PPA Red Rock mixed updates, regulation debates, Malaysia masters and the latest pickleball news
Good morning, pickleballers.
Ready for your latest dose of pickleball news?
Jump in below!
Johnson/Johnson Face Todd/Bar in Red Rock Open Semifinal Blockbuster
The No. 1 seeds, Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson, are set to clash with the No. 6 seeds, Parris Todd and Dekel Bar, in a highly anticipated mixed doubles semifinal at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open. This matchup pits the top-ranked team against a surging new partnership that has already taken down the No. 3 seeds. Todd and Bar are coming off a hard-fought victory where they even saved a match point in an earlier round, demonstrating their resilience. The Johnson siblings, known for their strong play, will face a determined Todd and Bar eager to continue their impressive run in St. George. This semifinal promises to be a thrilling encounter, with a spot in the finals on the line.
Clinical Victories Propel Parenteau/Alshon and Black/Ignatowich to Red Rock Semifinals
Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon, along with Tyra Black and James Ignatowich, delivered dominant performances to secure their places in the mixed doubles semifinals at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open. Parenteau and Alshon showcased their prowess with an 11-1, 11-5 victory over No. 8 seeds Meghan Dizon and Andrei Daescu. Similarly, Black and Ignatowich were in commanding form, triumphing 11-3, 11-3 against No. 5 seeds Rachel Rohrabacher and Hayden Patriquin. Ignatowich, who admitted to playing through pain for months, expressed his gratitude for feeling healthy and performing well. Their clinical straight-game wins set up a highly anticipated semifinal showdown between these two formidable pairings.
Healthy Ignatowich Feels the Difference as Semifinal Berth Secured
James Ignatowich is attributing his strong performance at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open to finally feeling healthy after battling injuries for nearly six months. Following his dominant straight-game victory alongside partner Tyra Black to reach the mixed doubles semifinals, Ignatowich emphasized the impact of his improved physical condition. "I think one of the biggest things is just being healthy," he stated, highlighting how playing without pain has significantly enhanced his game. He also lauded his partner Black, acknowledging her crucial role in their success. With his body feeling good, Ignatowich is poised for a strong showing in the semifinals, making their upcoming match one of the most anticipated of the weekend.
"She Carried Me": Ignatowich Praises Black After Red Rock Triumph
Following their decisive victory to advance to the mixed doubles semifinals at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open, James Ignatowich gave high praise to his partner, Tyra Black. Despite his own impressive performance, Ignatowich humbly stated, "Ultimately, Tyra’s job is a lot tougher than mine. My job was the flashy, easy one, but she was the one who carried me," acknowledging Black's significant contribution to their success. Their teamwork and Black's steady play proved to be a winning combination as they secured a spot in the final four. This display of camaraderie and mutual respect highlights the strong partnership between Black and Ignatowich as they prepare for their semifinal match.
Todd/Bar Surprise Top Seeds, Advance to Red Rock Mixed Doubles Semifinal
In a significant upset at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open, the unseeded partnership of Parris Todd and Dekel Bar surged into the mixed doubles semifinals with an impressive 11-9, 11-9 victory over the No. 3 seeds, Etta Tuionetoa and Federico Staksrud. This first-time pairing showcased excellent chemistry, with Todd's craftiness on the right and Bar's aggression on the left proving to be a formidable combination. Their straight-game triumph marks a notable achievement for the duo, who now find themselves among the final four contenders for the mixed doubles title. Their unexpected success has added excitement to the tournament and sets up a compelling semifinal clash against the top seeds.
