Browsing: Pickleball News

Heading into 2024, the APP is leading the way in pickleball by introducing a new tournament format aimed at enhancing the experience for amateur players. The debut of this format will take place at the 2024 APP Midwest Open in January, and the change is expected to bring several positive impacts for players. Maximizing On-Court Time The new format will prioritize maximizing on-court time and minimizing gaps between games for amateur players. It involves a shift to round-robin or pool play with playoffs, ensuring that all teams or players engage in a minimum of four to six games. Round robins…

There is an intriguing back story to Spanish player Judit Castillo securing the bronze medal in the women’s professional singles category at the 2023 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships held in Farmers Branch, Texas. In an interview with Stephen Hunt of Red Line Editorial, Castillo revealed her absolute elation at the achievement while also explaining the significance of this win: She only started playing pickleball in October 2022. Her Greatest Rivals She also defeated two of her greatest rivals at nationals: Megan Fudge and Salome Devidze. Our own Leland Orfield delves into Devidze and Fudge’s rivalry and why it was…

Husband-and-wife pickleball team Keith and Lynne Miller from Stockport, England, admitted to having the surprise of their lives after they beat all-comers to snag the title of Over-65 National Mixed Doubles Champions at the 2023 English Nationals in Bolton at their first attempt last week. Zero Expectation The Millers, who split their playing time between Stockport and the picturesque North Wales island of Anglesey, had zero expectation of any success when they arrived at the Bolton Area. Indeed, they only found out they had won when they heard it from somebody else! Keith spoke to James Read of Largs And…

Canton, Ohio, pickleball fanatics will soon have a dedicated indoor facility at their disposal. Spanning 20,000 square feet, construction of the Prime Pickleball Club is underway at 4736 Dressler Road NW, Canton, Ohio. This site formerly housed the American National University in Thursday’s Plaza. The expected launch is early next year. Year-Round Play Owner Eddie Zhang will operate the club alongside his wife, Linda. Eddie said, “We’ve played pickleball at the YMCA and outside in the summer and really love it. So we wanted to open an indoor facility for everyone to play year-round.” The facility renovation will cost between…

Mia Dunagan, a former tennis player, has made quick work turning herself into a formidable pickleball professional. A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, her journey in this sport only began five months ago, and she is already consistently achieving podium finishes in tournaments. “Super Fun” Reflecting on her rapid progress, Dunagan shared with Micah Fletcher of cherokeephoenix.org, “There’s only been one or two tournaments, maybe, that I’ve gone without making the podium. “It’s been super fun, playing with different people and getting to be successful with them. I believe I’ve had 20 gold medals and a handful of others as…

Eight-time tennis Grand Slam winner Andre Agassi is set to kick off the inaugural South Beach Slam powered by Fisker pickleball tournament on Friday, November 17. Agassi will join forces with the City of Miami Beach for the 3:30 p.m. ribbon-cutting event at 1665 Lenox Ave, Miami Beach, Florida. This ceremony marks a significant announcement positioning Miami Beach and Lincoln Road as central hubs for sports tourism this coming February. Nike Miami Nike Miami will also debut a collection of pickleball merchandise available for purchase at their South Florida flagship store on 1035 Lincoln Road throughout the weekend while supplies…

The 14th Annual USA Pickleball National Championships lived up to the hype of being the most significant pro pickleball event of the year. Since its humble beginnings as an amateur qualifying tournament back in 2009, the National Championships has come a long way. What started as a 400-player tournament has blossomed into a massive 3,000+ player, week-long pickleball festival! Focusing on the pro player pool for this event, predominantly comprised of APP and PPA Tour athletes, the pro action exhibited some of the best performances we’ve seen this year! Let’s dive right in. View this post on Instagram A post…

Leading natural cereal brand Catalina Crunch® is thrilled to serve as an official sponsor of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) for their winter tournaments and events. This collaboration stands as a significant milestone for both organizations and looks to propel the sport of pickleball to new heights. “Thrilled To Join Forces” “We are thrilled to join forces with the PPA as pickleball takes the world by storm and Catalina Crunch® continues to stand out as a leader in the snack category,” stated Krishna Kaliannan, CEO and Founder. “The natural alignment between our brand and the sport makes perfect sense, and…

Kathy Demetri, affectionately known as “Crazy Kathy” within the pickleball community, is an enthusiastic superfan renowned for her larger-than-life support at major pickleball events, cheering on professional players and amateur friends alike. At the 2023 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships in Texas, Demetri participated in the amateur draw, standing out as one of the tournament’s notable figures alongside the professional players. Amiable Demenor “I enjoy following both the pros and the amateurs,” she shared with Stephen Hunt of Red Line Editorial for USA Pickleball. “Where else do you get to witness both together? It’s incredibly rare.” Her amiable demeanor often…

What Does Google Trends Reveal To Be America’s Most And Least Popular Pickleballing Areas? Pickleball stands proudly as one of today’s most swiftly growing sports. Its accessibility and versatility allow almost anyone to engage and has fueled an astonishing progression in the last few years with clubs, tournaments, and celebrity interest popping up everywhere. A Pickleballing Hotspot The USA stands out as a particular pickleballing hotspot with its enthusiastic and widespread embrace of the sport. However, an intriguing question lingers: which states harbor the deepest investment and most ardent feelings for pickleball? Joey Mistretta from RotoWire utilized Google Trends to…