Waters’ Triple Crown, NPL Glory, NZ World Cup Push, IPA Trials

Good morning, pickleballers!

It's another week - and it's not started brilliantly here, I can tell you.

This morning, you should have had an English Nationals Preview Podcast to enjoy with me and fellow commentator Nick Hobbis.

Sadly, tech let us down so it won't be happening.

But, we will do our best to bring you some end-of-day review stuff from Bolton.

Here's the latest pickleball news!

The 2025 Rate Vegas Cup: Waters Achieves Triple Crown Amidst Epic Battles and Court Controversy

Las Vegas, USA – The Rate Vegas Cup, presented by Holland America, concluded in stunning fashion, confirming Anna Leigh Waters' dominant position in professional pickleball as she secured her 37th career Triple Crown—her sixth of the 2025 season. The World No. 1 swept all three divisions, losing just one game out of nine played on Championship Sunday.

Waters, who now holds 165 career titles, captured the Women’s Singles title against former tennis star Genie Bouchard, winning 11-5, 11-5. Bouchard, the #11 seed, impressed throughout the tournament, defeating #7 Catherine Parenteau and #14 Jorja Johnson on her way to her first PPA final and tour medal. Earlier, Bouchard’s semifinal win over #2 Kate Fahey (11-1, 10-12, 11-4) was overshadowed by a controversial "salty handshake" delivered by Fahey, which drew criticism from Bouchard’s fans online.

In Women's Doubles, Waters teamed with Anna Bright to defeat #3 seeds Tyra Black and Parris Todd, bouncing back after dropping the opening game. Waters and Bright now own five gold medals in 2025 together. Waters also extended her historic mixed doubles dominance with Ben Johns, claiming their 55th title together by defeating surprise finalists Jessie Irvine and Gabriel Tardio (11-2, 12-10, 11-7). Johns and Waters currently boast an astounding 55-2 record in finals together.

The Men's competition delivered high drama. Federico Staksrud, the World No. 2, won the Men’s Singles title (his third of 2025) with a commanding 11-3, 11-2 victory over the 6-foot-5 breakout star, Roscoe Bellamy. Bellamy’s run captivated fans, as the #16 seed upset top seed Hunter Johnson (11-7, 13-11) and former world No. 1 Ben Johns’ vanquisher, Gabe Joseph. Bellamy’s mother, a top senior pro, provided key coaching courtside.

The Men’s Doubles final proved to be an instant classic, lasting 148 minutes. Johns and partner Gabriel Tardio survived an all-out war against Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu, prevailing 12-10 in the fifth game despite being outscored 48–49 overall. The win marked the eighth title for Johns and Tardio in 2025.

Pickleball’s Corporate Future: Bank of Singapore to Host Major 2026 Challenge

Singapore, Singapore – The Bank of Singapore (BOS), the private banking subsidiary of OCBC, is set to host an exclusive, invite-only pickleball corporate challenge in the third quarter of 2026. This initiative is part of a major new pickleball program launched by the OCBC Group (comprising OCBC Bank, BOS, and Great Eastern) in partnership with the Singapore Sports Hub.

The highlight of the program will be one of South-east Asia’s largest pickleball tournaments, a three-day event expected to draw over 2,000 players competing on more than 20 courts specially constructed inside the National Stadium in Kallang. The corporate challenge itself is a special category where pickleball enthusiasts from leading corporates and BOS clients will compete.

This significant investment in the sport reflects the growing popularity of pickleball in Singapore, attributed to its ease of learning and suitability for all ages and fitness levels.

To support this growth, eight new dedicated outdoor pickleball courts will be commissioned at the Sports Hub, opening for public use starting in January. Additionally, two junior tennis courts at the Kallang Tennis Hub and three basketball courts at the Promenade will be modified as dual-use courts. These additions are expected to generate more than 20,000 hours of pickleball play in Singapore annually. Booking fees for these courts will start from S$5 during non-peak hours. OCBC Group CEO Helen Wong noted that this is the first time all major entities of the Group have jointly supported the increasingly popular sport.

