Monday’s World Pickleball Report: Stuhlmann, Waters & Global Headlines
Here's Monday's World Pickleball Report - your daily pickleball news to get the week started.
Tennis Star Turned Pickleball Presence: Rachel Stuhlmann Aces New Court, Ignites Fan Frenzy in Miami
Former collegiate tennis player and influencer Rachel Stuhlmann continues to make waves in the pickleball world, recently turning heads at the Miami Open. Stuhlmann, a USPTA-certified tennis coach who transitioned to pickleball and competed in her first tournament last year, champions pickleball as a "great and healthy social activity" aiming to boost its mainstream appeal. Known for her viral on-court attire, her appearance at the Miami Open drew significant attention and positive commentary from her over 300,000 followers on Instagram. Stuhlmann's mission is to make pickleball more relatable and accessible, bridging the gap between participation and viewership compared to tennis.
Red Rock Rumble: Can Anyone Stop Anna Leigh Waters in the Desert?
The PPA Tour heads to St. George, Utah, for the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open, and all eyes are on Anna Leigh Waters in the women's singles. With key competitors Kate Fahey and Brooke Buckner absent, Waters is the undeniable favourite to clinch the gold. Expected to face Lea Jansen in the semifinals, her biggest challenge might come in the final against either Kaitlyn Christian or Parris Todd. Despite a smaller than usual women’s singles field, the passionate pickleball community in St. George anticipates an exciting tournament as Waters aims for dominance.
Waters the Clear Choice: Red Rock Open Braces for Women's Singles Showdown
Anna Leigh Waters enters the Red Rock Open as the clear frontrunner for the women’s singles title. With Kate Fahey and Brooke Buckner not competing, the path to gold seems less complicated for Waters. While Lea Jansen, Kaitlyn Christian, and Parris Todd are noted as top challengers, Waters' recent form positions her strongly for victory. The pickleball community in St. George is eager to witness if anyone can disrupt Waters' anticipated cruise to the top in the smaller women’s singles draw.
Pickleball Power Player Promoted: World Pickleball League Names Charlotte Whitby-Coles as COO in Strategic Growth Move
The World Pickleball League (WPBL) has strategically promoted Charlotte Whitby-Coles to Chief Operating Officer (COO), signalling a strong commitment to expansion and operational excellence. Whitby-Coles, who was instrumental in player scouting and management during the WPBL's inaugural season, is recognized for her expertise in delivering a top-tier experience for fans and participants. Gaurav Natekar, WPBL Co-Founder and CEO, expressed confidence in her leadership, citing her diverse background in sports and entertainment, including extensive experience in tennis and pickleball. This move aims to elevate WPBL's standing in the competitive sports industry.
Tennis Roots Fuel Pickleball Rise: New WPBL COO Brings Winning Experience from Court to Corporate
Charlotte Whitby-Coles, the newly appointed COO of the World Pickleball League (WPBL), brings over 17 years of experience from the tennis world, including founding a tennis and pickleball academy in Panchgani. Her academy played a crucial role in introducing pickleball at the grassroots level. Natekar emphasized that her unique perspective, stemming from her experience as a former tennis player and in athlete management, makes her ideal for leading WPBL's growth. Whitby-Coles expressed her honour at the opportunity and looks forward to making Season 2 even more successful.
China's Collegiate Craze: Pickleball Explodes on University Campuses, Backed by Big Names
Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in China, with the China Collegiate Tour (CCT) at the forefront of this growth among young athletes. Since its launch in June 2024 with an inaugural event in Dalian, the CCT has been bringing the sport's energy to universities nationwide. Supported by key sponsors like Team ProXR and organizations such as DUPR, the tour provides structured competition and helps student-athletes develop their skills. Partnerships with the Chinese Tennis Association and the Asian Pickleball Association further enhance growth opportunities, while social media amplifies the excitement and builds a thriving community.
Bengaluru Braces for Battle: High-Stakes GoRally Open Set to Showcase India's Booming Pickleball Scene
Bengaluru is gearing up to host the first edition of the GoRally Open pickleball tournament from April 24-27. This Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) Level 400 event is expected to attract pickleball enthusiasts from across India, competing for glory and offering workshops led by seasoned players. The tournament signifies the impressive growth of pickleball in India, where participation surged by 275 percent, reaching over one lakh active players in 2025. With Bengaluru witnessing the addition of several new courts weekly, the GoRally Open promises to be a significant event in establishing pickleball as a popular sport in the country.
Hockey Hero Conquers New Court: Malaysian Legend Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi Leads Team to Pickleball Glory
Malaysian national hockey icon Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi has successfully transitioned to pickleball, leading his team ASPAC to victory at the prestigious PickleUnite SportsUnite 2025 Team Goodwill Challenge in Kuala Lumpur. Despite only picking up the sport in May 2023, the former hockey captain showcased exceptional skill. His team included national women's footballers Steffi Sarge Kaur and Intan Sarah Anisah Zulgafli, and national hockey player Nabil Fiqri Mohammad Nor. The tournament emphasized sportsmanship and unity through diverse team pairings. Mirnawan's success highlights the growing appeal and accessibility of pickleball in Malaysia.
Ignatowich's Iron Grip: Unlock Power and Stability with the Two-Handed Backhand Secret
Professional pickleball player James Ignatowich champions the two-handed backhand drive as a critical technique for enhancing power and stability on the court. Unlike the one-handed backhand, Ignatowich asserts that using both hands, with the non-dominant hand providing extra strength and control, leads to more forceful and controlled shots. He emphasizes maintaining a low, stable stance with bent knees throughout the shot, similar to ping pong, and stepping into the shot with a full follow-through, extending the left hand as far as possible for maximum impact. Mastering these three elements is key to developing a reliable backhand drive.
