Spanish Season Finale: Gran Canaria Open Crowns Early Winners and Sets Stage for Epic Finals
Las Palmas, Spain – The Gran Canaria Open 2025, the sixth and final stop of the Pickle Pro Tour season sanctioned by the Real Federación Española de Tenis (RFET), concluded its double elimination rounds this week, revealing the last champions of the season. Held initially at the Club de Tenis Conde Jackson before moving to the picturesque centre court at the Plaza del alcalde Fernando Otroz Wiot on the Paseo de Las Canteras, the tournament attracted 101 players representing seven different nationalities.
The competition featured the highest level of European pickleball action. On the opening day, Gabriel Satrústegui was crowned the first champion, winning the +50 PRO Men’s Singles title against Juber Avilés. In the +18 TALENT Individual Masculino category, Jorge Delgado took the victory in a thrilling 22/21 tiebreak victory against José María Balmori.
By Friday’s session, which focused on the doubles categories, all semifinalists for the +18 PRO division were confirmed. The highly anticipated Double Masculino competition saw up to three players—Ignasi de Rueda, Jesús García, and David Illescas—vying for the national No. 1 ranking.
Saturday’s semifinal action at the seaside venue determined the finalists. Sabrina Méndez, the Women’s Singles ranking leader, dominated her semifinal match against Alicia García (21-14, 21-17), advancing to the final. Venezuelana Raquel Amaro also secured a spot in her second Pickle Pro Tour final after defeating María Pintor (17/21, 15/21). On the men’s side, Alberto Horcajuelo reached his first-ever circuit final by overcoming Dennis Uspensky (7-21, 22-21, 19-21). Favourite Ignasi de Rueda secured his second singles final appearance by besting Alexander Serrano.
Méndez will have a busy Sunday, as she also reached the Women’s Doubles final with María Costantino, overcoming Eleana Rodino and Alicia Roca. They will face debutante partnership Clara Contis and Rocío Cardo, who clinched a final spot by beating Alicia García and Celia Millón. In Men’s Doubles, Jesús García and David Illescas reached their fifth final together, defeating Ignasi de Rueda and Sergi Ventura. Finally, in Mixed Doubles, the international pairing of Americans Dennis Uspensky and Amanda Rosati advanced over Raquel Amaro and ‘Mike’ López, while Sabrina Méndez and Jesús García closed out the list of finalists. The action was broadcast live on the official Pickle Pro Tour Youtube channel.
English Nationals Silver Medalist Abby Fung’s Unexpected Rise in Pickleball
England, United Kingdom – Abby Fung, a student at the University of Essex, is riding a wave of unexpected competitive success in pickleball after securing a silver medal in women’s doubles at the English Nationals alongside partner Rachel McCrae. Despite falling short only against the formidable duo of Thaddea Lock and Molly O’Donoghue in the final, Fung emphasises the strategy that got them there: “You just fight every point,” she told Pickleball 52.
Fung confessed that she didn’t expect to be playing pickleball competitively at all, having attended the trials “for fun” only five times after initially coming from a tennis background. She believes tennis provides her with transferable skills for pickleball. Fung admitted that when she started in the Premier Pickleball League (PPL), she struggled with soft play and only drove the balls due to her tennis habits, noting a dramatic improvement since her first PPL match.
Adding to the irony of her Nationals final appearance, Fung is now on the same PPL team, Skechers, as her Nationals opponent, Thaddea Lock. She describes Skechers as a strong team where everyone gets along well and has their own strengths. The team is preparing to face Surrey Smash and North London Storm in match weekend 3. Looking back at her rapid growth, Fung reflected that she went from losing horribly in her first PPL match to being good enough for the Nationals final, calling it “actually quite a big improvement”.
Rhodri Oliver Champions Collective Strength for The Pickleball Store
England, United Kingdom – Rhodri Oliver, representing The Pickleball Store in the Premier Pickleball League (PPL), is advocating for the power of genuine team partnership as the league heats up. Oliver, a tax consultant by day who began playing pickleball four years ago and even started a club so he “had people to play with,” is preparing for the next match weekend.
His upcoming fixture holds special significance as The Pickleball Store faces off against his former team, the North London Storm. Oliver is eagerly anticipating the match, hoping his current team can “Bring The Rain” against his past colleagues.
