Good morning, pickleballers!
I am sure many of you have got yourselves back on court to work off some of those Christmas pounds that have been added to the waistline.
There’s still plenty of world pickleball news kicking around – so jump in below.
Golden Age of Grudge Matches: Kovalova Reflects on Heated Rivalry with the Waters
Mumbai, India – In a candid reflection on professional pickleball’s evolution, star player Lucy Kovalova has described her fierce past battles against the Waters as the “golden age” of the sport. Speaking on a recent podcast, Kovalova looked back on the era when she and partner Simone Jardim dominated the court before the PPA Tour introduced the best-of-five format, which ushered in a period of intense, high-stakes finals against the mother-daughter duo.
Kovalova noted that the rivalry was defined by a clash of philosophies. While she and Jardim adhered to a “traditional, old-school” strategy centred on patience, drop shots, and controlling the kitchen, the Waters introduced a blistering, aggressive style that brought “a lot of heat” to the game. “Back then, the strategy was, I’m going to outdink you to death,” Kovalova explained, contrasting it with the power game that eventually took over.
The intensity of these matches often spilt over into personal territory, creating an electric atmosphere that Kovalova admits she misses today. She described moments where winning a “crazy point” would lead to stare-downs, heightening the drama of a rivalry that captivated fans. For Kovalova, those grueling matches represented a turning point for women’s professional pickleball, elevating the level of competition and reshaping the tour’s landscape. Although the sport continues to grow, Kovalova remains nostalgic for that specific window of time, calling it her “favourite time of pickleball”.
Top Seeds Cement Status in 2025 Australian Elite Year-End Rankings
Sydney, Australia – Pickleball Australia has officially released its 2025 Year-End Rankings, crowning the top elite competitors who have dominated the circuit over the last twelve months. The updated leaderboards highlight a mix of consistent veterans and surging talents across all five open divisions.
In the Open Women’s Singles, Andie Dikosavljevic secured the top spot with 5,200 points, narrowly edging out Somer Dalla-Bonna, who finished second with 4,850 points. Dalla-Bonna proved her versatility by also tying for second in Women’s Doubles and taking third in Mixed Doubles. The Open Men’s Singles saw Harrison Brown claim the number one ranking with a commanding 5,900 points, followed by Louis Laville.
Doubles play saw familiar names rise to the top. Katy Hart finished the year as the number one Women’s Doubles player with 6,000 points, while George Wall took the honours in Men’s Doubles, accumulating 5,600 points. The Mixed Doubles categories were led by Danni-Elle Townsend for the women and Joey Wild for the men, both finishing with 5,300 points in their respective mixed rankings. Pickleball Australia congratulated the top five players in each category, celebrating a “fantastic 2025” and raising a toast to the upcoming season.
APP Tour Unveils Ambitions 2026 Roadmap with Expanded Broadcasts and Prize Pools
Chicago, USA – The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has announced a sweeping evolution of its tour structure for 2026, promising larger events, increased player compensation, and significantly expanded television coverage. In a move designed to “elevate the player, sponsor, and fan experience,” the 2026 APP Tour will feature a minimum of four new high-stakes “Pro Invitational” events alongside its regular tour stops.
A central pillar of the 2026 strategy is a partnership with the Global Pickleball Alliance (GPA), which will see the APP support over 50 events worldwide, creating a truly international calendar. APP Founder Ken Herrmann described the changes as a “decisive step forward,” emphasising that the combined schedules will allow professionals to maximise earnings and visibility globally.
Major stops on the confirmed 2026 televised calendar include the APP Sacramento Open in April, the APP Vlasic Classic in Cincinnati in June, and the APP Chicago Open in July. The season will culminate with the APP Tour Championships in Fort Lauderdale in December. Ryan McSpadden, APP Chief Revenue Officer, noted that the shift toward “festival-style” experiences aligns with data showing fans want bigger, more immersive events. The organization also plans to increase linear TV broadcast hours, ensuring high visibility for its partners and athletes.
Game-Changers: USAP Releases 7 Critical Rule Updates for 2026
Phoenix, USA – USA Pickleball (USAP) has finalised its 2026 rulebook, introducing seven key changes that will take effect on January 1, impacting players from recreational leagues to professional tournaments. While many changes are clarifications, several are expected to significantly alter game management and enforcement.
The most notable update concerns the volley serve. While the mechanics remain the same, USAP added the word “clearly” to the rule; serves must now be clearly legal (below the waist, wrist, and upward motion) or they may be faulted, a move designed to reduce subjective calls. Additionally, the rules now explicitly state that while manipulating the ball with fingers before the hit is banned, adding spin on contact with the paddle is perfectly legal.
