Pickleball News: Quang Duong sacked, APP Upsets, PPA Asia Launch

Hello, pickleballers!

Yes, it is a rare Sunday update from WPM HQ - there's been a bit of annual leave happening around here, meaning we've been quiet for the last 10 days.

So, there's lots to catch up on!

If you want to listen to the Deep Dive, you can below.

Otherwise, here's the world pickleball news from the last 10 days or so.

ESPN Brings SportsCenter Tour to Grand Rapids, Spotlighting Pickleball's Explosive Growth

July 10, 2025: Grand Rapids, MI, USA – Belknap Park in Grand Rapids today hosted a significant stop for SportsCenter: 50 States in 50 Days, a nationwide tour bringing SportsCenter and its anchors directly to fans. This marks the first cross-country tour of its scale for SportsCenter in 20 years.

The event coincided with the Beer City Open and the Edward Jones MLP Mid-Season Tournament presented by DoorDash. ESPN host and reporter Christine Williamson anchored on location, highlighting pickleball's power to unite sports fans across Michigan as one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S.. Additional coverage appeared across ESPN platforms throughout the day.

New Jersey 5s superstar Anna Leigh Waters, the current No. 1 player in the world, was a featured guest on the broadcast. Waters addressed common doubts about pickleball being a "real" sport, urging people to "just get out on the court and try it for yourselves". She passionately advocated for pickleball's inclusion in the Olympics, stating it would add "another level of that legitimacy" and hopes to compete and represent the U.S.. Waters attributes the sport's rapid growth to its accessibility for "anybody, any age, any gender" and its strong community, where players often become lifelong friends. Describing the atmosphere of a tournament, Waters called the vibe "immaculate," filled with cheering, clapping, and energy. She also reflected on the dynamic of playing with and against her mother, who was also a world No. 1, calling their shared journey "amazing". Waters hopes for continued international and youth growth for pickleball.

Underdogs Shine as New Champions Crowned at Thrilling APP Newport Beach Open

July 8, 2025: Newport Beach, CA, USA – The 2025 Zimmer Biomet APP Newport Beach Open, held from July 2-6 at The Tennis and Pickleball Club at Newport Beach, crowned multiple new champions and saw several upsets across its five days of nonstop action.

In men's singles, India's Armaan Bhatia continued his dominant season, securing his second straight gold medal by defeating Patrick Kawka in two games (15-8, 15-11). Bhatia described it as "one of the best" singles performances of his career. Katerina Steward claimed her first career APP Tour gold in women's singles, upsetting veteran Bobbi Oshiro in a hard-fought match (16-14, 15-12).

The men's doubles final saw Richard Livornese Jr. and Tanner Tomassi earn their first-ever APP Tour gold, triumphing over Patrick Kawka and Kyle Koszuta in a three-game battle (11-6, 6-11, 11-8). Meanwhile, Christine Maddox and Max Manthou successfully defended their mixed doubles championship from October 2024, showcasing their "chaotic and unorthodox" winning style. In women's doubles, the veteran duo of Jill Braverman and Megan Fudge secured gold for the fifth time this year, fending off a strong challenge from Australian qualifiers Emilia Schmidt and Danni-Elle Townsend.

The tournament also featured new U16 and U13 divisions, and gold medalists earned a USA Pickleball Golden Ticket, securing early registration for the 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships. Notably, only one #1 seed managed to reach the finals across all professional events, highlighting the competitive depth and unpredictability of the tournament.

Inaugural PPA Tour Asia Delivers Thrilling Action and Crowns First Champions in Malaysia

July 7, 2025: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Panas Malaysia Open 2025 concluded today, marking the successful launch of the inaugural PPA Tour Asia event at 9Pickle in Kuala Lumpur. The tournament delivered intense competition and crowned several first-time champions for the region.

