, which opened on April 12, 2025, closes on May 4, 2025. The entry fee is AUD 60 for the first event, with an additional event costing AUD 30, allowing players to compete in up to two categories. Prizes and valuable series points are at stake.
PPA Tour Lands in Australia: Perth Pickleball Open Set for May 2025 Debut
Perth, Australia – The PPA Tour is set to make its first major appearance in Australia with the 2025 Perth Pickleball Open. The tournament is scheduled to take place from May 9 to 11, 2025, at the Mt Lawley Tennis Club in Inglewood. This landmark event will feature competition across professional, junior, and masters divisions.
Players will vie for prize money and ranking points, with singles, mixed doubles, and gender doubles events planned across the three days, alongside junior singles and doubles. The tournament, a collaboration with the Pickleball Australia Association, will award both PPA points and Australian Ranking points. Professionals and Masters Pros can also earn points for "The Race". Registration, which opened on February 20, 2025, is set to close on April 30.
Play Like a Pro: PPA Atlanta Championships Offers Amateurs Court Access with Elite Players
Peachtree Corners, USA – The PPA Tour’s Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships are set to take place from May 12 to May 18, 2025, at Life Time Peachtree Corners in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. This event offers a unique opportunity for amateur players to compete on the same courts and alongside top professional players, including elite athletes like Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns.
Participants and spectators can look forward to a week of high-level pickleball action. Amateurs will compete across various skill levels and event types, while professionals vie for the main draw. The PPA Tour also provides opportunities for fans to learn, including a two-day camp for 3.0/4.0 skill levels. Registration for the championships is currently open but closes on May 10, 2025, encouraging interested players to secure their spot quickly for this chance to experience a world-class pickleball environment.
Bermuda's Top Female Player Imani Phillips Trains with World #1 Senior Pro
Bermuda – Imani Phillips, Bermuda’s top female pickleball player, is set to train with the world's No. 1 senior women's professional, Lee Whitwell. Phillips and the Florida-based Whitwell met in Bermuda in March and are working on plans to collaborate.
Phillips is scheduled to travel to Orlando at the beginning of next month (May 2025) as part of her effort to elevate her game. She stated that working with Whitwell will help develop her footwork and mobility on the court. Phillips also noted that Whitwell, a former professional tennis player, understands her background and can explain things in a way she can easily grasp. Phillips described Whitwell's skill level by saying, "If this was basketball, she would be Michael Jordan".
Phillips aims to win a pro tournament this year and is coming off a recent mixed doubles victory in the Cayman Islands in March. She is currently focusing on training and working on her mobility.
Astros Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. Serves Up Solarium: Houston's New Pickleball Bar
Houston, USA – A new spot for cocktails, bar bites, and social gaming has opened in Midtown, courtesy of Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr.. Solarium, located in the former Holman Draft Hall space, is now officially open daily after a quiet soft opening weekend.
The venue is a collaboration between Rex Hospitality, a group co-founded by McCullers Jr., and the veteran bar operators, the Kirby Group. Together, they have transformed the space into a luxurious sports bar built around pickleball. Solarium features pickleball courts surrounded by five private rooms made from repurposed shipping containers. These rooms offer glass walls with views of the games and server service. The aim is to provide a unique and elevated experience, distinguishing Solarium from other similar venues in the area.
Champions Clash: English Nationals Singles Returns to Loughborough
Loughborough, England – The English Nationals Singles tournament is set to return this coming weekend, hosted at the Dan Maskell Tennis Centre at Loughborough University on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May. This prestigious event will see top players vying for national titles.
Among the key competitors, James Chaudry will look to defend the singles title he claimed in 2023. Meanwhile, Thaddea Lock aims to regain the crown she previously won in 2021 and 2022. The Senior Open also promises compelling matchups, with Richard Love challenging David Youngs and Anna Linton facing Marcia Audibert.
Organisers, Pickleball England, have ensured that prize money is equal for the men's and women's open and senior medallists. Spectators are encouraged to attend. For those unable to be there in person, the Championship Court will be livestreamed on Pickleball England’s YouTube and Facebook channels.
Dink for a Difference: Ottawa Pickleball Classic Supports Heart Health
Ottawa, Canada – The Ottawa Pickleball Classic, a popular charity tournament, is set to return for its third annual event on May 4, 2025. Hosted at the EY Centre, the tournament will run from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm and is expected to draw over 200 players. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation, supporting vital cardiac research and patient care initiatives.
