MLP Australia, APP and PPA updates plus Zack Attack is a PIMP - pickleball news
Good morning, pickleballers!
I do believe this might be the first-ever Sunday World Pickleball Report - that's right, someone isn't in a hotel or on the road at 5am for a tournament.
I do have the Singles Series Finals Day today, being played in Peterborough (UK) but I don't have to leave the house until 9am - what a treat!
So what better way to spend that time than to compile the latest world pickleball news for you?
Dive in!
Oshiro's "Unstoppable Surge" Silences Pretorius in Fort Lauderdale Major Opener
Fort Lauderdale, USA – April 5, 2025 – Bobbi Oshiro of the United States delivered a commanding performance at the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open Women’s Pro Singles, securing a decisive victory over fellow American Shannon Pretorius. The match, held at The Fort in Snyder Park, saw Oshiro dominate in straight games 15-8, 15-5.
Oshiro showcased remarkable control and precision from the outset, leaving Pretorius struggling to find any rhythm. Despite Pretorius’ attempts to adjust her strategy in the second game, Oshiro remained relentless, closing out rallies swiftly and keeping her opponent on the defensive.
This Round of 16 victory propels Oshiro into the quarterfinals of this USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Major event, which is the first Major of the season on the APP Tour. The tournament, set in the 93-acre Snyder Park, is a premier stop on the APP Tour and offers an enhanced prize pool along with opportunities for national championship qualification. With this convincing win, Oshiro aims for a deeper tournament run and is now a contender for the coveted Major title and Golden Ticket prize. All eyes will be on her next match as the tournament progresses.
Lange and Pei Face Bronze After Munro-Fudge Halt Fort Lauderdale Mixed Doubles Run
Fort Lauderdale, USA – April 5, 2025 – The mixed doubles partnership of Erik Lange and Pei saw their impressive run at the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Major come to an end in the semifinals. They were defeated by the strong team of Jack Munro and Megan Fudge on Friday, April 4, 2025. Despite the setback, Lange and Pei will now compete for the bronze medal.
Lange acknowledged the strength and chemistry of their opponents, noting that Munro particularly controlled the middle of the court. While they began to adapt their strategy later in the match, it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
Despite the loss, Lange expressed pride in their overall performance and is motivated for the bronze medal match. He emphasized that winning a bronze medal in mixed doubles would be a significant personal achievement. Lange also praised Pei’s excellent performance and energy throughout the day. Earlier, they had secured a three-game victory in their quarterfinal match. Lange highlighted the importance of community support at pro tournaments. Lange and Pei will compete for the bronze medal on Sunday, April 6.
Championship Collision: Crocs and Hustle Set for Title Showdown at Tweed Heads
Tweed Heads, NSW – April 6, 2025
The MLP Australia: Tweed Heads Pickleball Cup has delivered drama, dominance, and dazzling dinks, setting the stage for a blockbuster championship clash between the Northern Crocs and the New Zealand Hustle.
Let’s take a look back at how we got to this highly-anticipated final.
🏁 Quarter Final Results
The final eight teams brought their best to the court, but only four could advance. Here's how the quarter-final action unfolded:
🔹 New Zealand Hustle vs Brisbane Breakers
WD: Hustle 21 - 13
MD: Hustle 13 - 21
MX1: Hustle 21 - 17
MX2: Hustle 21 - 19
✅ Hustle win 3-1
🔹 Northern Crocs vs Asia Aces
WD: Crocs 21 - 17
MD: Crocs 13 - 15
MX1: Crocs 21 - 18
✅ Crocs take the win 2-1 with a dominant start
🔹 Eastern Rush vs Bondi Pickleball Club
WD: Rush 21 - 23
MD: Rush 21 - 14
MX1: Rush 19 - 21
MX2: Rush 21 - 16
DreamBreaker: Rush 21 - 12
✅ Rush triumph in a thrilling 3-2 match
🔹 Sydney Smash vs Southern Stars
WD: Smash 22 - 20
MD: Smash 21 - 9
MX1: Smash 21 - 13
✅ Sydney Smash cruise to a 3-0 victory
🔥 Semi Final Showdowns
The final four brought elite pickleball intensity, but two teams pulled ahead with composure and clinical execution.