In a dramatic women's singles final, China’s Yufei Long claimed the first-ever PPA Tour Asia women’s singles title, saving two championship points to defeat Australia’s Nicola Schoeman in a hard-fought 2-1 battle, describing the win as "literally blood, sweat and tears". Vietnam’s Giang Trinh completed a remarkable run from qualifying to become the first PPA Tour Asia men's singles champion, denying India’s Vanshik Kapadia a Triple Crown with a 2-0 victory. This win also marked Vietnam's first-ever continental pickleball title.

Singapore’s Pini Lee achieved a "Triple Crown" in the over-50s categories, solidifying her status as "Asia’s Leading Lady of Pickleball" with wins in ladies' 50+ singles, ladies' 50+ doubles with Elizabeth Wilcox, and mixed doubles with Jih Shian Yeo. Other notable champions included Vanshik Kapadia and Harsh Mehta (India) in men’s doubles, Vanshik Kapadia and Nicola Schoeman in mixed doubles, and Jamie Wei and USA’s Xiao Yi Wang-Beckvall in women’s doubles. Malaysian pro Jimmy Liong also showed a strong performance, reaching the men's singles semi-finals.

The success of this inaugural event sets the stage for continued growth and competitive action, with the Hong Kong Open scheduled as the next PPA Tour Asia stop from August 21 to 24 at Kai Tak Arena.

Player Frustrations Mount at Inaugural PPA Tour Asia Malaysia Open

July 7, 2025: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – While the inaugural PPA Tour Asia Panas Malaysia Open showcased strong professional play, many Malaysian amateur participants reported significant disappointment, perceiving the event as a "money grab" rather than an effort to build goodwill within the local pickleball community.

Concerns centred around high fees (over RM400 per person for a single category) without adequate benefits, such as a "goodie bag," which is common at other tournaments. Organisers routinely combined intermediate and open-level categories due to insufficient participation, leaving some players with only two games despite the hefty entry fee. Amateur players, who had paid to compete, were also denied access to spectator seats for pro matches without purchasing an additional ticket.

Communication breakdown was a major issue, with players reporting that contact attempts were ignored and that the PPA created duplicate DUPR accounts without their permission. Last-minute schedule changes were poorly communicated, with announcements often sent the morning of the event or inaudible at the venue, leading to long waits and missed matches.

Furthermore, refereeing standards were criticised despite referees being charged USD $200 to attend a certification course before being paid only USD $50 per 12-hour shift. Players reported referees stating they were "to facilitate, not referee," and frequent claims of "I didn’t see" during line-call disputes. Player welfare was also a concern, with reports of no shower facilities, poor court ventilation, lack of cool resting areas in Malaysia's tropical climate, and unconfirmed reports of pro women’s finalists needing hospital rehydration.

Pickleball Inc. Partners with PlayReplay for AI-Powered Line Calls and Analytics

July 7, 2025: (Global Announcement) – Pickleball Inc. has announced a groundbreaking partnership with PlayReplay, a leading sports technology company, to integrate AI-powered line calling and performance analytics across the sport globally. Pickleball Inc. will serve as the exclusive worldwide distributor of PlayReplay’s technology for pickleball.

This collaboration aims to redefine fairness, data, and innovation from professional tournaments to recreational clubs. The technology's implementation is strategically timed for 2026, coinciding with the United Pickleball Association's (UPA) shift to a prize money model for the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP). The goal is to reduce tension and human error in officiating as stakes rise for professional athletes.

PlayReplay's system uses a compact setup of four cameras mounted on net posts, designed to be non-intrusive. These cameras accurately detect events like line calls, foot faults, and kitchen violations in real-time, with optional loudspeakers announcing calls live on court. The technology, already proven and certified in tennis with ITF Silver Classification, is being adapted specifically for pickleball.

Beyond officiating, the system functions as a full-fledged performance tracking platform, capturing shot type, ball speed, spin rate, and placement. The AI continually learns from a vast dataset of over 100 million line calls, offering deeper insights for players at all levels. The long-term vision is to democratize access to elite-level insights and fair play, eventually extending the technology to recreational players, clubs, and public facilities nationwide.

