Monday World Pickleball Report: Red Rock Open Highlights & Global News

Good morning, pickleballers!

Welcome to a new week. Hopefully you got some pickleball in over the weekend - I spent mine competing at the Franklin Tour event in Hampshire (UK) and came away with silver in the 18+ 4.0 men's doubles with Phil Nash and bronze in the 18+ 4.0 mixed with Michaela Vitkova. Some great games.

Anyway, you are not here for that - you want the latest pickleball news from the last couple of days.

So, here it is - Monday's World Pickleball Report.

Teenage Phenom Adam Cheney, 14, Stuns Pickleball World with PPA Debut

Fourteen-year-old Adam Cheney made a remarkable debut at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open, partnering with Rob Cassidy in the men’s doubles event. Cheney’s appearance fulfilled a promise made by Cassidy in 2024, contingent on Cheney reaching the 5.0 skill level, which he diligently achieved. The duo advanced through the qualifying rounds at the Little Valley Pickleball Complex, showcasing Cheney's improved skills on the court. Although they were defeated in the Round of 32 by Julian Arnold and Rafa Hewett, the experience was invaluable for the young player. Cheney expressed his excitement about competing alongside Cassidy, defying the doubts of his friends. Cassidy has high hopes for Cheney, stating that he will be on the pro tour one day. The pair plans to compete together again next year in Utah. Cheney’s journey from recreational player to PPA competitor highlights his dedication and the impact of mentorship in pickleball.

Fifty and Fabulous: Anna Leigh Waters Reaches Historic Singles Milestone at Red Rock

Anna Leigh Waters achieved a significant milestone in her illustrious career, securing her 50th career women’s singles title on the PPA Tour at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open. The top seed delivered a dominant performance, defeating Parris Todd in straight games 11-2, 11-7 to kick off Championship Sunday. Despite a brief medical timeout taken by Todd, Waters remained focused and closed out the match, adding another accolade to her already impressive resume. The 18-year-old expressed her excitement about the win, emphasizing that she tried not to focus on the milestone during the match to avoid extra pressure. Lea Jansen captured the bronze medal in the women’s singles event.

Waters and Parenteau Back on Top, Sweeping to Women's Doubles Gold at Red Rock

Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau reclaimed their position as the top women’s doubles team, winning the gold medal at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open. After their first defeat of the year in Texas, the top seeds swept past Etta Tuionetoa and Allyce Jones with an 11-9, 11-3, 11-8 victory. This win marks their 31st title as a partnership. Parenteau praised Waters' mental fortitude, highlighting her ability to fight for every point. Earlier in the day, Waters also secured her 50th singles title, showcasing her exceptional talent. Rachel Rohrabacher and Parris Todd earned the bronze medal in the women’s doubles event.

Alshon and Daescu's Dynasty Continues with Thrilling Red Rock Open Title

Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu solidified their status as a top men's doubles team, clinching their third title of the 2025 season at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open. The No. 2 seeds demonstrated remarkable resilience in the final against top seeds Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin, overcoming a significant 5-10 deficit in the opening game to win it 12-10. Although they dropped the second game in a tight contest, Alshon and Daescu responded strongly, comfortably winning Games 3 and 4 to secure the victory. Alshon lauded Daescu's versatility as a partner, while Daescu credited the energetic Utah crowd for fueling their winning performance. The bronze medal in the men's doubles event was won by JW Johnson and CJ Klinger.

Hunter Johnson's Relentless Pursuit Pays Off with Red Rock Singles Gold and Ranking Rise

Hunter Johnson captured his second PPA Tour men’s singles title of 2025 at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open, defeating No. 7 seed Jack Sock in a thrilling three-game match. The final score was 11-4, 8-11, 11-7, with Johnson overcoming a late surge from Sock in the decisive third game. Johnson's victory has propelled him to No. 2 in the PPA rankings since his initial triumph in September 2024. Despite his rapid ascent, the former SMU tennis standout remains focused on learning and enjoying the process. Connor Garnett secured the bronze medal in the men's singles competition.