🔸 New Zealand Hustle vs Sydney Smash
WD: Hustle 22 - 10
MD: Hustle 21 - 18
MX1: Hustle 22 - 20
✅ Clean sweep – Hustle win 3-0 and book their ticket to the final
🔸 Northern Crocs vs Eastern Rush
WD: Crocs 21 - 19
MD: Crocs 23 - 21
MX1: Crocs 21 - 11
✅ Crocs answer the challenge emphatically – 3-0 victory
🏆 Championship Matchup
💥 NORTHERN CROCS vs NEW ZEALAND HUSTLE 💥
Two unbeaten teams. One trophy. The Northern Crocs have stormed through with grit and poise, while the New Zealand Hustle have dazzled with depth and flair.
From the opening serve of the quarters to now, both teams have looked locked in. It all comes down to this.
Who will be crowned champions of the Tweed Heads Pickleball Cup?
Stay tuned. The final begins today.
Fahey Fights Off Devidze, Sets Up Todd Showdown for North Carolina Singles Crown
Cary, USA – April 5, 2025 – Kate Fahey, the No. 2 seed, overcame a strong challenge from No. 8 seed Salome Devidze to secure a spot in the women's singles final at the Veolia North Carolina Open. Fahey won the semifinal match 11-9, 11-4 at Cary Tennis Park.
Fahey started strong, taking a 7-2 lead in the first game, but Devidze fought back to gain a 9-8 advantage. Following a timeout, Fahey rallied to win the first game. She continued her momentum in the second game, taking a 6-1 lead. Despite a comeback attempt from Devidze, Fahey closed out the match, crediting a key running forehand winner for boosting her confidence.
Fahey, now residing in Charlotte, NC, will face Parris Todd in Sunday’s final.
Todd's Tenacious Turnaround Blindsides Jansen, Lands Final Berth
Cary, USA – April 5, 2025 – In a thrilling second women's singles semifinal at the Veolia North Carolina Open, No. 6 seed Parris Todd defeated No. 5 seed Lea Jansen in three games: 4-11, 11-1, 11-7.
After splitting the first two games with dominant wins, Jansen surged to a 7-1 lead in the deciding third game. However, Todd mounted an incredible comeback, scoring the final ten points of the match to secure the victory. Todd felt that the side of the court played a crucial role in her comeback.
This win marks Todd's second consecutive women's singles final appearance on the PPA Tour. She will face Kate Fahey for the title on Sunday.
Johns and Tardio's Swift Semifinal Strike Pummels Oncins-Frazier
Cary, USA – April 5, 2025 – The formidable duo of Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio, seeded No. 2, advanced to the men’s doubles final at the Veolia North Carolina Open with a dominant 11-1, 11-7 victory over No. 8 seeds Eric Oncins and Dylan Frazier.
Despite Oncins and Frazier riding high after a quarterfinal win, Johns and Tardio quickly extinguished their momentum, taking the first game decisively. Johns emphasized the importance of a strong start against such a dangerous team, acknowledging Frazier’s prowess on the right side and Oncins’ current hot streak.
While Oncins and Frazier put up a stronger fight in the second game, it wasn't enough to stop Johns and Tardio, who secured their third semifinal victory as a partnership. Tardio, who will also compete in the men’s singles final, credited coaching from his doubles partners, Ben Johns and Jessie Irvine, for his success. They will face Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin in Sunday’s final.
Staksrud and Patriquin Battle Back from Brink to Clinch Doubles Final Spot
Cary, USA – April 5, 2025 – Top seeds Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin overcame a slow start to secure their place in the men’s doubles final at the Veolia North Carolina Open, defeating No. 4 seeds Tyson McGuffin and Dekel Bar in a hard-fought three-game match: 4-11, 11-9, 11-4.