Jenius Bank Secures Title Sponsorship of 2025 Pickleball World Championships 

July 9, 2025: Dallas, TX, USA – Jenius Bank™ has joined the Carvana PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP) as an official partner for the remainder of 2025 and will serve as the title sponsor of the 2025 Pickleball World Championships in Dallas from November 3-9. This major partnership marks a significant milestone, reflecting the rapid growth and mainstream momentum of professional pickleball.

The Pickleball World Championships is billed as the "biggest weeklong festival in all of pickleball". The 2024 event attracted over 57,500 attendees, offering a wide array of activities including amateur tournaments, diverse food and beverage options, shopping, and high-level professional competition.

Connor Pardoe, CEO of the PPA Tour and MLP, stated that the partnership is a testament to pickleball's progress and its future trajectory alongside America's biggest sports. Tickets for the 2025 Jenius Bank Pickleball World Championships are currently on sale, with VIP, Courtside+, and Courtside options available for various viewing experiences.

The professional players’ schedule for the championships has also been announced, with pro qualifiers on Monday, November 3, followed by bracket play culminating in Carvana Championship Sunday on November 9.

DUPR Algorithm Update Prioritises Performance Over Wins and Losses for Enhanced Accuracy

July 8, 2025: (Global System) – A significant update to the DUPR rating algorithm was announced today, immediately shifting its focus to a "performance vs. expectation" system rather than solely on wins and losses. This change aims to enhance rating accuracy and improve the player experience.

Under the new system, every match is assigned an expected score based on the involved players' ratings. A player's DUPR rating will now increase if they score more points than expected, even if they lose the match. Conversely, a rating will decrease if a player scores less than expected, even if they win. For example, if a team expected to win 11-3 instead wins 11-8, their DUPR rating will go down, while the losing team's rating could go up if they overperformed their expectation. Similarly, a 3.5-rated player losing 9-11 to a 4.0-rated player (expected to lose 5-11) would see their rating increase for overperforming.

DUPR believes this update is a positive step for rating precision, rewarding players who perform above expectations. The company emphasised that "every point counts," and that demonstrating the ability to compete at a higher level will now improve a player's DUPR rating, even in a loss.

Pickleball Icon Ben Johns Discusses Sport's Growth, Future on CNN News Central

July 5, 2025: (New York, NY) – Ben Johns, widely recognised as professional pickleball's most decorated athlete, made a guest appearance on CNN News Central with Erica Hill, coinciding with the MLP New York event.

Johns, reflecting on his journey, expressed that he never imagined becoming a professional pickleball champion when he first picked up the game in 2016 as a fun activity. Now, nine years later, he finds himself playing professional tournaments and appearing on national television. He characterised the sport's growth since the pro tour started in 2020 as "miraculous," noting increased fan engagement, more network coverage, a growing number of professional players, and expanding international tournaments.

When asked about his favourite aspect of pickleball, Johns highlighted its accessibility: "you can play with anybody and have a great time." He recounted starting in a community primarily composed of elderly players and still enjoying the experience, emphasising how the sport brings together people from diverse backgrounds. Despite his current dominance at the age of 26, Johns addressed speculation about his retirement by age 30, stating he doesn't plan that far ahead and will continue as long as he loves the sport. For amateur players, Johns offered a key tip: "You don't need to go for the 'hero' shot." He advised focusing on "making one more ball" than opponents, stressing that success in pickleball comes down to strategic shot selection rather than risky plays.

MLP New York Event Muddles Playoff Picture, Columbus Dominates

July 7, 2025: New York, NY, USA – The recent Major League Pickleball (MLP) event in New York, intended to clarify the playoff standings, instead left the picture muddled, raising significant questions about final playoff spots and seeding.

The Columbus Sliders emerged as a dominant force, going 5-0 with a maximum 15 team points and winning 19 of their 20 matches. This performance propelled them into fifth place in the standings and positioned them as a serious contender for the upcoming mid-season tournament, which offers critical standings points. The Brooklyn Aces also showed strength, fighting for a top spot despite injuries, thanks to key performances from "super sub" AJ Koller and closer Rachel Rohrabacher, who was undefeated in women's doubles. Brooklyn now sits in fourth place and is also considered a threat for the mid-season tournament.

