US Open Glory & CNPL Draft Headline Latest Pickleball Round-Up

Good morning, pickleballers!

The eagle-eyed in the crowd will have seen that May's World Pickleball Magazine is available - 130+ pages of pickleball goodness including interviews with the man behind the biggest World Tour in existence, a partner in Brazil's professional leagues, two top talents on court from Asia and much, much more including all your favourite features.

You can download your copy today for just £5.00 or, better still, take out a subscription and save some money moving forward!

Done that? Great, then here is the latest pickleball news for you.

Repeat Gold for Waters Pair: Mother-Daughter Team Claims US Open Doubles Crown

Naples, USA – The dominant mother-daughter duo of Anna Leigh Waters and Leigh Waters clinched the gold medal in Women’s Pro doubles at the Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Held at East Naples Community Park in Naples, Florida, the pair successfully defended their title by defeating Megan Fudge and Jillian Braverman in the final. Anna Leigh, 18, and Leigh showcased strong teamwork and strategic shot placement, breezing through the final match in straight games with scores of 11-0, 11-4. This victory at one of pickleball’s biggest events highlights their continued strength and inspires younger players. The well-known family team celebrated their championship win together on the court. The win also served as a moment of redemption for Anna Leigh after her earlier mixed doubles exit.

Youth Movement Claims US Open Gold: Jack Munro and Len Yang Triumph in Men's Pro Doubles Final

Naples, USA – Jack Munro and Len Yang, both just 21 years old, seized the gold medal in Men’s Pro doubles at the Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Competing at East Naples Community Park in Naples, Florida, the young duo defeated Ryler DeHeart and Richard Livornese in a match described as a "heavyweight bout". Their victory included a nerve-wracking 14-12 finish in the first game, which they narrowly claimed. Yang credited Munro for taking a chance on him as a partner. Winning gold at the U.S. Open is a major achievement, showcasing their status as top players and highlighting the arrival of the next generation in the sport.

Fudge & Munro Form Golden Duo: Partnership Captures US Open Mixed Pro Doubles Title

Naples, USA – The dynamic pairing of Jack Munro and Megan Fudge captured the gold medal in Mixed Pro doubles at the Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Playing at East Naples Community Park in Naples, Florida, the duo secured the championship title by defeating Riley Bohnert and Richard Livornese. Megan Fudge was particularly sensational throughout the day, cementing her status as one of the weekend's biggest stars. Their teamwork and steady play were key to their success. Following the win, Munro playfully joked about his contribution, stating he was "just serving and returning" while Fudge did "everything else".

Megan Fudge Crowned US Open Queen: Dominates Women's Pro Singles Final with Strategic Brilliance

Naples, USA – Megan Fudge delivered a masterclass performance to win the Women’s Pro Singles final at the US Open, defeating Bobbi Oshiro with dominant scores of 11-4, 11-7. Fudge approached the match with surgical precision, describing her strategic focus as "playing chess out there," navigating the court with the foresight of a grandmaster. She credited her coach's game plans for helping her adapt. Her relentless pace and impressive stamina in the Naples heat further contributed to her decisive victory. Fudge's complete performance solidified her as one of the brightest stars of the weekend's championship play.

Haworth's Championship Redemption: Claims First US Open Men's Pro Singles Gold After Runner-Up Finish

Naples, USA – After falling short in the previous year's final, Chris Haworth achieved championship redemption by winning his first US Open Men’s Pro Singles gold medal. Haworth defeated Grayson Goldin with convincing scores of 11-3, 11-6 in the final held last week. He returned with a clear purpose, stating he "wasn’t going to leave it to chance" this time. Having faced Goldin, who is also his doubles teammate, six times already in 2025, Haworth used aggressive court positioning and exploited familiar tendencies to his advantage. The hard work he put in after last year's loss paid off, marking a significant moment in his career.

English Nationals Singles Showcases Talent: Champions Emerge Across Diverse Skill and Age Divisions

England, UK – The 2024-25 English Nationals Singles Championship, held on May 3rd and 4th, 2025, successfully showcased a broad spectrum of pickleball talent from across the country. The event featured medal competitions in a wide variety of categories, including Men's+, Women's, Juniors, and Wheelchair Skinny Singles. Players competed across numerous skill levels, ranging from 3.0 to OPEN, and spanned multiple age divisions, from juniors aged 11-12 up to 75+. Champions were crowned across all these diverse brackets, reflecting the growing participation and competitive spirit within English pickleball.