After dropping the first game and trailing 3-7 in the second, Staksrud and Patriquin showed resilience to battle back and steal the second game before cruising to victory in the decider. This marks their second final appearance together in as many weeks.
This was Staksrud’s third match of the day, having competed in men’s singles and mixed doubles semifinals earlier. He credited Patriquin for keeping him focused and praised his partner’s significant growth and maturity as a player. Staksrud and Patriquin will face Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio in the final.
Stewart's Straight-Game Sweep Signals Fort Lauderdale Intent
Fort Lauderdale, USA – April 5, 2025 – Katerina Stewart delivered a dominant performance in her Round of 32 match at the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open, defeating Nicole Pitts in straight games 15-12 and 15-8. The match, part of the Women’s Pro Singles bracket, took place on April 3 at the USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Major.
Stewart took control early in the match and held off Pitts in both games. This victory advances Stewart further in the tournament. The APP Fort Lauderdale Open is the first Major on the 2025 APP Tour and offers valuable Golden Tickets to the USA Pickleball National Championships, along with an enhanced prize pool. Stewart’s strong start indicates her potential for a deep run in the tournament. Her next challenge will be in the Round of 16.
Grigoriu of Romania Survives Three-Set Thriller to Advance at Fort Lauderdale Major
Fort Lauderdale, USA – April 5, 2025 – Romanian pickleball player Madalina Grigoriu showcased resilience and skill in her Round of 32 match at the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open Women’s Pro Singles, earning a hard-fought victory against Alia Brown of the United States. The match concluded with scores of 15-7, 16-18, and 15-6, propelling Grigoriu into the Round of 16.
The match, held on Thursday, April 3, at The Fort in Snyder Park, marked the beginning of the APP Tour’s first Major tournament of the season. Grigoriu took the first game, but Brown fought back to win a tight second game. In the decisive third game, Grigoriu regained control to secure the win. This victory in the USA Pickleball Golden Ticket series tournament highlights Grigoriu’s early dominance and resilience in a high-stakes event. The tournament features an enhanced prize pool and automatic entry into the national championships for winners.
North-West England Gears Up for Seventh Pickleball Festival in October
Preston, England – April 5, 2025 – Pickleball enthusiasts in the north-west of England should mark their calendars for the Seventh North-West Pickleball Festival, which will take place from Friday, October 3rd to Sunday, October 5th at the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre in Preston.
Registration for the three-day festival will open on Sunday, April 13th, at 6 pm. The event promises a celebration of all things pickleball and will feature demonstrations and coaching clinics led by some of the country’s top players. Three-day passes for the festival are priced at £70. This annual event provides a fantastic opportunity for players of all levels to participate and engage with the growing pickleball community in the region.
Tardio Tames Top Seed Staksrud in North Carolina Singles Upset
Cary, USA – April 5, 2025 – In a significant upset at the Veolia North Carolina Open, No. 13 seed Gabe Tardio defeated top-seeded Federico Staksrud in a thrilling three-game men’s singles semifinal: 4-11, 13-11, 11-7.
After dropping the first game, Tardio found success with short, angled drop shots, giving him an edge in kitchen-line rallies. In the second game, despite holding a 10-5 lead, Staksrud rallied to gain a match point, which Tardio saved before winning the game. In the third game, Tardio trailed 4-6 at the side switch but then won seven of the final eight points to secure his spot in his second singles final of the 2025 season.
Tardio, age 19, credited tips from his doubles partners Ben Johns and Jessie Irvine for his victory, stating they "made the difference". He will face Roscoe Bellamy in Sunday’s final.
Bellamy Bounces Back from First-Game Loss to Reach Maiden PPA Final
Cary, USA – April 5, 2025 – Roscoe Bellamy delivered a stellar performance in the second men’s singles semifinal at the Veolia North Carolina Open, overcoming No. 17 seed Zane Ford in three games: 3-11, 12-10, 11-3. This victory marks Bellamy's first career final appearance on the PPA Tour.
Similar to Tardio’s earlier match, Bellamy lost the first game but bounced back to take a 5-0 lead in the second. Ford fought back, even reaching match point at 10-9, but Bellamy held his nerve to force a third game. In the final game, Bellamy, the No. 10 seed, cruised to victory with strong coverage and volleying at the kitchen line.