Other changes focus on game integrity and flow. Players are now prohibited from carrying a second ball that is visible to opponents, as it is deemed a distraction. Furthermore, players are now strictly mandated—not just suggested—to not consult spectators regarding line calls. In a “common-sense” update, if a ball bounces in the opponent’s court and then hits a permanent object (like a net post), the striking player now wins the point. Finally, “dead ball” calls must be made promptly, preventing players from waiting indefinitely to call a ball out.
Social Media Blockade: PPA Tour Cuts Digital Ties with James Ignatowich
Salt Lake City, USA – Tensions between the PPA Tour and star player James Ignatowich have escalated further, with the organisation officially blocking the pro on social media platforms. This digital estrangement follows Ignatowich’s suspension from competition by the United Pickleball Association (UPA), the parent body of the PPA.
The conflict reportedly stems from Ignatowich’s participation in an overseas tournament in Asia without obtaining prior clearance, a move the UPA classifies as a violation of their player agreements. The social media block marks a public deepening of the rift, as there had been little public interaction between the parties prior to this move.
Despite the ban, Ignatowich remains active in the pickleball ecosystem. He continues to build his personal brand, RPM Pickleball, and has focused on direct-to-fan engagement. He recently launched an initiative offering personalised video messages to fans who purchase his paddles, maintaining his connection to the community even while barred from the professional tour’s courts.
Court Transition: Eugenie Bouchard Predicts Rapid Rise for Coco Gauff in Pickleball
New York, USA – Former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard has weighed in on the potential crossover success of tennis star Coco Gauff, predicting the young American could dominate professional pickleball singles in less than a year. Bouchard, who has transitioned to playing pickleball full-time, offered her assessment on the Kitchen Pickleball podcast.
When asked about a hypothetical timeline for Gauff to reach the top five, Bouchard was decisive: “She’s so athletic. She would kill the singles game pretty quickly… Like eight months”. Bouchard noted that singles pickleball comes naturally to tennis players due to the similar movement and stroke mechanics.
However, Bouchard was more sceptical about Gauff’s immediate prospects in doubles, citing the unique strategic nuances of the game. “I think that’s harder. I don’t know if she would get to top five,” Bouchard admitted, referencing her own challenges in adapting to the doubles format compared to singles. Bouchard herself is currently ranked No. 9 in women’s singles on the PPA Tour but sits at No. 47 in doubles, underscoring the steep learning curve required to master the collaborative version of the sport.
2025 Season Retrospective: Waters, Daescu, and Columbus Sliders Define a Year of Drama
Dallas, USA – As 2025 draws to a close, the professional pickleball world is celebrating a year defined by individual dominance and stunning team upsets. Anna Leigh Waters was named the undisputed Player of the Year, having dominated singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles while maintaining a 59-11 record in Major League Pickleball (MLP).
In the PPA year-end awards, Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio were recognised as the “Best New Partnership” for their success in a deep men’s field, while Eric Oncins took home “Most Improved Player” honours, rocketing from an afterthought draft pick to the 11th-ranked men’s doubles player. The “Best Newcomer” award went to Chris Haworth, who finished the year with a gold medal in Daytona.
The 2025 MLP season also provided unforgettable moments. The Columbus Sliders, led by playoff MVP Andrei Daescu, completed a fairy-tale run to capture the MLP Championship. Dubbed “The Chosen Ones” after opponents repeatedly selected them as adversaries, the Sliders defeated the Dallas Flash and St. Louis Shock before besting the New Jersey 5s in the finals. Other season highlights included Jack Sock’s viral ATP shot reaching SportsCenter’s No. 1 spot and the emotional “DreamBreaker” clash between former partners Waters and Catherine Parenteau in Dallas.
Munro and Safdar Top DUPR Collegiate Individual Rankings
New York, USA – The Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) has unveiled its latest Collegiate Individual Power Rankings, identifying the top student-athletes currently competing on the US circuit. The new data highlights the dominance of Jack Munro and Mehvish Safdar across multiple divisions.
In Men’s Doubles, Jack Munro leads the field with a commanding rating of 6.337, followed by Carter Maris at 5.807. The Women’s Doubles category sees Ava Cavataio taking the top spot with a 5.611 rating, with Mehvish Safdar following closely at 5.431.
Safdar also proved her versatility by topping the Women’s Singles rankings with a 5.124 rating, cementing her status as a dual-threat in collegiate play. On the men’s side, Luke Williams claimed the number one ranking in singles with a 5.694 rating, edging out Cody Miller and Liam Duffin. These rankings underscore the growing competitive depth in the collegiate pickleball ecosystem as universities continue to embrace the sport.
Pickleball Boom: China Records 60 Million Monthly Players
Beijing, China – China has firmly established itself as a global pickleball powerhouse, with new data from the United Pickleball Association (UPA) revealing that over 60 million people now play the sport monthly across the country. This surge has transformed pickleball from a niche curiosity into a mainstream fitness phenomenon in 2025.