Based on the provided source, here are the medal winners for the requested categories at the 2024-25 English Nationals Singles Championship:

Open Categories:

• Sat - Mens+ Singles SNR OPEN:
  • GOLD: Richard Love
  • SILVER: Stephen Gosling
  • BRONZE: Rupert Robinson
• Sat - Womens Singles SNR OPEN:
  • GOLD: Anna Linton
  • SILVER: Marcia Audibert
  • BRONZE: Fiona Edwards
• Sun - Mens+ Singles OPEN:
  • GOLD: James Chaudry
  • SILVER: Thomas Turney
  • BRONZE: Alexander Minogue-Stone
• Sun - Womens Singles OPEN:
  • GOLD: Ellie Tomkinson
  • SILVER: Thaddea Lock
  • BRONZE: Chantal Griffiths

4.5 Categories at All Age Brackets:

• Sun - Mens+ Singles 4.5 15+35+:
  • GOLD: Jamie Champion
  • SILVER: James Travers
  • BRONZE: Archie Lenton

Junior Champions:

• Sun - Juniors 11 -12 yrs:
  • GOLD: Thomas Eyre
  • SILVER: Sebastian Oprea
  • BRONZE: Sayan Jeevan
• Sun - Juniors 13 -14 yrs:
  • GOLD: Theo Malbois
  • SILVER: Noah Freeman
  • BRONZE: Miles Freeman

Canadian National Pickleball League Returns: Season 3 Kicks Off with Central Split in London, Ontario

London, Canada – The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) is set to open its third season with the Central Split event at Smash Pickleball in London, Ontario. The two-day competition will take place on May 17–18, 2025, featuring 48 of Canada’s top pickleball athletes across eight national teams. Teams, including returning champions Montreal Lions, will battle for crucial playoff seeding points in this first of four regular season events. The CNPL continues to contribute to the rapid growth of pickleball across Canada, providing a platform for elite play and inspiring new fans and players. Spectator grounds passes are available for $5 online or $10 at the door.

CNPL Draft Unveils New Stars: Christina Chin Picked First Overall, International Talent Joins League

Canada – Ahead of its third season, the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) recently held its 2025 draft, selecting 20 players to join the league's eight national teams. In a significant moment, Christina Chin, a 27-year-old Canadian player, was chosen as the first overall pick by the Vancouver Rush. The draft highlighted the league's growing international appeal, bringing in players from seven different countries, including the United States, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, India, and China. This infusion of talent is expected to set the stage for a competitive and diverse season ahead, adding exciting new faces to watch in Canadian professional pickleball.

Spain Embraces DUPR: Pickle Pro Tour Partners with Rating System for Fairer Play

Spain - The Pickle Pro Tour, Spain’s first national pickleball circuit, has officially partnered with Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR), making it the tour's official player rating system. This agreement between the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation and DUPR aims to significantly improve fairness and accuracy in player rankings. By using DUPR, which updates scores with every recorded match, players on the tour can more effectively track their development and find appropriately matched opponents. Supported by B3 Sportainment and Cervezas Victoria, this move is seen as a key step towards boosting pickleball's popularity and raising the level of play across Spain.

Lighting Issues Spark MLP Uproar: Ben and Collin Johns Withdraw from Columbus Event

Columbus, USA – A controversy erupted at the Major League Pickleball (MLP) event in Columbus, Ohio, when Ben Johns and Collin Johns withdrew from the tournament. Key players for the Carolina Hogs, the brothers cited lighting problems at the Pickle and Chill facility as the reason for their departure. The withdrawal followed a series of disappointing matches for the Hogs and Ben Johns. Their exit forced the team to rely on on-site alternates with limited MLP experience, including Martin Emmrich and Ross Whittaker. Under new rules, the Carolina Hogs had to start subsequent matches at a significant disadvantage, beginning every contest down 0-1. The decision sparked considerable reaction among players and officials.

St. Louis Shock Dominates MLP Columbus: Team Achieves Perfect Record, Sweeps Competition

Columbus, USA – The St. Louis Shock delivered a performance of overwhelming dominance at the MLP Columbus event, achieving a perfect record for the week. The team won all six of their matches, securing the maximum 18 points available in the standings. Their superiority was underscored by the fact that they lost only two games across all their matches throughout the week. With all four Shock players ranking in the top 8 of individual standings, the team demonstrated its depth and ability to field multiple strong pairings. St. Louis's performance solidified their position as one of the league's top contenders, gaining valuable points on their rivals.

Tennis Convert Elevates Pickleball Game: Roscoe Bellamy Refines Skills in MLP and PPA Tour Play

USA – Former collegiate and professional tennis player Roscoe Bellamy is making significant strides in elevating his pickleball game since transitioning to the sport's professional ranks. Bellamy, drafted by MLP's Columbus Sliders, has been intensely focusing on refining key pickleball skills, particularly his return game and volleying, noting these are crucial areas for improvement compared to his tennis background. His dedication is paying off, as evidenced by his recent appearance in the Men’s Singles Final at the Veolia North Carolina Open. Competing in both MLP events and PPA Tour tournaments, Bellamy is learning from experienced partners like Andrei Daescu and training with top pros to achieve his goal of consistent high-level performance.