The third game saw a brief delay due to a medical timeout called by Ford for an ankle injury. However, Bellamy closed out the win shortly after. He attributed his turnaround to focusing on execution and sticking to his game plan. Bellamy will face Gabe Tardio in the final.
Waters and Johns Breeze into Mixed Doubles Final with Clinical Display
Cary, USA – April 5, 2025 – Top seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns demonstrated their dominance in the mixed doubles semifinals of the Veolia North Carolina Open, securing a swift 11-4, 11-2 victory over first-time partners and No. 4 seeds Anna Bright and Federico Staksrud.
Waters and Johns delivered a clinical performance, wrapping up the match in just over half an hour. Waters found particular success attacking crosscourt with her forehand, capitalizing on dinks that popped up high due to the wind.
With this straightforward win, Waters and Johns have booked their spot in Sunday’s final, where they will face No. 2 seeds Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson.
Johnson Siblings Grind Out Tough Win to Face Top Seeds in Mixed Doubles Final
Cary, USA – April 5, 2025 – In a hard-fought mixed doubles semifinal at the Veolia North Carolina Open, No. 2 seeds Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson overcame No. 10 seeds Meghan Dizon and Andrei Daescu with an 11-9, 11-8 victory.
Trailing 7-9 in the opening game, the Johnson siblings rallied to score four consecutive points and steal the first game. They then jumped to a 10-4 lead in the second game, but Dizon and Daescu mounted a comeback, bringing the score to 8-10 before the Johnsons finally closed out the match on their seventh match point.
Jorja emphasized the importance of belief in closing out the win. The Johnson siblings, who are also teammates on the Dallas Flash MLP team, will now face top seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns in the mixed doubles final on Sunday.
Waters and Parenteau Power Through to Women's Doubles Final
Cary, USA – April 5, 2025 – Top seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau secured their place in the women’s doubles final at the Veolia North Carolina Open with an 11-5, 11-7 victory over first-time partners and No. 4 seeds Lacy Schneemann and Parris Todd.
After comfortably winning the first game, Waters and Parenteau took an 8-2 lead in the second. However, Schneemann and Todd mounted a comeback, narrowing the score to 6-8. Waters acknowledged that she often plays better in tight situations and increased her aggression to help her and Parenteau regain momentum and close out the match.
Waters and Parenteau now await the winner of the other semifinal in Sunday’s final.
Dallas Flash Teammates Black and Johnson Ignite Comeback to Secure Doubles Final
Cary, USA – April 5, 2025 – Tyra Black and Jorja Johnson, teammates on the Dallas Flash MLP team, fought their way into the women’s doubles final at the Veolia North Carolina Open with a thrilling 4-11, 11-1, 11-7 victory over No. 6 seeds Jackie Kawamoto and Jade Kawamoto.
After a decisive loss in the first game, the No. 3 seeded duo switched positions, placing Johnson on the left and Black on the right, which led to a dominant performance in the second game. They carried this momentum into the third game, securing a comfortable win to advance to their second PPA final as a partnership. Black’s strong defensive skills, honed from her tennis background, were crucial in extending rallies. This final appearance marks a positive bounce-back for Black and Johnson, who experienced an early upset the previous week. They will face top seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau in the final.
"Zack Attack," 73, Becomes Philippine Symbol of Senior Pickleball Passion
Manila, Philippines – April 6, 2025 – Zack Munoz, a vibrant 73-year-old pickleball player known as "Zack Attack," is gaining recognition as a prominent figure in the senior pickleball community in the Philippines.
Munoz embodies the enthusiasm and dedication of senior players in the country, who affectionately refer to themselves as PIMPs – Pickleball Is My Passion. His energy and love for the sport serve as an inspiration, making him a true poster boy for senior pickleball in the Philippines. The growing popularity of pickleball among seniors in the Philippines is highlighted by the passion and commitment of players like Zack Munoz.