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The inaugural edition of the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series, held at the prestigious Cricket Club of India (CCI), witnessed a remarkable display of skill and determination from Indian players. From November 12 to 17, over 55 international players from 16 countries graced Indian soil, marking the championship's debut in the country after successful legs in Vietnam and Bali.In the Boys' Under-14 Advanced Plus category, Neel Linge emerged victorious with a gold medal, while Aarisha Aga Choubey secured silver. Ritam Chawla claimed gold in the Boys' Under-18 Advanced Plus category, with Shourya Kukrecha earning silver. Anushka Chhabra and Jahnavi Iyer won gold and silver, respectively, in the Girls' Under-14 Advanced Plus category. Agnimitra Bhavatosh Bhattacharya and Naomi Amalsadiwala achieved similar success in the Under-18 girls' category.Among the men's singles competitors, Rohit Patil and Manickavasagam Sethu claimed gold in the 19 Advanced and Men's Singles Advanced Plus 35 categories, respectively. Gordon Watson and Ajay Kumar took home gold and silver in the 50 Men's Advanced category.The doubles section featured equally thrilling performances. Aaradhya Satpute and Neel Linge won gold in the Junior Mixed Doubles Under-14 Advanced Plus category, while Arjun Singh and Naomi Amalsadiwala triumphed in the Junior Mixed Doubles Under-18 Advanced category. Debbie Dcruz and Samrat Kapur emerged victorious in the Mixed Doubles 35 Advanced category.In the Women's Singles competitions, Kavya J. and Shraddha Damani captured gold in the 19 Advanced and Women's Singles 35 Advanced categories, respectively. Pakhi Bhatt and Sindoor Mittal earned silver in their respective categories.Jan Papi, Founder of Pickleball Global and the WPC Series, expressed his excitement for this milestone event. "Bringing the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series to India for the first time is truly exciting. India has a vibrant and passionate sports culture, and pickleball's rapid growth here makes this an ideal setting for our players," he said.Arvind Prabhoo, President of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), echoed these sentiments. "We are delighted to partner with such iconic brands and institutions for the World Pickleball Championship, making this a proud moment for the sport in our country. This WPC Series promises to be a landmark event, cementing India's place on the global pickleball stage," he said.

Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in America, has traditionally been associated with tennis. However, a growing number of professional pickleball players are emerging without a tennis background.Chuck Taylor, a 41-year-old PPA Tour competitor, is one such player. Growing up near the birthplace of pickleball in Washington state, Taylor's passion for the game began in high school. Today, he remains a top-level competitor.Taylor is not alone. Approximately 10% of pro pickleball players on tour have no tennis background. Dylan Frazier, Hayden Patriquin, and Gabriel Tardio are among the highest-ranked non-tennis players.These players have diverse backgrounds. Patriquin transitioned from baseball, while Tardio picked up pickleball at age 14. Some have developed unique trick shots and nicknames, such as Mary Brascia's "Mary-Go-Round" and Callan Dawson's "high choke" paddle grip.Dawson's parents are also professional pickleball players, making them a unique family trio with a combined 40 major titles.Other non-tennis players on tour include:* Daniel Jensen: Former Division I soccer player at Ohio State* Daniel De La Rosa: Former world No. 1 racquetball player* Luke Wasson: Former semi-pro golfer and soccer player* Monica Paolicelli: Former fitness instructor and director of Dill DinkersAs pickleball continues to gain popularity, the percentage of non-tennis players on the PPA Tour is expected to increase. The next generation of athletes is discovering pickleball as an afterschool hobby, and many are choosing it over traditional sports like tennis.

Pickleball: A Haven for Former College Tennis StarsProfessional pickleball has become a magnet for former college tennis players, with nearly half of the over 140 players on the PPA Tour hailing from the collegiate ranks. This influx of tennis talent has significantly elevated the level of play in pickleball, with former NCAA champions, All-Americans, and doubles standouts now dominating the sport.In the men's singles rankings, six of the Top 10 players have collegiate tennis backgrounds. Tyson McGuffin, ranked No. 4, competed on the ATP tour after college, while Connor Garnett, ranked No. 3, was Novak Djokovic's long-time hitting partner. Federico Staksrud, the current No. 1, played at multiple universities, and Quang Duong, ranked No. 5, was a top-ranked ITF junior player.The men's doubles rankings are also heavily influenced by former collegiate tennis players, with half of the Top 10 and six out of ten in mixed doubles coming from that background. Staksrud, McGuffin, and Christian Alshon are all ranked in the Top 10 in all three categories.On the women's side, Catherine Parenteau has a similar story, holding Top 10 rankings in all three categories, including No. 1 in doubles with Anna Leigh Waters. Kaitlyn Christian and Lea Jansen are also in the Top 5 of the singles race.Parris Todd and Tyra Black both played professional tennis on the ITF tour before switching to pickleball in 2023. Todd is currently ranked No. 7 in the singles race, while Black is No. 8 in the doubles.Vivienne David and Tina Pisnik, two players who didn't play NCAA tennis but played and coached the sport respectively, are also in the mixed doubles race Top 10, along with four collegiate athletes.The influx of college tennis players into pickleball has not only raised the level of competition but has also helped to popularize the sport. With so many former collegiate stars now playing pickleball, the sport is gaining more attention and attracting new players.

