Pickleball News: Sussex surge, Johns' partner choices, teenage talent, senior success
Good morning pickleballers!
Up against the clock this morning at WPM HQ, so we will forget the pleasantries and get right on with your daily pickleball news.
Sussex Sees Surprise Pickleball Surge: Leisure Veteran Stunned by Demand
Horsham, West Sussex, is experiencing an unexpected boom in pickleball, leaving even seasoned leisure professionals in disbelief. Neil Williams, assistant manager at Bluecoat Sports, a charity providing facilities for Christ’s Hospital school and the wider community, admitted he had never heard of the sport despite 26 years in the industry. His curiosity was piqued when a member suggested pickleball, leading him to a Google search.
Thinking it would suit an older demographic, Bluecoat Sports trialled pickleball on their badminton courts and were immediately “deluged with interest”. “And I went, ‘Well, this is going to work, isn’t it?’” Williams recalled. The surge has been so significant that Bluecoat Sports has become the home of the newly-formed Horsham Pickleball Club, which now competes in the Sussex league.
Williams reports the phenomenon has “completely blown up,” with constant requests for more courts. Surprisingly, the appeal spans generations, from juniors to seniors. The club is now well-equipped, with plans to permanently mark courts and aspirations for dedicated pickleball facilities, potentially triggered by school curriculum adoption. “The demand is definitely here,” Williams asserted, envisioning Bluecoat Sports as the hub of pickleball in West Sussex, with the potential to host tournaments. They are already looking to increase the number of courts to six due to the overwhelming enthusiasm.
Luxury and Lob Shots: Red Rock Open Offers Stunning Pickleball Setting
Pickleball pros and enthusiasts alike are gearing up for the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open, promising not only thrilling competition but also an unparalleled tournament backdrop. Following the excitement of recent PPA Tour events, the focus shifts to Utah, where the luxurious Black Desert Resort awaits with its breathtaking views of Greater Zion.
The event, scheduled for the end of March 2025, is attracting all the favourite pros, including world No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters. Beyond the high-calibre play, attendees can look forward to ideal conditions, with sunny skies and temperatures around 75 degrees anticipated.
The Black Desert Resort itself is a destination, boasting a world-class championship golf course on-site. The stunning landscape might even entice players like Anna Bright to hit the nearby hiking trails after their matches. More than just a tournament, the Red Rock Open offers a unique blend of top-tier pickleball and a luxurious, visually stunning environment. It’s a perfect opportunity to witness pro pickleball in a little slice of paradise.
Johns' Post-Collin Puzzle: Mixed Men's Doubles Results Raise Partnership Questions
Since parting ways with his brother Collin as a regular men's doubles partner, Ben Johns' tournament performances have presented an intriguing puzzle, with varied outcomes raising questions about his ideal pairings. While primarily competing in men's doubles with new partners, the shifts in his game and results inevitably cast a shadow on future mixed doubles strategies as well.
Following their victory at the PPA Tour Masters in January, Johns teamed up with Hayden Patriquin, Gabe Tardio, and Andrei Daescu across four tournaments. While he medaled in each event, the results were a "mixed bag," with a bronze with Patriquin, silver with Tardio, and gold with Daescu. Notably, he secured gold with Daescu at the Cape Coral Open and then again with Tardio at the Texas Open, suggesting potential chemistry with both.
However, the analysis points towards Daescu as a potentially better long-term fit, despite Tardio's athleticism. Like Collin, Daescu offers a consistent, "grindy" style of play, and Johns appeared more "mentally engaged" and enjoyed himself more on court with Daescu. Even in a close semifinal, Johns showed a level of "grit" not always seen with his brother.
While Johns has signed up to play more with Tardio, Daescu's consistent success with other partners, including multiple gold medals, further complicates the equation. As Johns navigates these new partnerships in men's doubles, the implications for his mixed men's doubles strategy and partner choices remain a key point of speculation in the pickleball world.
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Karnataka's National Triumph Signals Pickleball Power Shift in India
The Karnataka Pickleball Association (KPA) is riding high after a successful showing at the national tournament, signalling a potential power shift in the Indian pickleball landscape. KPA President Shree Harsha highlighted the association's inaugural annual summit by emphasizing the sport's increasing popularity and the burgeoning opportunities for professional players.