Conversely, the Carolina Hogs continued their unpredictable season, posting wins but also suffering significant losses, including a DreamBreaker defeat to Brooklyn despite being favoured. While they netted 10 team points, placing them 12th, questions remain about their roster strategy given their current lineup's potential. The Orlando Squeeze continued to struggle after an initial strong start, settling into eighth place. Their women's side, particularly Samantha Parker, was identified as a weak link, with rumours of potential trades swirling. Both Miami and New York teams struggled significantly, losing nearly all their matches, with New York failing to score a single point in the event and Miami dropping behind Chicago for the final playoff spot.

All 16 Premier teams are now preparing for the mid-season tournament in Grand Rapids, beginning July 9, where critical points for playoff seeding will be on the line.

Former Crumbl Exec Abby Olson Joins The Picklr to Spearhead Global Pickleball Expansion

July 11, 2025: (Global Focus) – The Picklr, a rapidly expanding indoor pickleball franchise backed by former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, has appointed Abby Olson as its new Chief Operating Officer. Olson, who previously played a pivotal role in scaling Crumbl Cookies from fewer than 10 locations to over 1,100 stores in two countries, will now lead The Picklr’s national and international growth.

Jorge Barragan, co-founder and CEO of The Picklr, highlighted Olson's "entrepreneurial mindset and deep operational knowledge" as invaluable assets for the company's accelerated expansion. Olson expressed her excitement for the "undeniable magic" of The Picklr brand, focusing on helping franchisees create "truly memorable experiences" for club members while growing the sport.

The Picklr recently closed a Series B funding round, achieving a $59 million valuation and raising $9 million. The company has already sold over 500 locations and anticipates opening more than 80 by the end of this year. A key part of its strategy involves global expansion, evidenced by a recent master franchise agreement with Nippon Pickleball Holdings Co. to open over 20 clubs in Japan, starting in Tokyo. Additionally, The Picklr partnered with TPC Development Corporation to launch 65 locations across Canada, excluding Quebec. These moves underscore The Picklr’s ambitious goal of building a worldwide community for pickleball and introducing the sport to new international audiences.

PPA Tour Asia Secures Premier Paddle Partnerships, Solidifying Regional Pickleball Growth

July 10, 2025: (Asia-Pacific Region) – The PPA Tour Asia has announced that Facolos, Paddletek, and Franklin will serve as its Official Paddle Partners for the 2025 season. This significant commitment from three premier brands underscores the global pickleball industry's recognition of Asia's burgeoning market and their investment in the region's pickleball development.

These partnerships aim to strengthen PPA Tour Asia's foundation as the leading professional circuit, elevating both the competitive landscape and the spectator experience across all tournament tiers. Each partner brings unique credentials: Facolos, based in Vietnam, is redefining pickleball gear with high-tech performance designs. Paddletek, a family-owned, USA-made brand since 2010, is known for revolutionary innovations and boasts the most major championships and world No. 1s in the sport. Franklin, a long-standing sporting goods company founded in 1946, features its highly regarded C45 Paddle Series and a roster of top PPA stars.

Kimberly Koh, Managing Director of UPA Asia, emphasised that these partnerships reflect the brands' belief in Asia’s pickleball potential and their commitment to developing tournaments in the region. The inaugural 2025 season of the PPA Tour Asia was launched with the Panas Malaysia Open held from July 3-6, featuring a three-tier tournament structure—Slam, Cup, and Open events—where players earn points towards the prestigious PPA Tour Asia Rankings.

Global Brand SYPIK Fortifies Pro Team with Four Top Singaporean Pickleball Players

July 10, 2025: (Singapore / Vietnam) – SYPIK, a rapidly growing global pickleball brand from Vietnam, has announced the signing of four of Singapore’s most accomplished pickleball players to its professional team, a strategic move to foster talent and expand its regional and global presence. Notably, the new additions include two players in their 50s, highlighting the sport's appeal across generations.