Organisers are creating a vibrant, park-inspired atmosphere this year, offering a fun setting for participants and spectators. The event welcomes players of all levels with both competitive and recreational play options available. The Ottawa Pickleball Classic continues to be a key fundraiser for the Heart Institute Foundation. Players and fans can look forward to an exciting day of matches and community spirit, all contributing to a noble cause. Registration is encouraged soon as spots are quickly filling up.
"By Players For Players": Dink! Pickle Daily Opens State-of-the-Art Indoor Courts in Malaysia
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia – The pickleball scene in Malaysia has a vibrant new addition with the grand opening of Dink! Pickle Daily in Petaling Jaya. Founded by Katherine and Benny, the facility kicked off its launch with a traditional lion dance. The venue's concept, "By Players For Players," stems from Katherine's frustration with finding available courts, leading to her dream of creating an accessible space for the sport.
Dink! Pickle Daily boasts eight premium indoor courts. These include two courts with full-height netting ideal for coaching and a free mini court for families. The facility offers a comfortable experience with a cozy cafe, well-equipped, air-conditioned restrooms, and ample free parking. Future plans include a structured coaching and academy program. Courts can be booked online, with the facility open daily from 7 AM to 12 AM. Pickleball News Asia described the venue as offering an excellent playing environment.
Malaysia Welcomes World Pickleball Championship Asia Series Debut in July 2025
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The World Pickleball Championship (WPC), described as the largest and longest-running pickleball championship series globally, is set to debut in Malaysia for the very first time. Kuala Lumpur has been officially announced as a key stop in the World Pickleball Championship - 2025 Asia Series, with the event scheduled for July 2025.
This landmark event marks a significant milestone for pickleball in Malaysia, bringing the global spotlight to the country's expanding community. WPC is known for its inclusive approach, allowing players of all levels to compete on a level playing field, embodying the "true spirit of pickleball". Asia series events are expected to attract between 1,000 to 2,000 players, with WPC Championship prize pools potentially reaching up to USD 100,000. Malaysia has recently emerged as a pickleball hub in Asia, notably having the largest user base of the DUPR system. The WPC event is anticipated to further fuel this growth and showcase the nation's talent and passion for the sport.
Pickleball Embraced in Malaysia: Leaders See Opportunity, Not Threat, to Traditional Sports
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Pickleball is increasingly being viewed by Malaysian sports leaders and analysts as an opportunity rather than a threat to traditional sports like badminton and tennis. With Malaysia emerging as a significant pickleball hub in Asia, boasting the largest user base of the DUPR system, figures within the sports community are advocating for its embrace.
Local sports analyst Mohd Sadek Mustafa believes pickleball provides more sporting opportunities and will not interfere with the popularity of established sports due to their developed marketing. He also anticipates economic contributions through marketing and equipment sales. Datuk V. Subramaniam, Acting President of the Badminton Association of Malaysia, encourages celebrating the sport, emphasising that "Badminton is badminton. Pickleball is pickleball" and highlighting its unifying power. While acknowledging perceived threats regarding talent, Maria Fauzana Ghazali, Honorary Secretary of the Kuala Lumpur Lawn Tennis Association, sees pickleball as a great option for maintaining health and one that is easy to learn, advocating for its acceptance. More and more Malaysians are embracing the sport.
Boost Your Mood: Study Links Pickleball to 60% Drop in Depressive Symptoms
USA – Science is adding another compelling reason to hit the pickleball courts: a new study suggests that pickleball players experience depression at a rate 60% lower than the general population. According to a report by Yahoo Life based on an analysis from the Apple Heart and Movement Study, frequent pickleball players reported 60% fewer depressive symptoms compared to the broader study population.
The findings indicate that the unique combination of physical activity, social engagement, and a sense of play offered by pickleball appears particularly powerful for mental health. The more often people played, the stronger the positive effects on mental well-being. Activities providing a built-in community and frequent social interaction seem to offer significant benefits in combating loneliness and depression. Engaging in this type of coordinated physical activity can have cascading benefits on mental resilience and well-being. Pickleball is proving to be more than just a pastime; it could be a powerful tool for fighting depression.
Find Your Court: Guide to Pickleball Venues in Australian Capital Territory
Canberra, Australia – Pickleball enthusiasts in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) have access to a variety of facilities, offering options for both indoor wood and hard court play. Two popular destinations stand out for players looking to hit the courts.
The Belconnen Community Centre in Belconnen features two indoor wood courts with permanent lines and portable nets available. There is a one-time fee to play at this location, which also provides restrooms for convenience.