Coachella Valley Scorpions Crowned NPL Champions in Upset Victory

Coachella Valley, USA – Pickleball veteran Marcin Rozpedski is basking in the glow of victory after playing an integral role in helping the Coachella Valley Scorpions secure the 2025 National Pickleball League (NPL) championship. The NPL is the premier professional league exclusively for pros in the 50-plus age group.

The victory was especially sweet for Rozpedski, who made a triumphant return to the sport after taking five to seven years off due to medical reasons and focusing on his high-performance junior tennis academy. Although he initially found the NPL experience humbling due to the high level of athleticism and technical skill displayed by competitors, he successfully trained and played at a high level.

The Scorpions, whose majority owner is Hollywood star Vince Vaughn, climbed the "NPL mountain" by defeating the top-seeded Seattle Tsunami 7-2 on their home turf during the championship weekend. Rozpedski described the final victory as an "incredible experience," noting that the team approached the match relaxed and with "huge energy". He credited the win to team chemistry, noting that the entire squad, which included many rookies like himself, raised their level together.

Rozpedski, referred to by a Pickleballtv broadcaster as an "OG of pro pickleball," previously won the U.S. Open in singles and Nationals three times between 2014 and 2017. Despite the success of his first NPL season, Rozpedski is currently figuring out if he will return next season, as his tennis academy remains his priority. The NPL's third season featured 12 teams and approximately 200 players, with plans already underway for expansion in 2026.

New Zealand Pickleball Targets World Cup Semifinals in Florida Push

Wellington, New Zealand – New Zealand's national pickleball team is headed to the Pickleball World Cup in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with the ambitious goal of reaching the tournament semifinals. The 21-year-old Conor Robertshawe, who became hooked on the sport seven years ago despite having no racket sports background, will captain the team in their second appearance at the World Cup.

The sport is booming in New Zealand, with officials estimating as many as 20,000 casual players across the country. Robertshawe, now semi-professional, has aspirations to turn fully pro in the U.S. or Asia, noting that the world's best players can earn up to $2 million USD annually.

A key addition to the team is Andy van der Vyver, a former top-ranked tennis player who beat Robertshawe in the men's singles final at this year’s NZ Open. Brittany Yang serves as New Zealand’s top women's player; she grew up playing Division I tennis in the U.S. and is joined on the team by her husband, Tristan Stayt.

The Kiwi team, coached by Chris Palmer, comprises four men and three women. They will face Turkey, Switzerland, and Trinidad & Tobago in pool play. Despite high hopes for advancement, the endeavor is largely pay-to-play, costing each player between $4,500 and $5,000, partially offset by fundraising. Coach Palmer is optimistic, expecting the team to progress from their group and potentially match or exceed last year’s quarterfinal finish. Robertshawe believes the team's mix of youth, experience, and talent can push them toward the semifinals.

Peak Pickleball Launches Sheffield’s First Purpose-Built Indoor Centre

Sheffield, United Kingdom – The city known as the Outdoor City is embracing indoor racket sports with the official launch of Peak Pickleball Sheffield, the city's first custom-built indoor pickleball centre. Founded by Sheffield locals Gina Floyd and Hannah Adams, the centre is set to open its doors on Monday, November 3rd.

The venture was born after Floyd and Adams discovered pickleball—a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis—while traveling in the US last year and became "hooked" by the sport and its community. The new three-court facility is located at 220 Newhall Road.

Pickleball is celebrated globally as one of the fastest-growing sports, prized for its accessibility; it relies on positioning and strategy rather than just power, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The founders’ ambition goes beyond introducing the game; their dream is that "all of Sheffield plays pickleball". They aim to build a strong community, offering inclusive programming such as introductory classes, daytime sessions for over-65s, women-only groups, and Open Play sessions where players aged seven to 80 can compete together.