Hertfordshire Hosts Historic Tournament: First Senior Pickleball Event Welcomes Over 100 Players

Hertfordshire, UK – Making local history, Hertfordshire celebrated its inaugural Senior Pickleball Tournament, welcoming more than 100 players to the university’s Sports Village. The event featured age categories specifically for players 60+, 65+, and 70+. Organized entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers, the tournament was hailed as a huge success, embodying a spirit that was "fun, inclusive, and competitive". For many participants, this marked their first experience in tournament play. Organizers expressed hope that this pioneering event will become a regular and anticipated fixture on the local pickleball calendar.

Chengdu Triumph for Megan Fudge: Pro Player Wins Gold, Coaches, and Visits Panda Sanctuary in China

Chengdu, China – Professional pickleball player Megan Fudge recently completed a memorable trip to Chengdu, China, where she competed in a top international tournament. Despite battling illness, Fudge secured a gold medal in women's doubles alongside her partner Pei. Beyond the competition, she immersed herself in local culture, including coaching international clinics and experiencing the unique sensation of Sichuan pepper. A highlight of her visit was experiencing local life and visiting a panda sanctuary. Fudge returned home with a "heart full," reaffirming her love for the sport through the connections and adventures it provides.

PPA Tour Expands Reach: Announces Initial 2025 Schedule Across Asia

Asia – The PPA Tour Asia has unveiled its initial schedule for 2025, announcing five tournaments set to bring professional pickleball to key markets across the region. The tour will feature stops in Malaysia (July, October), Hong Kong (August), and Japan (August). The season is scheduled to culminate with the China Slam in October. These events will operate under a tiered structure (Slam, Cup, and Open), offering substantial prize money, including an estimated $1 million for the China Slam, and valuable ranking points. The PPA Tour Asia aims to showcase world-class talent and foster growth for the sport throughout Asia.

Pickleball Fever Hits India: 10-City Tour Launches with Mumbai Kick-off

Mumbai, India – Pickleball enthusiasm is set to sweep across India as the Picklebay India Tour 2025 officially kicks off in Mumbai. Scheduled for May 31st to June 1st, 2025, at the Maniac Pickleball Arena in Vile Parle (West), this tournament marks the first stop on an ambitious 10-city nationwide tour. Organized by Picklebay, the tour is open to players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced professionals, featuring both singles and doubles categories. With a total prize pool of ₹3,00,000/- for the Mumbai event, the tour aims to celebrate the spirit of pickleball, build community, and make the sport accessible and aspirational across the country.

Accessible Pickleball Comes to Malls: SM Supermalls in Philippines Install Permanent Courts

Manila, Philippines – In a move to make pickleball more accessible, SM Supermalls in the Philippines are introducing permanent pickleball courts at three of their major mall locations: SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Bicutan, and SM City Marikina. As part of the SM Active Hub initiative, four dedicated courts will be available at each mall, providing consistent, affordable spaces for the sport's growing community. The courts are designed to welcome both beginners and seasoned players. Rates are set at P450 per hour for court rental or P250 per head for Open Play sessions, reflecting the goal of providing accessible facilities for everyone.

Documentary Chronicles Pickleball Boom: "Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story" Now Streaming on Max

USA – A new documentary offering an insightful look into the sport's explosive growth, "Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story," is now available for streaming on Max. The film chronicles pickleball's rapid ascent from a casual backyard game to a professional phenomenon attracting celebrity investors. Directed by Ashley Underwood and written by Craig Coyne, the documentary explores the sport's broad accessibility across different ages and its quick professionalization. It also delves into the sometimes complex relationship between pickleball and tennis and the significant investments pouring into the sport.

Cricket Star vs. Actor on Court: Tilak Varma Loses Friendly Pickleball Match and Bet to Vijay Deverakonda

Mumbai, India – Just before taking the cricket field for a crucial IPL 2025 match, Mumbai Indians player Tilak Varma engaged in a friendly but competitive pickleball face-off against actor Vijay Deverakonda. Known for his competitive spirit, Varma added extra stakes by proposing a playful bet where the loser would owe "Vijay Anna" something. The actor ultimately won the match with a score of 2-1. As a result of the bet, Tilak Varma is now likely to see Vijay Deverakonda don the iconic Mumbai Indians' blue jersey. The match featured moments of intense rallies before Deverakonda secured the bragging rights.