Djokovic's Dream: Tennis Legend Proposes Groundbreaking Unified Racket Sports Tournament
Returning to the Miami Open after six years, tennis legend Novak Djokovic has voiced his enthusiasm for creating a "mixed tournament between all racket sports," inspired by the surging popularity of padel and pickleball. Noting the rapid growth of these sports globally, Djokovic suggested that recreational clubs will evolve into "racket clubs" offering diverse options. He proposed a friendly interdisciplinary competition where athletes from tennis, padel, and pickleball could compete in different sports, highlighting the health benefits of engaging in racket sports. While acknowledging the professional growth potential of padel and pickleball, Djokovic sees immense value in their recreational appeal.
Indonesia's Youth Serve Up Success: Student Pickleball Tournament Sparks Anniversary Excitement
North Penajam Paser (PPU) Regency in Indonesia celebrated its 23rd anniversary with a vibrant Student Pickleball Tournament, officially opened by Regional Secretary Tohar. Held from February 13-15, 2025, the event brought together 224 young athletes from 35 schools, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for pickleball among the region's youth. Tohar praised the efforts of the Education, Youth, and Sports Office (Disdikpora) in organizing the tournament, emphasizing the importance of sports in fostering discipline and teamwork. The tournament served as a platform for emerging talent and highlighted the increasing popularity of pickleball in Indonesia.
Red Rock's Reloaded Rivalries: Unexpected Pairings Promise Thrilling Pickleball Action in Utah
The Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open on the PPA Tour is set to deliver exciting pickleball action with several intriguing new player partnerships. In mixed doubles, the absence of Ben Johns and Anna Bright opens up the field, with Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson taking the #1 seed. Men’s doubles will see a reunion of Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin as the top seed, while the formidable duo of Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu are seeded second. Women’s doubles finds Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau as the top contenders. These dynamic pairings across the draws promise compelling matchups throughout the tournament.
Red Rock Reckoning: Experts Predict Waters Dominance, Potential Upsets in Utah Open
As the PPA Tour's Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open approaches, experts are making their predictions. Anna Leigh Waters is widely expected to dominate the women’s singles draw, with a smaller field increasing her odds. In men’s singles, despite a stacked draw, Federico Staksrud is tipped for victory, potentially facing an in-form Ford in the final. For mixed doubles, the Johnsons are favored over Alshon/Parenteau, while in women’s doubles, Waters/Parenteau are predicted to edge out Kovalova/Jansen in an upset silver medal pick. Alshon/Daescu are expected to continue their men’s doubles dominance against Staksrud/Patriquin. Windy conditions could lead to unexpected outcomes, adding to the tournament's intrigue.
Young Sidelines Himself: Sprained Ankle Forces Withdrawal from Red Rock Open
Pickleball player DJ Young has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open due to a sprained ankle. This absence alters the dynamics of the tournament, particularly in the men's doubles draw where Young was a notable competitor. His withdrawal provides an opportunity for other players to advance further in the competition.
Pickleball Goes Prime Time: PPA Tour Makes FOX National Debut at Red Rock
The Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open marks a significant milestone for professional pickleball as it will be the PPA Tour’s 2025 FOX National debut. This exposure on a major national network is expected to further elevate the sport's visibility and reach a broader audience. The event, a well-regarded stop on the PPA Tour, will bring top pickleball talent to FOX viewers, showcasing the excitement and competitiveness of the professional game.
Red Rock Revamp: New Format Unveiled for High-Stakes Pickleball Tournament
The Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open is debuting a new tournament format for the 2025 event. According to the updated structure, all brackets from Wednesday through Friday will be played through the quarterfinals. The semifinals are scheduled for Saturday, followed by the highly anticipated finals on Sunday. This change in format promises a more condensed and action-packed schedule leading up to the medal matches.
Vietnam's Fearless Females: Meet the Pickleball Stars Dominating Asia and Beyond
Vietnam is emerging as a force in the Asian pickleball scene, with a group of talented female athletes leading the way. Tran Huyen Trang, a former tennis standout, has claimed titles at the World Pickleball Championship Asia Pacific Series and the Asia Open Pickleball Championship. Teenage sensation Tran Phuong Anh (Sophia) secured an impressive eight international gold medals in 2024, including PPA Tour and WPC victories. Sophia Huynh Tran Ngoc Nhi, also a former tennis player, has won doubles titles at the PPA Tour Australia - Vietnam Open and the Asian Pickleball Open. Considered Vietnam's top female player, Phan Nhu Quynh consistently performs at a high level. Rising star Ho Thi Truc Tam (Tam Ken) recently won the women’s singles title at the Asian Pickleball Tournament - Hoiana WPC Finals. Their success is inspiring a new generation of pickleball players in Vietnam.
Eye Safety Ace: Pickleball Players Rally for Protective Eyewear After Court Injuries
A growing awareness of eye safety is prompting more pickleball players to wear protective eyewear following on-court injuries. Soren Morales suffered a scratched cornea after being struck in the eye by a ball during a doubles match and now emphasizes the importance of eye protection. Professional player Bobbi Oshiro also experienced a painful eye injury and now always wears protective glasses. Experts recommend clear, anti-reflective eyewear for indoor play and tinted lenses for outdoor games. With paddle technology advancing and ball speeds increasing, the push for safety gear is gaining momentum, aiming to prevent serious injuries and ensure the longevity of the sport for all players.