Gabe Tardio Signs Three-Year Contract Extension with PPA Tour and MLP

Gabe Tardio, a 19-year-old Bolivian pickleball star, has signed a three-year contract extension with the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP) through the 2027 season. Tardio had a successful 2024, earning seven medals in men's doubles, including four gold and three silver, and two medals in mixed doubles, with one gold and one silver. He also played for the St. Louis Shock in the MLP. Tardio stated he is excited to continue competing against the best and is working hard to improve for a big year in 2025.

Tardio is represented by Godfather Pickleball Agency, which also represents other notable players such as Rafa Hewett, Pablo Tellez, Mari Humberg, and Tina Pisnik. Tardio's aggressive right-side play has been noted as revolutionary, as he reaches into the middle to take away the middle dink, a common strategy to neutralize strong men's doubles teams. His quick hands and desire to play fast also set him apart. There is speculation that Ben Johns has reached out to Tardio to be his partner in 2025, which would be a new partnership for Johns, who is splitting with his brother, Colin Johns. There is also speculation that Tardio may be playing with JDub.

This contract extension for Tardio comes at a time of change in the sport, with new partnerships forming and the game becoming faster. Tardio's rise in the sport highlights the increasing talent and competitiveness in professional pickleball.

Gabe Tardio Expected to Partner with Ben Johns in 2025

Following the split with his brother, Ben Johns has reportedly reached out to Gabe Tardio to be his new partner for the 2025 season. Tardio, an emerging player known for his aggressive right-side play, is seen as a strategic choice for Johns, who needs a partner that can handle pace and generate offense. Tardio has revolutionized the right side of the court by taking away the middle dink, forcing opponents to play differently. His quick hands and fast-paced style contrast with Collin Johns' approach, suggesting a more dynamic partnership with Ben Johns. It remains to be seen if Tardio will accept the offer, especially given speculation that he may partner with JDub. This potential pairing could bring a new level of excitement to men's doubles in professional pickleball.

Pickleball Pro, Gabe Tardio, Revolutionizing the Right Side of the Court

Gabe Tardio is making waves in professional pickleball with his innovative approach to playing the right side of the court. Known for his aggressive style, Tardio disrupts typical strategies by reaching into the middle to take away the middle dink, a move that neutralizes many doubles teams. This forces opponents to change their game plan and play differently. With his quick hands and a preference for a fast-paced game, Tardio has redefined the right-side role, becoming a player that others must watch. His style is a contrast to some of the more defensive-minded players, and his style is a challenge to other professional players.

Hayden Patrick and Fed Undefeated in Three Pickleball Tournaments

The pairing of Hayden Patrick and Fed has emerged as a dominant force in pickleball, maintaining an undefeated record in three tournaments. This duo's consistent success has made them a team to watch in the upcoming 2025 season. Their winning streak has led to much speculation about their future and has made them a team that many other players will be focused on as the 2025 season gets underway. Their continued success will be an important factor in the professional pickleball scene.

Islanders Secure Gold at Pickleball Event in Southampton

Simon Proffitt and Sarah Howell achieved a remarkable victory, winning gold in the over 50 mixed doubles 4.5 category at "The end of 2024 Pickleball event" held at David Lloyd Southampton. . The tournament had over 500 participants and featured a high standard of play. Proffitt and Howell advanced to the semi-finals after a round robin format and then beat the favorites in the semi-finals before winning the final in straight sets. Proffitt noted that the win was especially meaningful due to his ongoing recovery from cancer treatment. Howell's gold medal adds to her recent wins in the English Nationals and pre-European tournaments. Both are well known players from the Isle of Wight in the UK.

Pakistan's Tennis Prodigy, Mikaeel Baig, Takes Pickleball by Storm

Mikaeel Ali Baig, a 15-year-old tennis prodigy from Pakistan, has quickly made a name for himself in pickleball. Already a decorated tennis player with multiple national and international titles, Baig recently won the Pickleball Pro Junior Championship in Daytona, Florida. His performance earned him a 5 DUPR rating, placing him among the top 20 under-18 pickleball players worldwide. Baig sees pickleball as a complementary sport to tennis, emphasizing the importance of footwork and strategy in both. He and his family are also keen to introduce pickleball to Pakistan. Baig's story is not just one of personal success but also one of international collaboration, as he partnered with Krishna from India in doubles.

Gaurav Natekar Believes Pickleball Has Potential to Make it to the Olympics

Gaurav Natekar, founder and CEO of the World Pickleball League (WPBL), believes that pickleball has the potential to become an Olympic sport. Natekar, a former tennis champion, has been promoting pickleball and its growth on a global scale, noting its increasing popularity worldwide. He sees the inclusion of pickleball in the Olympics as a significant step for the sport. He is also set to launch the World Pickleball League in January, a further sign of the growing interest in professional pickleball.

World Pickleball League Set to Launch in January The World Pickleball League (WPBL) is set to launch its first season in January. Founded by Natekar and his wife Aarti, the league is a pioneering effort to bring pickleball to a broader audience. The league is set to begin on January 24th. Natekar believes the league is a natural progression of his career and his wife's career in the sports business. He says that the launch of the WPBL marks a milestone in their journey, and they are excited to witness the league come to life.