Eugenie Bouchard, the former Wimbledon runner-up, has made a bold career shift from the WTA to the ATP—but not the ATP you might think. Bouchard has traded in her tennis racket for a pickleball paddle, becoming one of the most talked-about athletes in the rapidly growing sport.Bouchard's decision to pursue pickleball stemmed from a desire for a new challenge and to be part of a burgeoning sport. Despite her impressive tennis resume, she has embraced the learning curve in pickleball, acknowledging that she has "a long way to go."Her progress has been evident in recent tournaments. In October, she reached her first professional pickleball semifinal at the Rate Championships in Las Vegas. This week, at the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships in Dallas, Bouchard showcased her skills with an impressive "Around the Post" (ATP) shot, a tactic that requires exceptional agility and precision.The ATP shot, which involves hitting the ball outside the net post while being taken off the court, has earned Bouchard recognition and a place in the Top 10 on ESPN's SportsCenter. She has advanced to the round of 16 at the World Championships, further solidifying her status as a rising star in pickleball.Sam Querrey, another tennis player who has transitioned to pickleball, has praised Bouchard's talent, calling her the most underrated player in the sport. Bouchard's success in pickleball is a testament to her athleticism, adaptability, and determination to excel in a new arena.

Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has strong ties to tennis, with many professional pickleball players transitioning from the tennis court. Connor Garnett, currently ranked No. 3 in pickleball singles, is a prime example of this crossover.Garnett's tennis career began at Division I Santa Clara University. After graduating, he pursued a career in investment banking while also serving as Novak Djokovic's hitting partner. He also coached Simona Halep and other top tennis players.In 2022, Garnett made the switch to pickleball, quickly establishing himself as a top player. He earned silver in both singles and doubles in his first pro tournament and has since climbed to the top of the rankings.Garnett's success in pickleball is attributed to his exceptional athleticism and tennis background. His strong serve, quick reflexes, and court coverage skills have translated well to the pickleball court.The connection between pickleball and tennis is evident in the techniques and strategies used by players. Both sports require quick reflexes, precise shot placement, and a keen understanding of court positioning.As pickleball continues to gain popularity, it is likely that more tennis players will make the transition to the sport. The similarities between the two games make it an easy and rewarding switch for those with a tennis background.

Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in America, has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of Pickleballtv on Google Play and the Apple App Store. This groundbreaking platform offers unparalleled access to the world of pickleball, catering to both seasoned players and newcomers alike.Pickleballtv boasts an impressive library of over 3,000 hours of live matches from prestigious tournaments such as the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP). Subscribers can witness the electrifying performances of top-tier players like Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and Tyson McGuffin in real-time or catch up with full match replays on-demand. With up to six courts streaming live per event, pickleball enthusiasts won't miss a single point.Beyond live coverage, Pickleballtv provides a wealth of instructional content, exclusive lifestyle programming, and in-depth analysis of the latest pickleball news and trends. Whether you're seeking guidance to improve your game or want to delve into the vibrant pickleball culture, Pickleballtv has something for everyone.The platform's key features include:* Live Streaming & Replays: Access over 3,000 hours of live pickleball coverage and watch every match on demand.* Exclusive Content: Get the best instructional videos, celebrity competitions, and lifestyle programming.* Multi-Court Viewing: Watch up to six courts simultaneously, live and on replay.* DVR Features: Pause, rewind, and replay every exciting moment in HD.* Free Channel Access: Stream Pickleballtv FAST channel with free content, including selected matches and original shows.* Subscription Plans: Enjoy full access to Pickleballtv for only $5.99/month or $59.99/year. Plus, start with a 30-day free trial to explore all the premium features.Pickleballtv is available on Pickleballtv.com, iOS and Android mobile and tablet apps, and FAST channels such as Amazon Freevee, FireTV, Plex, Samsung TV+, The Roku Channel, LG, and Local Now. It can also be accessed through Fubo and DIRECTV STREAM.