The explosion in popularity is visible in community parks, rooftop courts, and schools throughout major Chinese cities. The UPA attributes this rapid adoption to a combination of celebrity participation, investment in indoor venues, and the viral influence of social media platforms like Douyin (TikTok China), which has introduced the sport to younger demographics.
Industry analysts view this growth as a pivotal moment for the sport’s international future. “With Asia’s growing fascination, pickleball clearly has a future not only in America but around the world,” noted a report from The Pickleball Clinic. With local tournaments expanding and infrastructure growing, China is positioned to be a primary driver of the sport’s global evolution over the next decade.
GOOD Games Brings “Olympic-Style” Pickleball Festival to Calgary
Calgary, Canada – The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) has announced that the “GOOD Games” festival is expanding west, bringing a major pickleball showcase to Calgary’s BMO Centre from February 13-15, 2026. The event, part of the Chinook Blast winter festival, will feature the inaugural GOOD Games Calgary Winter Pickleball Cup.
The GOOD Games is described as a “massive multi-sport event” that blends elite competition with community engagement, akin to a regional Olympics mixed with a festival atmosphere. Following successful events in Ontario, this expansion will feature CNPL Showcase Matches, allowing fans to watch the best players in Western Canada compete on centre stage.
In addition to the pro showcase, the event will host open brackets for players of all skill levels across singles, doubles, and mixed divisions. “This isn’t just a tournament, it’s an experience,” organisers stated, highlighting the inclusion of food trucks, live music, and sport demos surrounding the twelve dedicated courts. The event aims to replicate the unique environment where pros and amateurs compete side-by-side.
Smash Academy Launches in Collingwood to Develop Future Pros
Collingwood, Canada – A new era of player development has arrived in the Georgian Triangle with the launch of the Smash Academy at Smash Pickleball Collingwood. Officially unveiled in December, the Academy aims to build a comprehensive “development ecosystem” ranging from youth intro programs to elite training for aspiring professionals.
Despite operating at reduced capacity while five new courts are under construction, the Academy has already seen high demand. Its “Smash Mentoring Drill Sessions” sold out immediately, and the fall youth program attracted nearly 40 participants aged 6 to 17. The Academy also introduced a Touring Pro Series, hosting clinics with top talent like Team Canada Head Coach Eric Ah-Yuen and players from the PPA and CNPL.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Academy plans to launch “The Road to the CNPL,” a high-performance spring program designed specifically for youth players aiming for professional careers. “This isn’t recreational. This is competitive… training for kids who are serious about the sport,” the announcement stated.
JOOLA and Paddletek Dominate 2025 PPA Medal Count
Austin, USA – In the escalating “arms race” of pickleball paddle technology, established brands maintained their stranglehold on the podium during the 2025 PPA Tour season. A new analysis by The Kitchen reveals that JOOLA led all manufacturers with a staggering 121 medals won across 17 U.S. events.
JOOLA’s dominance was fueled by its massive roster of 20 medal-winning players, including World No. 1 Ben Johns and Anna Bright. However, Paddletek proved to be the most efficient brand on tour. Despite having only five sponsored players winning medals, the brand secured 83 medals, largely driven by the triple-crown performances of Anna Leigh Waters and Christian Alshon.
Franklin rounded out the top three with 76 medals, relying on stars like Hayden Patriquin and JW Johnson. The data also highlighted the rise of newer boutique brands; Proton secured 29 medals with players like Andrei Daescu and Genie Bouchard, while PIKKL earned 28 medals thanks to the efforts of Gabe Tardio and Tyra Black. The analysis noted that several unsponsored players also chose to use JOOLA and Paddletek gear, further cementing their status as the “big dogs” of the industry.
Vietnam Rising: Hanoi to Host Historic “Future Stars” Tournament as Sport Booms
Hanoi, Vietnam – Vietnam is set to host its first official pickleball competition dedicated exclusively to young athletes, signalling a major step in the country’s rapid adoption of the sport. The Vietnam Pickleball Open Cup Future Stars 2026 will take place on January 3-4 at the Happyland Long Bien Court.
Organised under the regulations of the Asian Pickleball Association (APA), the tournament is expected to draw approximately 400 players competing in singles and doubles across age groups ranging from U10 to U18. Organizers aim to create a platform for young talent to gain competitive discipline, with registrations pouring in from provinces including Hải Phòng, Quảng Ninh, and Ho Chi Minh City.
This focus on youth development comes as Vietnam emerges as a key player in the Asian pickleball market. According to recent data from rating agency DUPR, Vietnam is now the second-fastest-growing market for the sport in Asia, trailing only Malaysia. The Future Stars tournament is part of a broader push to integrate pickleball into school-level physical education and nurture the next generation of Vietnamese players.
Chris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at all levels of pickleball. Chris is also an avid player, currently struggling to make the breakthrough from 4.0 to 4.5.