Todd and Bar's Improbable Journey Ends in First Mixed Doubles Gold at Red Rock Open

Parris Todd and Dekel Bar capped off a remarkable run at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open by winning their first career mixed doubles title. The duo, who decided to play together just an hour before the signup deadline, overcame a match point in their opening round to ultimately triumph in a thrilling five-game final against No. 2 seeds Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon. The final score was 11-9, 12-14, 6-11, 11-7, 11-8. Despite Todd taking a medical timeout for blisters, they rallied to win the final two games, showcasing Todd's aggressive play off Bar's third shot drives and Bar's effective erneing. This victory marked Todd's first tournament medaling in all three events and Bar's first PPA Tour gold medal since 2021.

Agassi's Ace in the Hole: Tennis Legend Electrifies Vietnam with Pickleball Skills

Tennis icon Andre Agassi captivated 1,200 fans in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with his pickleball prowess at the Pickleball Legends Tour. The eight-time Grand Slam champion joined elite pickleball players like Ben Johns and Tyson McGuffin, bringing star power to the burgeoning sport in Vietnam. Agassi greeted fans with enthusiasm, signing autographs and showcasing his quick movements and precise strokes honed from decades of tennis. Ben Johns praised the passion for pickleball in Vietnam and the impressive quality of the courts, noting a strong foundation for growth. Agassi, along with his wife Steffi Graf, has become an ambassador for pickleball, recognizing its ease of learning and potential to unite people.

Pickleball Legends Tour Finale in Shanghai Marks Milestone for China's Growing Passion

The Pickleball Legends Tour 2025 concluded its successful run in Shanghai at the Shanghai Jingwu Gymnasium, following earlier events in Vietnam. The tournament brought together tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, along with prominent pickleball players such as Ben Johns and Tyson McGuffin, providing a high-level exhibition of the sport to Chinese spectators. Organized with guidance from the Chinese Tennis Association and the United Pickleball Association (UPA), the event aimed to showcase pickleball's potential in China. Kimberly Koh of UPA Asia emphasized the goal of educating people about the sport and inspiring them to try it. Agassi and Graf shared their enjoyment of pickleball's accessibility, while Ben Johns expressed confidence in its bright future in China, noting the country's strong background in racquet sports.

New Pickleball Stars Rise in the Intense Columbia PPA Challenger Singles Battles

The Columbia PPA Challenger 2025, held in Cayce, South Carolina, showcased fierce competition in the Men’s Singles events across various skill levels. In the 3.0 division, Grant King emerged as the champion after a round-robin format. Jeff Vining secured the top spot in the 3.5 skill level, also through round-robin play. The competitive 4.0 division saw Drew Fahrbach claim victory in a closely contested field. Finally, in the highly skilled 4.5 category, Ben Boesing triumphed, demonstrating exceptional precision and skill. The tournament attracted both amateur and professional players, highlighting the depth of talent across different levels of the sport.

Pickleball Fever Grips Hyderabad as Grand Slam Tournament Promises Thrills

Hyderabad, India, is set to host the Grand Slam Pickleball Tournament 2 on March 29, 2025, at Dink n Dash. Organized by Segu Tejesh, the event boasts a PWR level of 50, welcoming players of all skill levels to participate in an exciting and friendly atmosphere. The tournament aims to promote pickleball in the Hyderabad region, providing a platform for players to compete and build community. Organizer Segu Tejesh emphasized the importance of the event in fostering sportsmanship and friendship among participants and enhancing the popularity of the sport locally.

Unlock the Perfect Return: Jack Munro's Masterclass Reveals Pickleball's Crucial Secrets

In the first episode of his Pickleball Masterclass series, Jack Munro dissects the critical technique of the return of serve. Munro emphasizes that a strong return is foundational to success in pickleball, covering key aspects from grip to footwork. He advises players to adopt an Eastern semi-western grip to strengthen the forehand return and recommends a two-handed backhand for control and power on the backhand side. The importance of the split step for balance and quick movement is highlighted, along with making contact closer to the body for increased control. Munro also stresses using the lower body for power and anticipating the serve based on the opponent's positioning.

Indonesia Catches the Pickleball Bug: Rapid Growth Sets Stage for National Spotlight

Pickleball is experiencing a surge in popularity in Indonesia, thanks to the efforts of the Indonesian Pickleball Federation (FPI). Since its introduction in 2019, the sport has rapidly gained traction, particularly among university students and the general public. A significant milestone will be its inclusion as an exhibition event at the 2024 Aceh-North Sumatra National Sports Week (PON). FPI Deputy Chairman Harlin Rahardjo highlighted the sport's inclusivity and accessibility, with rules similar to badminton and a lower physical impact. The federation has Olympic aspirations and is focusing on grassroots programs to develop young Indonesian pickleball talent.