With talks of pickleball potentially being included in the 2032 Olympics, the owners are already dreaming big, hoping to train the next generation of Olympians right there in Sheffield. To encourage participation, the center will host a series of free 30-minute taster sessions on Saturday, November 8th, and will provide all necessary equipment for newcomers.

Remote Newfoundland Community Welcomes Boat-Accessible Pickleball Court

Gaultois, Canada – The booming popularity of pickleball has reached one of the most unique locations yet: a court in the heart of Newfoundland fishing history that is only accessible by boat.

Located in the community of Gaultois, Newfoundland and Labrador, the court highlights the extent of the sport’s spread across Canada. Photographs from August 2025 show locals, such as Dorothy Boudreau, actively involved in hauling materials, including wooden planks, up from the ferry to the court location. This new venue offers players a distinctive and remote setting to enjoy the paddle sport, emphasizing that even the most isolated communities are embracing the global pickleball phenomenon.

MLP Australia: Northern Crocs Sweep Brisbane Breakers in Thrilling Semi-Final Showdown

Geelong, Australia – The Northern Crocs secured their place in the MLP Australia Grand Final at Pickle Point in Sydney (scheduled for late November) after a thrilling three-game sweep against the Brisbane Breakers during the MLP Australia Victoria Event #5 semi-finals at Dinkx Pickle Ball Center. The winners of this event receive $3,000 per player, contributing to the massive $40,000 championship prize pool awaiting the ultimate champions in Sydney.

The tension was palpable throughout the day, which began with the Women's Doubles match. Captain Andie Dikosavljevic and Jamie Haas, playing on the right side against typical convention, dominated Millie Smyth and Katie Morris to give the Crocs an early lead. Their victory showcased why they are considered one of the best women's doubles pairs in the APAC region.

The Men's Doubles contest proved the most nail-biting, featuring Jimmy Liong and Prycen Haas for the Crocs against Captain George Wall and super sub Daniel Fogl-Kulich (DFK) for the Breakers. The Breakers started strong but the Crocs fought back in a head-to-head battle. The Crocs ultimately clinched the victory, despite the Breakers’ resilient defense and multiple attempts to close out the game.

The final Mixed Doubles match pitted Dikosavljevic and Liong against Wall and Smith. The Crocs established a commanding 20-11 lead, placing them on match point. However, the Brisbane Breakers mounted a spectacular comeback, reducing the deficit from 11-20 to 18-20, prompting a critical Crocs timeout. Despite the massive run led by George Wall, the Crocs managed to contain the momentum shift and closed out the match, securing the 3-0 tie and earning their trip to the final.

India IPA Nationals Selections: Lucknow Masters Confirms Knockout Field

Lucknow, India – The Lucknow Masters 2025, an Indian Pickleball Association (IPA)-sanctioned PWR 50 tournament running from October 23–26, successfully navigated its group stage, drawing top young talents from across the state. Following two days of intense clashes at Pickle Pro, the knockout qualifiers have now been confirmed across three core categories.

In the highly competitive Men’s Singles category, twelve players advanced to the next stage, led by standout performers Tanmay and Prateek, who dominated their respective groups with decisive wins. Akshat and Luv also secured their spots by displaying aggressive play and steady composure.

The Men’s Doubles event saw fifteen pairs progress, demonstrating impressive teamwork and coordination. Notable duos included Anujay and Tanmay, as well as Prateek and Akshat, who delivered dominant performances in the group stages. The pair of Anshul and Achal also secured a knockout berth.

Finally, eight pairs successfully booked their places in the Mixed Doubles knockouts after fiercely contested matches. Prateek and Anindita caught the eye for their strong chemistry and court coverage, while Tanmay and Shambhavi were noted for their attacking flair.

With the qualifying rounds complete, high-intensity clashes are anticipated as players vie for the top honors in this premier pickleball event.