Karnataka's recent success at the national level has solidified its standing and fueled the KPA's drive for greater formalization of pickleball as an affiliate of the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA). Harsha pointed to the significant financial investments in the sport, noting that pickleball prize pools are among the highest in the nation, potentially leading to full-time careers for dedicated players.
The KPA has ambitious expansion plans beyond Bengaluru, aiming to establish associations in other districts and scout for new talent. Furthermore, they are actively working to gain recognition and support for pickleball within educational institutions. Karnataka's national triumph serves as a strong foundation for the KPA's vision of a professional future for pickleball players across India and underscores the sport's rapid growth in the country.
30,000 Served! Dink'd Pickleball a Smash Hit Since Opening
Dink'd, the new indoor pickleball venue in Evans, Georgia, has proven to be a resounding success, drawing over 30,000 visitors since its opening in July. Co-owned by chef Dan Bower and emergency room doctor Troy Akers, Dink'd offers a unique blend of top-notch pickleball facilities and chef-inspired cuisine.
Located on Fury's Ferry Road in the former Final Cut location, the nine-court venue has quickly become a popular spot. While the pickleball action is a major draw, many visitors also come specifically for the "life-altering" chicken tenders and other elevated sports bar fare served at The Kitchen, the restaurant within Dink'd.
Chef Bower, a former restaurant manager with experience in exotic locations like Honolulu, is the culinary mastermind behind the operation. The restaurant, open to the public, features a diverse menu including pizza, smash burgers, and more, with seating in an upstairs loft overlooking the courts. The name Dink'd refers to a specific shot in pickleball. With memberships and lessons available, Dink'd is not just a venue but a thriving hub for the rapidly growing sport. The impressive foot traffic in its first few months indicates the strong appeal of this dual-concept establishment.
Teenage Talent Takes Center Stage at Saskatoon Pickleball Tournament
A new generation of pickleball players is making its mark, as evidenced by the recent tournament in Saskatoon where 13-year-old Devin Green stole the spotlight. Green, who hails from Moose Jaw and has been playing pickleball since age 11, showcased impressive skills at the event hosted by Topzpin Hitlabs. Despite playing other sports, his prowess on the pickleball court made him and his father, Rob Green, strong contenders.
Opponents often underestimated Devin due to his age, a strategy that quickly backfired as they realized his skill level. “They think he’s an easy target. Usually, they’ll try to pick on him, and then, after a while, they realize he’s better than he looks,” his father noted. The tournament, in its second year, attracted around 100 competitors from across Saskatchewan, highlighting the sport's increasing competitiveness and expanding reach to younger demographics.
Lester Esteban, co-owner of Topzpin Hitlabs, emphasized that the accessibility of pickleball and the transferability of skills from other sports are key reasons for its rapid growth, especially among youth. With the sport's simple scoring system and engaging gameplay, young talents like Green are signalling a potential shift.
Senior Pickleball Still Strong: 800+ Players Compete Despite No National Berth
Pickleball's popularity continues to surge across all age groups, and the recent National Senior Games Pickleball Event is a testament to the enduring enthusiasm among older athletes. Despite 2025 being a non-qualifying year for national competitions, the event still drew an impressive turnout of more than 800 players eager to compete and showcase their skills.
Hosted for the first time at Picklr, the tournament welcomed athletes of all skill levels. Many participants have been involved in senior games for years, demonstrating a deep dedication to the sport. Janet Meaut, a former board member and current volunteer, expressed her amazement at their commitment, stating, “For a 92-year-old to get up and do this… it’s amazing”.
Glenda Carter, a key organizer, also noted the strong turnout despite the lack of national qualification this year. The tournament divides players into four skill-based divisions, with the oldest participant this year being 82 years old. The National Senior Games also features other competitions like darts and bocce, highlighting the active lifestyle embraced by many seniors, with pickleball clearly being a major draw. The strong participation underscores the social and competitive appeal of pickleball for senior athletes, regardless of national qualification stakes.