Swindon Pickleball Club Claims Four Gold Medals at National Tournament

The Swindon Pickleball Club (SPC) had an impressive showing at a recent national tournament, securing four gold medals among their total of 11 medals. The tournament was held in Swindon, and included players from all over the country. This win is a significant achievement for the club, demonstrating both skill and camaraderie among its members. The club is inviting new players to join their weekly sessions, noting that pickleball is a great way to stay active and meet new people.

Pickleball Festivals Coming to Coleraine and Ballymoney Leisure Centers Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is set to host a series of pickleball festivals at its leisure centers in Coleraine and Ballymoney. These festivals are open to both beginners and experienced players, and will include two competitions in one, offering a mix of competitive and social opportunities. The council's Sports and Wellbeing Development Unit is organizing these events to promote the sport, and is inviting players to sign up. The festivals offer a fun and interactive way to explore pickleball in Northern Ireland.

Julie Johnson, Coach of Dallas Flash, Celebrated as Matriarch of Pickleball

Julie Johnson, coach of the Major League Pickleball (MLP) champion Dallas Flash, is being celebrated as an influential figure in the sport, and is being called the "Matriarch of Pickleball". As a mother, physical therapist, and coach, Johnson has guided her children, JDub and Georgia, to the top of the professional pickleball ranks. She has been coaching her kids since the beginning. She is also the coach of the Dallas Flash, and is highly respected by other players. Her unique perspective, combined with her background as a physical therapist, has made her a key figure in the sport.

The Johnson 5, Including JDub, Georgia, Millie, Dylan, and Gabe, Formed During Tour Wars

The "Johnson 5," a group comprising JDub, Georgia, Millie, Dylan, and Gabe Tardio, was formed during the "tour wars" in professional pickleball. The group came together as a result of having the same agent and began to practice together. This group came about because three of the players had the same agent and the other two players needed representation. The group's shared training sessions helped them develop their skills and a camaraderie that was seen by many in the pickleball world.

Julie Johnson Says She Started Playing Pickleball to Get Away From Her Kids

Julie Johnson humorously admits that she started playing pickleball as a way to get some space from her children. She was looking for an activity that she could enjoy independently. However, her kids ended up following her into the sport, and she eventually became their coach. She noted that she was able to easily join a game at the local park, without knowing anyone. This has led to her becoming one of the most influential people in the world of pickleball.

Julie Johnson Says She is a Physical Therapist and Can See Movement Patterns Well

Julie Johnson’s background as a physical therapist has given her a unique advantage as a pickleball coach. She can analyze movement patterns and apply that knowledge to player development. She says she can see other player's movement patterns but cannot see her own, calling her own movement "awkward" and "horrible". She uses her ability to analyze movement when reviewing film with her children to improve their play. This knowledge has been instrumental in guiding her children to success in professional pickleball.

Julie Johnson's Daughter, Georgia, is a Key Player and Energy Source for Dallas Flash

Julie Johnson's daughter, Georgia, played a crucial role in the Dallas Flash's Major League Pickleball (MLP) championship win, providing both skill and energy to the team. Johnson noted that she saw Georgia “step into her own in a new way” during the championships. Her ability to bring confidence and support to her teammates was vital in their success. She is also seen as an important player in the future of the sport.

Julie Johnson Says Her Son, JDub, is Very Perceptive About Pickleball Strategy

Julie Johnson says that her son, JDub, is very perceptive about pickleball strategy and can easily identify the right plays. She notes that sometimes this is a deficit to him, because he has trouble communicating his insights to other players. She notes that her kids have a tendency to bounce ideas off of one another, and that it is very helpful. Johnson has noted that JDub's insights are important to their success.

Julie Johnson Admits to Making Coaching Mistakes as a Parent-Coach

Julie Johnson acknowledges that she has made mistakes while coaching her children, struggling to balance the roles of mother and coach. She says that she has "done it all wrong" and has learned from her mistakes, especially after a "bad family moment" during a PPA finals. She emphasizes that she has to be careful with her words when coaching them, because they are also her children. She says it can be a lonely role, as there are not a lot of coaches with her experience in professional pickleball.

Julie Johnson Says the Kids' Agent Was Met at the First MLP

Julie Johnson shared that she met her children's agent, Patrick, at the very first Major League Pickleball (MLP) event. Patrick, who had previously worked at Octagon for 19 years, was very interested in learning more about the business of pickleball. She initially thought she would never hear from him again, but they reconnected a few weeks later. He has been with the family ever since.

Julie Johnson and Steve Deacon Win Gold Every Time They Play Together

Julie Johnson and Steve Deacon have an impressive record of winning gold every time they play together in senior pro tournaments. Despite being limited in her playing time due to her busy schedule, Johnson makes sure to play when she can, especially in PPA tournaments where she plays in mixed doubles. Her partnership with Deacon is very successful and they have achieved gold every time they have played together.