Mumbai Police Officer and Veterans Shine in Maharashtra IPA Selections

Mumbai, India – The Maharashtra State Pickleball Selections and related qualification events for the Road to IPA Nationals 2025 showcased inspiring player stories before rain halted several matches.

Vishal Jadhav, an Assistant Inspector with the Mumbai Police from Kherwadi Police Station, struck gold in the Men’s Singles 30+ category at the Mumbai selection event. Jadhav, who has played for two and a half years and balances his sport with long shifts, defeated Dhanvin 15-1 in the final.

The state selections also highlighted diverse talent, including 17-year-old Snehal Patil from Jalgaon, who is the youngest state champion and represents the rise of rural Maharashtra. Patil practices on courts drawn on open grounds since her town lacks dedicated facilities. Also shining was Moonmoon Mukherjee, a former India No.2 in table tennis and a world championship bronze medallist, who secured the Women’s 50+ Singles Bronze in just her third pickleball tournament. Nayan Bhushan, a former lawn tennis player, won silver in the 30+ Women’s Singles despite starting the sport only five months ago and having no formal coaching.

In other completed finals in Mumbai, Simran Bangera claimed the Women’s Singles 30+ title, and Kunal Vora and Himanshu D clinched Men’s Doubles 40+ gold. Unfortunately, heavy rain forced the cancellation and rescheduling of numerous events, including the Men’s Doubles Open and all 30+ and 40+ doubles semifinals and finals.

Rajasthan Pickleball Trials Send 70+ Players to Nationals in Bengaluru

Udaipur, India – The Rajasthan State Selection Trials for the Road to IPA Nationals 2025 concluded in Udaipur, successfully qualifying a robust contingent of players for the IPA Nationals scheduled in Bengaluru from November 13 to 16. The trials, held at Sport Fusion, attracted over 70 participants competing across various categories, spanning Open divisions to Under-12.

The event showcased the depth of talent, both emerging and veteran. Shivraj Singh Bhati dominated the Open Men’s Singles category, winning gold, and also partnered with Nileshwar Ramani to clinch the Open Men’s Doubles title. Aditi Jain took the gold medal in Open Women’s Singles.

Youth talent also made a significant impact, with Nandini Loyal securing gold in the Under-18 Girls’ Singles. Miheet and Sumit won the Under-18 Boys’ Doubles, while Bhav Mehta won the Under-14 Boys’ Singles. The partnership of Anchal Talesara and Ronak Surana emerged as champions in the 30+ Mixed Doubles.

Other notable winners included Shivalik in 40+ Men’s Singles and Suresh Nayak in 30+ Men’s Singles. These champions will now represent Rajasthan on the national stage in Bengaluru.

Chandigarh Trials Confirm Young and Veteran Qualifiers for IPA Nationals

Chandigarh, India – The Chandigarh State Selection Trials, a key leg on the Road to IPA Nationals 2025, concluded at Club Cherry, setting the stage for high-octane action in Bengaluru in November. The event highlighted impressive performances from both emerging young talents and seasoned veterans aiming for the IPA Nationals from November 13 to 16.

In the junior categories, Ashish Kumar and Inder Veer secured the U16 Boys’ Doubles final gold with a razor-thin 11-10 victory over Angad and Gurgeet Singh. Inder Veer, who only started playing pickleball two months ago, expressed his enthusiasm for the sport after winning his fifth tournament.

Experience prevailed in the senior divisions. In the 50+ Men’s Doubles category, Ritesh Arya and Shyam clinched the gold by defeating Prakash and Sanjeev 15-9, underscoring the enduring competitiveness of veteran players. Shyam Jagat demonstrated remarkable consistency by also securing the gold medal in the 40+ Men’s Doubles category. Shyam, who transitioned to pickleball after playing tennis, has previously won a bronze medal at the national level and now trains young players.

Ritesh Arya emphasized the appeal of pickleball, calling it a "wonderful sport" that is similar to table tennis and maintains a high energy level. The winners across all categories will now advance to the IPA Nationals.