Will Pickleball Serve Its Way into SUKMA 2026? Malaysia's States Hold the Key

Pickleball's potential inclusion in the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) hangs in the balance, awaiting approval from participating states. While the sport's popularity in Malaysia is undeniable, its official inclusion in this prestigious multi-sport event requires support from at least six states, as per the SUKMA Committee rules. Selangor, the host state, has proposed pickleball, but the final decision will be made closer to the tournament date. Some officials, like Johor’s Youth and Sports Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, are cautious, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing core sports with strong international medal potential over trending sports.

Pune Prepares for Pickleball Grandeur: India's Biggest Tournament Set to Ignite Courts

The city of Pune, India, is gearing up to host the Pune Grand Slam 2025, the largest pickleball tournament in the region, on April 19-20, 2025, at The Pickle Point in Hinjewadi. This highly anticipated event welcomes players of all skill levels to compete in various categories, including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, vying for exciting prizes and trophies. Participants will have access to professional-grade courts and various amenities, fostering a lively environment for both players and spectators. The Pune Grand Slam 2025 is significant for the local pickleball community, offering a platform to showcase skills and connect with fellow enthusiasts, further promoting the sport's growth in India.

San Diego Swings into Action as Host of 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships

USA Pickleball has announced that the 2025 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships will be held at the Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego, California, from November 15th-23rd. The venue, located near San Diego International Airport and downtown, features 19 dedicated pickleball courts and will convert 23 hard court tennis courts to accommodate the prestigious event. Jesse Steinberg, COO of Barnes Tennis Center, expressed excitement about hosting the Nationals and providing an exceptional experience for players and fans. The tournament is expected to draw elite-level competition and have a significant economic impact on San Diego, building on the success of the 2024 event. QVC will return as the Exclusive Retail and Broadcast Partner, with coverage on QVC+ and HSN+.

Noise Concerns Threaten Seattle Pickleball Expansion Near Protected Wildlife Area

Plans to build new lighted pickleball courts at Seattle's Magnuson Park are facing opposition from environmental and wildlife advocates. Birds Connect Seattle is urging city officials to halt the project, expressing concerns that the noise from pickleball could negatively impact birds that frequent the nearby restored wetlands. The group argues that pickleball is "famously noisy" and that noise is a known environmental pollutant, suggesting an alternative location near an industrial area. They have also launched an online petition calling on Seattle Parks and Recreation, the City Council, and the Mayor to reconsider the plans and adopt biodiversity-sensitive urban design protocols. This comes as wait times for pickleball courts at nearby Green Lake Park have increased, fueling the demand for more facilities.

The Fourth Shot Revolution: Master This Doubles Secret to Dominate the Pickleball Court

Pickleball coach John Cincola of John Cincola Pickleball highlights the critical importance of the fourth shot in doubles play. He explains that many amateur players miss opportunities to play aggressively after returning the serve and facing the third shot. Cincola outlines three main response options: reaching in to volley, which applies pressure; the defensive half volley, often conceding the kitchen line; and the underutilized but effective step-back to hit an aggressive topspin groundstroke, which helps maintain control. Cincola emphasizes the step-back technique for creating threat, time, spin, and pace, advocating for players to practice this skill to gain a competitive edge and maintain their net position.

University of Florida Gators Conquer All to Seize Collegiate Pickleball Championship

The University of Florida emerged victorious at the 2025 APP U.S. Collegiate Championships presented by PB5Star, defeating the University of Texas in a thrilling team final held in Cape Coral, Florida. The championship match featured men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. UF students Jake Bower, Christian Franke, Zoe Routson, and Martine Sundsten secured the national title, marking a significant achievement for the university's pickleball program. The tournament brought together 32 of the nation’s top college pickleball teams competing for $50,000 in prize money. In the individual competitions, Jack Munro (Texas) won gold in mixed doubles and men’s doubles, while Mary Monson (Utah Tech) secured gold in women’s doubles and women’s singles.