Match Point Drama Ends in Semifinal Surge for Todd/Bar
The journey to the mixed doubles semifinals at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open was not without its challenges for Parris Todd and Dekel Bar, as their opening match against No. 37 seeds Mya Bui and Eric Oncins was filled with drama. The tandem faced a crucial match point in the second game but managed to fight back and secure a thrilling three-game victory. Todd described the win as "pretty surreal" after saving those critical points. This hard-fought triumph provided momentum for Todd and Bar, who then continued their winning streak to reach the semifinals, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Wind and Altitude No Match for Todd's Hot Streak in St. George
Parris Todd is having a remarkable run at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open, reaching the semifinals in both women’s singles and mixed doubles. Despite initial concerns about the windy and dry conditions in St. George, Todd admitted that these elements, along with the altitude, seem to be working in her favour. "The ball is just flying, so I guess I like the dry conditions. The altitude seems to be working in my favour," she noted. Her ability to adapt and thrive in these conditions underscores her skill and adaptability as she continues her quest for titles in both events.
Top-Seeded Johnson Siblings Await Todd/Bar in Red Rock Semifinal Clash
The mixed doubles semifinal lineup at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open is set, with a highly anticipated matchup between the top seeds, Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson, and the No. 6 seeds, Parris Todd and Dekel Bar. The Johnson siblings, consistently strong contenders, will face a determined Todd and Bar who are riding high after upsetting the No. 3 seeds. This clash of top talent versus a red-hot partnership promises an exciting battle for a place in the tournament final. Pickleball fans are eager to see if Todd and Bar can continue their surprising run or if the top-seeded Johnsons will assert their dominance.
Oshiro's Golden Touch: Claims Double Title at APP Sacramento Open
Bobbi Oshiro had a stellar start to her 2025 APP Tour season by achieving a double gold at the Sacramento Open. In her first tournament back after a three-month break, Oshiro teamed up with Susannah Barr to win the women’s pro doubles title, their second gold medal together. She also secured the mixed pro doubles title alongside Will Howells, a successful partnership from the previous year. This remarkable feat marked the first double crown of Oshiro's APP career and demonstrated that her time off did not hinder her performance. Her success in Sacramento follows a strong 2024 season, including titles at the USA Pickleball National Championships.
Two Worlds of Pickleball?: Governing Body Debate Heats Up
The current regulatory landscape of pickleball was a hot topic at RacquetX in Miami, where six industry leaders discussed the "fragmented state of regulation". A key point of contention was the emergence of the United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) as a governing body for professional play, separate from USA Pickleball (USAP), which traditionally oversees amateur and recreational standards. While USAP maintains it is the sole national governing body, others acknowledged the reality of two sets of standards, raising questions about potential confusion and the best path forward for the sport. The discussion highlighted differing perspectives on the roles and goals of these organizations in shaping pickleball's future.
Manufacturer Plea: JOOLA Yearns for a Single Global Pickleball Standard
During the RacquetX panel discussion on pickleball regulation, Gordon Kaye of JOOLA voiced a strong desire among manufacturers for a unified global standard for pickleball equipment. JOOLA, which produces paddles certified by both USAP and the UPA-A, sees the current dual standards as a challenge. Kaye stated, "I think everyone would. That’s the goal here: convergence. There's no question, as a manufacturer you want to manufacture only to one standard," emphasizing the efficiency and clarity a single standard would provide for the industry and players alike. He expressed hope that USAP and the UPA-A could collaborate to achieve this convergence, ultimately benefiting the entire pickleball community.
Malaysia Masters Beckons: Junior and Adult Picklers Gear Up for Grand Event
Pickleball enthusiasts in Malaysia are eagerly anticipating the Grand Pickleball Masters Malaysia 2025 organized by PCCC YES. The tournament will feature both Junior (April 26, 2025) and Adult (May 2-4, 2025) divisions, offering a platform for players of all ages to showcase their skills. With a total prize pool of up to RM60,000, the event is expected to attract strong competition. Categories include men's and women's doubles, mixed doubles, and a team event for adults, as well as boys' and girls' doubles for juniors. Matches will be held at Pickleland, promising a dedicated pickleball experience.