The new SYPIK Pro Team members are: Yeo Jih-Shian (57), Pini Lee (57), Ping Boon Chia (40), and Zermaine Lew (25). Jih-Shian and Lew currently hold Singapore's coveted No. 1 men’s and women’s rankings, respectively, based on DUPR ratings. All four players are among Singapore's elite, collectively boasting multiple gold medals from local, regional, and international competitions, including the China Pickleball Open Finals Expo Bridge Cup and the PPA Tour Asia Panas Malaysian Open.

Jih-Shian, a trailblazer in Singapore pickleball, expressed particular meaning in being signed by an Asian brand, especially at his age, after having sponsorships from US brands. Pini Lee is celebrated as "Asia's Leading Lady of Pickleball," having achieved multiple triple crowns in senior categories, including at the recent PPA Tour Asia Panas Malaysian Open. Zermaine Lew, a former Singapore National Youth Table Tennis Team member, has quickly found success in pickleball, clinching two golds at the Panas Malaysian Open.

SYPIK spokesperson Giang Huyen Trang stated that as a premier pickleball company from Asia, their goal is to support more players from the region. As part of the SYPIK Pro Team, players will receive comprehensive benefits including training, a monthly allowance, travel reimbursement for overseas tournaments, and performance bonuses. The team also includes renowned pickleball stars like Quang Duong. This initiative aims to inspire more Singaporeans, both young and old, to pick up a pickleball paddle and pursue the sport competitively.

DUPR Releases "Road to Pro Guide" for Aspiring Professional Pickleball Players

July 8, 2025: (Global Resource) – DUPR has unveiled its "Road to Pro Guide," authored by Bobbi Oshiro, offering a comprehensive pathway for athletes aspiring to become professional pickleball players. The guide emphasises that achieving professional status demands a full commitment of time, energy, and focus, often requiring individuals to leave full-time jobs.

The guide outlines key areas for aspiring pros:

• Intensive Training: Players need to dedicate more than 20 hours each week to practice, fitness, and recovery, often training 3-4 hours daily on weekdays. This includes drilling, doubles and singles practice, fitness sessions, and recovery methods like cryotherapy and physical therapy.
• Essential Equipment: Professional athletes utilise paddles from specialised brands such as JOOLA, Paddletek, Proton, Franklin, and Selkirk, which invest in advanced technology and sponsor professional players.
• Strategic Tournament Play: Building experience and improving DUPR ratings are crucial. The guide encourages participation in key events like Collegiate Pickleball, Minor League Pickleball, PPA Challenger Series & PPA Tour, Major League Pickleball, APP Tour, and international competitions such as the PPA Asia and Vietnam Tours.
• Personal Branding: Developing a strong social media presence on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube is vital for connecting with fans and sponsors. Networking with other athletes, coaches, and influencers is also emphasized.
• Continuous Growth Tracking: Athletes should set clear goals and monitor their progress using tools like the DUPR app. Analysing film of top players is recommended for learning game patterns, strategies, and shot selections.

As Bobbi Oshiro states in the guide, "Anything is possible with enough passion…and maybe a really good third-shot drop," providing inspiration for dedicated athletes to climb the DUPR rankings and compete at the highest levels of the sport.

UPA Terminates Quang Duong's Contract Following Unexcused Absence from MLP Event

July 12, 2025: (USA / Vietnam) – The United Pickleball Association (UPA) has officially terminated the contract of touring pro Quang Duong, citing multiple breaches of contract. The primary reason for the termination was Duong's unexcused absence from the Major League Pickleball (MLP) Midseason Tournament in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which was scheduled from July 9-13.

According to a formal termination letter, Duong missed the mandatory event without prior approval. Instead, he was seen hosting a "Meet Up & Challenge" event and engaging in other promotional activities overseas at the Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang in Vietnam on July 11-12, while MLP play was underway. The UPA stated that Duong failed to inform league officials or request permission for his absence, deeming his actions as "willful and material breaches" of his contract's exclusivity clauses and event approval procedures.

