Good morning Pickleballers!
I hope you all court plenty of time on court over the weekend and heading back into Monday isn't too much of a drag.
Fear not, we have plenty of pickleball news to entertain you today - so stick with me for that.
My pickleball weekend was spent having a strong practice on Saturday morning and then continuing the interview trail for March's World Pickleball Magazine. So far, we have five players, one coach and the co-founders in production - insightful chats that will be turned into strong pieces I am sure.
My week ahead excites me - more interviews, plenty of coaching and court time at Pure Pickleball as we are open during the day during this UK half-term week for schools. We have an "All You Can Play Day" happening on Friday 10:00-16:00 for just £5, so if you are in and around the county of Cheshire then it's certainly worth taking advantage of that.
Joe James has investigated why pickleball is becoming such a big part of the decision making process for college goers in the US - read about that here.
And I have your PKLBulletin as always!
Agassi & Graf Defend Their Turf: Pickleball Royalty Claims 3rd Consecutive Slam Title!
In a thrilling showdown at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf successfully defended their title at Pickleball Slam 3, marking Agassi's third consecutive victory. "The Duel in the Desert" saw them compete against tennis rivals Andy Roddick and Genie Bouchard for a staggering $1 million purse. The matches, broadcast live on ESPN, showcased high-intensity rallies, with Team Agassi/Graf ultimately defeating Team Roddick/Bouchard.
The format included singles and doubles matches, with a nail-biting Dreambreaker deciding the final outcome. Agassi expressed his excitement about winning in his hometown, noting the competitive spirit and hoping to inspire Roddick to embrace pickleball. Mardy Fish and John Isner were also part of the competition, adding to the star-studded lineup.
Adding to Graf's pickleball presence, she is set to release a signature paddle as part of the Agassi x JOOLA partnership, further solidifying her presence in the sport. This victory and Graf's venture into pickleball gear highlight the growing transition of tennis legends into the "picklesphere," boosting the sport's popularity and appeal.
Pickleball Fever in India: From Zero to Hero, Will it Eclipse Cricket?
India is witnessing a surge in pickleball's popularity, with experts predicting it could rival cricket in the coming years. According to former tennis player Aditya Khanna, India is already the second most-played Pickleball nation globally, only behind the USA. This bold claim was made at the ET NOW Global Business Summit 2025, where discussions centred on pickleball's future in India.
Several factors contribute to this rapid growth. Pickleball is accessible to all ages and is a cost-effective sport, making it an attractive option for many. The rise in demand is also evident in real estate, with buyers now preferring properties with pickleball courts, impacting property values in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Adding to the excitement, the MGM Tamil Nadu Pickleball Premier League (TNPPL) has already commenced, drawing significant attention and participation in South India. With its inclusive nature and growing infrastructure, pickleball is poised to make a significant impact on India's sporting landscape.
South Africa Serves Up First Inter-Provincial Pickleball Showdown: KwaZulu-Natal vs. Gauteng
The first-ever inter-provincial pickleball tournament in South Africa is set to take place from February 21-23 at the Kloof Tennis Club, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country. Teams from KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng will compete head-to-head in this historic event, offering a showcase of pickleball's fast-paced action.
Pickleball South Africa established itself two years ago with the goal of growing the sport in Durban. Michelle Kriese, the provincial director, emphasized the organization's focus on creating venues, hosting tournaments, and building a strong local community.
The event is open to the public, providing an opportunity for spectators to witness the matches and learn more about pickleball. Kriese describes pickleball as a fast-growing sport originating in America that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. She notes that its easy-to-play nature, featuring an underhand serve and lightweight ball, makes it accessible to people of all skill levels, even those with limited racquet experience.
The Highway Mail encourages the community to attend and experience the action firsthand, inviting everyone to see what pickleball is all about as KwaZulu-Natal faces off against Gauteng on the courts.
Mesa Cup Loses Star Power: McGuffin & Schaefer Sidelines with Injury & Illness
The upcoming Carvana Mesa Cup presented by Proton at the Arizona Athletic Grounds will proceed without two of its notable players, as Tyson McGuffin and Dominique Schaefer have withdrawn from the tournament. McGuffin is sidelined due to injury, while Schaefer is battling illness.
McGuffin's absence means he will not be participating in singles, men's doubles with Dekel Bar, and mixed doubles with Lacy Schneemann. He had previously achieved success at the Proton Australia Pickleball Open earlier this month, securing gold in men's doubles and mixed doubles, as well as silver in singles. Schaefer was scheduled to compete in singles, women's doubles with Genie Erokhina, and mixed doubles with Zane Ford. She had recently reached the quarterfinals in singles at the Proton Tucson Open.
Despite these withdrawals, the Carvana Mesa Cup will still feature a star-studded field, including top players such as Anna Leigh Waters, Federico Staksrud, and Ben Johns. The tournament is set to begin February 17.
MLP Trade Frenzy: Humberg to Aces, Glozman to Atlanta in Last-Minute Deals!
Major League Pickleball (MLP) saw a flurry of activity as Trade Window #1 came to a close, with several teams making strategic moves to bolster their rosters. Among the most notable deals, Mari Humberg was traded to the Brooklyn Aces from the New Jersey 5s. In return, New Jersey acquired Amanda Hendry and cash considerations.
Another significant trade involved Vivian Glozman, who was acquired by Atlanta from New York. New York received Susannah Barr and cash considerations in exchange. Additionally, Brooke Buckner was traded to Las Vegas from Carolina, with Carolina receiving Yana Newell and cash considerations from Las Vegas, while SoCal acquired Judit Castillo from Las Vegas.
These trades have resulted in updated team rosters as teams prepare for upcoming competitions. The New Jersey 5s now include Anna Leigh Waters, Zane Navratil, Will Howells, and Amanda Hendry. The Brooklyn Aces feature Daniel de la Rosa, Andrea Koop, Mari Humberg, and Blaine Hovenier. Atlanta's roster includes Emily Cederquist, Todd Fought, Vivian Glozman, and Jaume Martinez Vich. Las Vegas Night Owls now consist of Brooke Buckner, Chris Haworth, Pablo Tellez, and Chao Yi “Zoey” Wang.
Each team must declare its keepers and drop at least one player soon. The wheeling and dealing that continued as Trade Window #1 was set to close indicates the strategic importance of these trades as teams position themselves for success.