For those seeking more court space, the Canberra Pickleball Centre in Fadden offers eleven indoor hard courts. These courts also have permanent lines and offer portable nets. While reservations are not accepted, the facility includes helpful amenities such as restrooms, locker rooms, and lighted courts.
Pickleball Flourishing in Tasmania: Discover Accessible Courts Across the Region
Hobart, Australia – Pickleball is seeing significant growth across Tasmania, with a variety of accessible courts available for enthusiasts. The region offers both indoor and outdoor options with different amenities to suit players of all levels.
Notable locations include the Cadbury Tennis Courts in Claremont, providing six outdoor concrete courts with permanent lines. Players need to bring their nets, a one-time fee applies, and booking through the Glenorchy City Council is essential. Restrooms are available.
The Kingborough Sports Centre in Kingston offers three indoor wood courts with permanent lines and portable nets, notable for being free to use and providing weather protection. Further south, the Port Huon Sports & Aquatic Centre features three indoor wood courts, also with permanent lines and portable nets, for a one-time fee. This centre is fully accessible, including lighted courts and wheelchair access.
These facilities ensure players across Tasmania have ample opportunities to enjoy the sport, supporting its rising popularity.
With its growing popularity, the ACT offers these well-maintained facilities to cater to players of all levels, ensuring accessible and enjoyable places to play pickleball.
Australia's Biggest Pickleball Event Returns: $30,000+ Prize Pool for 2025 APC on Gold Coast
Gold Coast, Australia – The Trilogy Funds Australian Pickleball Championships (APC), the signature event of the Australian pickleball calendar, is set to return to the Gold Coast from September 29th to October 6th, 2025. Hosted at the Pimpama Sports Hub, the tournament aims to solidify the region's status as the southern hemisphere's premier pickleball destination.
Building on its success as Australia's largest pickleball tournament in 2024, the 2025 APC promises to be even bigger, featuring approximately 56 dedicated pickleball courts and over 230 events. For the first time in APC history, there will be a spectacular minimum $30,000 prize pool, a significant incentive expected to attract over 1,500 players competing for both prize money and the championship title. New inclusive events like combined age doubles, and dedicated events for players with intellectual disabilities and those who are deaf or hard of hearing are being introduced. Trilogy Funds returns as the Official Presenting Partner, continuing its support for the sport's growth. Entries are open for players of all ages and abilities.
Paddle Shakeup: Pro Players Pisnik and Frazier Switch Sponsors, Stirring the Scene
USA – The professional pickleball world is buzzing following unexpected paddle sponsorship changes by two notable players, Tina Pisnik and Dylan Frazier. These moves are generating considerable interest and shaking up the pro scene.
Tina Pisnik, a former WTA World #29 who had used a ProXR paddle for about 15 months and signed a long-term deal in January 2024, has made a bold switch to Warping Point, a brand-new company for which she is the first professional player.
Meanwhile, Dylan Frazier, a top pro player, has moved from Selkirk, where he played for two years and had a signature paddle. Frazier is now officially signed with Volair, a paddle company that debuted in 2022 and is re-entering the pro spotlight with him.
As both players are active on the PPA Tour and in Major League Pickleball, their performance with these new paddles will be closely monitored. These surprising partnerships could indicate a potential shift in the market, with newer brands challenging established names, and have certainly reignited excitement surrounding the sport’s paddle wars.
Beyond the Court: 14-Year-Old Prodigy Rex Thais Builds Brand and Inspires
Jacksonville, USA – At just 14 years old, Rex Thais is quickly becoming a standout name in the pickleball world, demonstrating prowess both on and off the court. The young player from Jacksonville recently showcased his talent at the U.S. Open in Naples, Florida, securing gold medals in boys’ singles and doubles, alongside a bronze in mixed doubles, solidifying his position as a top junior player.
Thais, who transitioned to pickleball from competitive golf, was particularly drawn to the sport's social dynamics, according to his father, Ricky Thais, who noted Rex's social nature and rapid embrace of pickleball. Beyond his competitive achievements, Rex is actively building a personal brand, recognising the importance of a social presence in today's sporting landscape. He sets himself apart through bright outfits, energetic on-court celebrations, and a lively personality. This distinct style has already attracted sponsorship deals, providing him with necessary gear. Rex aims to become a highly marketable junior player and inspire others through his journey. His combination of skill and personality is positioning him for a bright future in the sport.