DUPR-Rated Action and a Malaysian Pickleball Icon Headline Grand Masters
The upcoming Grand Pickleball Masters Malaysia 2025 by PCCC YES is set to be a significant event on the Malaysian pickleball calendar, as it will be a DUPR-ratings tournament. This designation allows players to gain valuable rating points while competing. Adding to the excitement, the tournament will feature a special guest appearance by Colin Wong, Malaysia’s No. 1 pickleball player. His presence is expected to inspire participants and draw more attention to the growing sport in the country. The combination of competitive, DUPR-rated matches and the involvement of a national pickleball icon makes the Grand Pickleball Masters a highly anticipated event.
Asia Embraces Pickleball Mania: JOOLA Legends Tour Ignites Excitement
Pickleball is experiencing a surge in popularity across Asia, fueled in part by the 2025 JOOLA Pickleball Legends Tour. Featuring JOOLA signature athletes such as Ben Johns, Anna Bright, and Collin Johns, along with tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, the tour is visiting Vietnam and China to conduct clinics, exhibitions, and product demonstrations. This high-profile initiative aims to promote the sport and engage with fans in the region. With the upcoming launch of PPA Tour Asia and MLP Asia, the timing of the Legends Tour is perfect to capitalize on the growing enthusiasm for pickleball and build a strong foundation for professional play in Asia.
UPA Asia's Trailblazers Program to Elevate Regional Pros
The UPA's Asia Pickleball Trailblazers Program is designed to foster the growth of professional pickleball in the region. Starting in April, selected players will embark on a three-month experience in the United States, receiving intensive training and mentorship from top pros, coaches, and marketing experts. This comprehensive program aims to develop both their skills and their personal brands, providing opportunities to compete in PPA Tour and MLP events. Graduates of the program will earn a 2025-26 UPA Asia Touring Contract, enabling them to participate in all PPA Tour Asia and MLP Asia events. This initiative represents a significant investment in the future of professional pickleball in Asia.
Wang Welcomes Pickleball Boom Back Home in Asia
Zoey Wang, a Taiwanese native and the 10th-ranked women's singles player on the PPA Tour, is thrilled by the rapid growth of pickleball in Asia. Participating in the JOOLA Pickleball Legends Tour, Wang has witnessed firsthand the increasing enthusiasm for the sport in countries like Vietnam and India. "Everyone is switching from tennis or badminton or ping pong, everyone’s trying to help it get better and better," she observed, highlighting the cross-sport appeal of pickleball. Wang also noted the development of more pickleball courts across the region, which is crucial for further expansion. She welcomes this "pickleball boom" in her home continent and is excited about its future.
Beyond the Dink: SM Active Hub Promises More Pickleball Action
While pickleball is at the forefront of the newly launched SM Active Hub in the Philippines, this initiative by SM Supermalls is designed to be a comprehensive sports destination. With 44 dedicated pickleball courts already established across 21 malls, SM Active Hub is set to introduce even more pickleball leagues, training programs, and competitive tournaments. This commitment to ongoing development indicates a long-term vision for elevating the sport in the country. Beyond pickleball, the hub will also encompass other sports and wellness activities, making it a central gathering point for active Filipinos.
Arizona to House World's Pickleball Colossus: PURE Pickleball & Padel Coming in 2026
Scottsdale, Arizona, is set to become the epicentre of pickleball with the planned opening of PURE Pickleball & Padel in 2026. Touted as the world's largest dedicated pickleball facility, PURE will boast an impressive 48 pickleball courts, alongside two padel courts. The sprawling nearly 190,000-square-foot complex will also feature a 1,200-seat professional pickleball arena with broadcast capabilities, a pro shop, fitness and recovery centres, a restaurant and bar, childcare facilities, study rooms, and office space. Furthermore, PURE will serve as the headquarters for Major League Pickleball's Phoenix Flames, solidifying its status as a major hub for the sport. Co-founders envision PURE as a "pickleball country club" and a community connector for players of all levels.