This marks the second such incident for Duong in recent months, as he had received a formal warning from the PPA in May for competing in an unapproved international tournament that awarded prize money. The UPA had previously warned that further violations could lead to contractual termination.

The UPA emphasised its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its competitive calendar and ensuring clear protocols and fair enforcement within its professional structure. The association also stated it reserves the right to pursue legal action for any further violations, including Duong's participation in non-PPA events during what would have been the remainder of his contract. Quang Duong has not yet made a public statement in response to the decision.

Vietnam's First Pickleball Clubhouse Opens in Da Nang, Supported by Pro Quang Duong

July 7, 2025: Da Nang, Vietnam – The ATP Pickleball Clubhouse, Vietnam's first-ever pickleball clubhouse, officially opened its doors today in Da Nang with a vibrant launch event. The grand opening was significantly boosted by the presence and support of Quang Duong, Vietnam’s top pickleball player and world No. 6-ranked professional.

Located at Lot B3, Minh Mang Street, Hoa Quy Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City, the clubhouse opening attracted considerable attention with its festive atmosphere and strong community involvement. Attendees had the opportunity to witness live pickleball exhibitions, enjoy food and music, and meet Quang Duong and his family in person.

Quang Duong shared his enthusiasm for the new facility, calling it the "First of many ownership clubs in Vietnam & Asia". He expressed a vision to create a world-class pickleball centre that welcomes international tourists, offering paddles, balls, coaching, and players for all skill levels. The ATP Pickleball Clubhouse publicly thanked its customers, partners, and friends, specifically acknowledging Quang Duong and his family for their participation and for inspiring the community with their passion for pickleball. The successful launch is seen as a major stride for the sport's growth in Vietnam, poised to attract increasing interest from both local residents and international visitors.

Chinese President Xi Jinping Congratulates U.S. Youth Pickleball Delegation on Cultural Exchange

July 7, 2025: (China / USA) – Chinese President Xi Jinping has responded to a letter from a U.S. youth pickleball exchange delegation from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland. The delegation visited China earlier this year as part of the "50,000 in Five Years" initiative, a program designed to foster educational and cultural exchanges between young Americans and China.

During their trip, the students engaged in friendly pickleball competitions with Chinese students in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing. They also immersed themselves in local culture through city walks, traditional Chinese handicrafts, and a tour of the China Table Tennis Museum. The delegation's letter to President Xi expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighted the bonds formed through pickleball, and extended an invitation for Chinese students to visit the U.S. to continue the valuable cultural exchange.

In his reply, President Xi congratulated the delegation on their successful visit and expressed happiness that pickleball had emerged as a "new link for youth interaction" between the two countries. He underscored the importance of the younger generation in shaping China-U.S. relations, expressing hope that the delegation members would serve as a "new generation of friendship ambassadors," strengthening ties and understanding between the two peoples. To prepare for their journey, MCPS students had practised at Dill Dinkers and participated in Chinese cultural engagement sessions, with JOOLA providing paddles and apparel. MCPS holds the distinction of being the first school district in the U.S. to offer pickleball as a varsity sport, a program that expanded to all 25 high schools in 2024 after a 2023 pilot.

Top Pro Federico Staksrud Rekindles Partnership with JOOLA After Brief Hiatus

July 1, 2025: (Global Sponsorship) – Top professional pickleball player Federico Staksrud and equipment manufacturer JOOLA have officially announced the rekindling of their partnership, following a five-month separation. The reunion was made public via a social media post.

Staksrud had previously represented JOOLA for two and a half years before leaving in January to join adidas Pickleball. However, his stint with adidas was brief; he returned to using JOOLA paddles after only one event and switched back to JOOLA clothing last month at the PPA Orange County Cup, a clear sign of the impending reunion. Staksrud had announced the termination of his adidas partnership just last week.

Federico Staksrud is one of only two players, alongside Ben Johns, who is ranked inside the top 5 in the PPA rankings for men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles, showcasing his elite status in the sport. He is expected to return to action this week with the Orlando Squeeze (10-5, 28pts) at the MLP New York event.