Tennis Stars Embracing the Rise of PickleballThe world of professional pickleball is witnessing a surge of former tennis players, with over 22 individuals making the transition from the tennis court to the pickleball court. This trend is not limited to a few high-profile names like Jack Sock, Eugenie Bouchard, Donald Young, and Sam Querrey.Among the notable former tennis players now excelling in pickleball is Collin Johns, brother of pickleball sensation Ben Johns. Collin achieved a career-high ATP ranking of No. 978 in singles and No. 939 in doubles. Altalf Merchant, once India's top-ranked junior player, also made the switch. Parris Todd, who began competing on the ITF tour at age 14, has won over 85 titles.Remarkably, 12 of these former tennis pros also competed at the collegiate level. The PPA boasts first-team All-Americans like Lea Jansen, NCAA champions like Pablo Tellez, and accomplished doubles teams like brothers Yates and Hunter Johnson. Hunter Johnson notably defeated Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime during his ATP tour run and reached a career-high doubles ranking of world No. 198.Interestingly, a significant number of these former tennis players also coached, with some attributing their introduction to pickleball to their time at country clubs. Tyson McGuffin, who briefly competed collegiately and professionally, served as a head tennis pro for six years before discovering his passion for pickleball.For some pro pickleball players, tennis served as a stepping stone into the rapidly growing sport. Anna Leigh Waters, arguably pickleball's biggest star, played tennis and soccer before becoming the youngest pickleball pro at age 12. Alix Truong, a former high school tennis player who played first singles and doubles, also made the transition to pickleball.In conclusion, while Jack Sock, Eugenie Bouchard, Donald Young, and Sam Querrey are well-known names in both tennis and pickleball, they represent only a fraction of the former tennis players who have embraced the sport. With 90% of the 144 players currently listed on the PPA tour having a tennis background, it is evident that tennis and pickleball are becoming increasingly intertwined.

India is set to host the prestigious World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country. The event, scheduled to take place in Mumbai from November 12th to 17th, 2024, will bring together the world's top pickleball players following the successful legs of the championship in Vietnam and Bali, where Indian teams secured multiple medals.Powered by the World Pickleball League (WPBL), the WPC Series in India is expected to attract approximately 650 players from around the globe, including countries like Australia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Poland, and Singapore. The championship will feature competitions in various categories, showcasing the diverse talents of international teams and drawing attention from pickleball enthusiasts worldwide.Arvind Prabhoo, President of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), expressed his pride in hosting the WPC Series in India. He emphasized the opportunity to promote the growth of pickleball at all levels and inspire people to embrace the sport both competitively and recreationally. AIPA, along with its stakeholders, is committed to ensuring the success of the championship in India.Jan Papi, Founder of Pickleball Global and WPC Series, shared his enthusiasm for the event. He recognized India's potential for pickleball and expressed eagerness to collaborate with AIPA to elevate the sport's profile both domestically and internationally. Papi anticipates the energy and passion that India will bring to the championship.Pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has gained immense popularity globally, and India has witnessed a growing number of enthusiasts. The WPC Series promises to be a turning point for the development of the sport in the country and beyond.AIPA, as the governing body of pickleball in India, aims to popularize the sport and ensure its grassroots development. The association has initiated programs to identify talented players and provide them with comprehensive training under the guidance of experts. AIPA is also working towards gaining recognition from the Government and the Sports Authority of India.The WPC Series in India is expected to generate significant interest and excitement among pickleball enthusiasts and the general public. The event will provide a platform for Indian players to showcase their skills and compete against the world's best, while also promoting the sport and inspiring future generations of pickleball players.

Pickleball, the rapidly growing sport, is making its way to the silver screen with the upcoming comedy "The Dink." Former tennis world No. 1 Andy Roddick will make his big screen debut in the film, which stars Jake Johnson as a washed-up tennis pro forced to play pickleball to save a club in crisis.The film, produced by Ben Stiller's Red Hour Films, also features Mary Steenburgen and Ed Harris in supporting roles. Josh Greenbaum will direct the film, with Rivulet Films also producing. Filming is set to begin in Los Angeles this November.The news of "The Dink" has raised questions about whether it will have the same impact on pickleball as the Zendaya-led "Challengers" had on tennis this year. After the release of "Challengers," searches for "adult tennis lessons" increased by 245% worldwide, and the film generated award show buzz.Pickleball, already the fastest growing sport in the USA, is expected to gain even more popularity as "The Dink" introduces the sport to a wider audience. The film's release is likely to spark a surge in interest in pickleball, similar to the "tenniscore" trend that emerged after "Challengers."With its accessible gameplay and social nature, pickleball has attracted a diverse range of players, including celebrities like Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tom Brady. The sport's popularity has led to the construction of new courts and the formation of leagues and tournaments across the country."The Dink" is poised to further fuel the pickleball craze by showcasing the sport's humor, competitiveness, and inclusivity. The film's star-studded cast and the involvement of experienced producers like Ben Stiller suggest that "The Dink" has the potential to become a cultural phenomenon and introduce pickleball to a new generation of fans.