Reflecting on the season, Oliver highlighted the achievement of defeating the previously unbeaten league leaders, R3, which propelled The Pickleball Store from sixth to second place on the leaderboard. He also proudly recalled executing a successful ATP defence during a match as a personal highlight.
Oliver emphasised the excellent dynamic within The Pickleball Store team, noting their good rapport and mutual support. The team features a wide range of ages and life experiences, which Oliver says makes it “all the more fun when you are looking to all achieve the same aim of destroying the opposition”. He has been particularly impressed by the significant improvement displayed by many PPL players this season, observing that genuine partnerships are forming and, in many cases, “the team is becoming greater than the sum of its parts”.
Draft Delight: Flynn Crosthwaite Hooked on Pickleball, Praises PPL Mentor Thaddea Lock
England, United Kingdom – Flynn Crosthwaite, a rising player in the Premier Pickleball League (PPL) Challenger circuit, is thrilled to be heading into his third weekend of intense action under the mentorship of Thaddea Lock. Despite his day job in the construction industry, Crosthwaite is focused on pickleball after having stopped playing football last year.
Crosthwaite, who entered the PPL draft for the first time, was surprised and delighted to be chosen as the second overall pick. He was refreshing Instagram on the morning of the draft when he saw the announcement, making it special to see Thaddea’s logo associated with his selection. Having only spoken to Thaddea a week prior at the Paris Open, he realised she is a major asset to the sport in England, Europe, and globally.
He praises Lock for being an excellent coach and mentor, dedicated to ensuring the Challenger team is comfortable and supporting them both on and off the court. Crosthwaite noted that his teammates are not only talented players but also “amazing off the court,” contributing to a “lovely team dynamic” despite the intense weekend schedules.
Crosthwaite’s enthusiasm extends beyond competition; like Lock, he hopes to introduce pickleball to a broader demographic. He describes the sport as inclusive and the community as welcoming, emphasising that it is an excellent way for people to stay active. “It’s literally for everyone,” he says, adding, “I started playing it and then I was like, ‘Actually, I’m hooked on this!’”.
Bollywood Cheers: Actor Sushanth Anumolu’s All Stars Compete in Hyderabad Pickleball League
Hyderabad, India – The Hyderabad Pickleball League (HPL) saw a touch of glamour on Friday night as actor Sushanth Anumolu’s team, the All Stars, continued their Friday-night matches. Anumolu, who recently announced his ownership of the team, appointed badminton player Sameer Varma as the All Stars’ icon player and captain. His involvement is aimed at contributing to the growth and development of the pickleball community within Hyderabad.
The All Stars received robust support from Anumolu’s family and friends present on the sidelines. Notable attendees included his mother Susheela Anumolu, cousins Sumanth Yarlagadda, Naga Chaitanya, and Sobhita Dhulipala. Also present at the star-studded event were actor Naveen Polishetty and Naga Vamsi of Sithara Entertainments, the team’s sponsor.
The HPL is comprised of eight franchises, with matches typically held every Friday. The league’s final playoff matches for the season took place on November 28, 2025.
Asian Contingent Soars: International Participation at Pickleball World Championships Jumps Five-Fold
Asia – International participation at the Pickleball World Championships 2025 saw a sharp rise, jumping from approximately one per cent last year to five per cent this year, marking a shift from a US-centric showcase to a global event. This rise was notably driven by Asian players, who brought varied styles to the court, including soft-hand dinks, lightning counters, and bold third-shot drives.
Vietnam fielded the largest delegation from Asia with 15 players, followed closely by Japan with 13 representatives. India contributed 10 players across the draws, showing strong regional presence. Other Asian countries represented included China, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Macau, and Pakistan.
Indian players performed well at the marquee event, which was held from November 4 to 9. Aman Patel clinched a gold medal in the Men’s Singles Open 5.0 category. Additionally, Nilesh Desai secured a silver medal with American partner Tyler Refling in the men’s doubles (4.5 and above) category, and Dev Shah earned a bronze medal. This audible and visible shift in international representation confirms pickleball’s growing global foothold.
Tubarão Prepares to Host Copa do Brasil de Pickleball 2025 with Record Registration
Tubarão, Brazil – The city of Tubarão is set to host the Copa do Brasil de Pickleball 2025 at the Santa Arena, starting this Friday, November 28th, and running until Sunday, November 30th. The event promises to mobilise the region, drawing over 400 participants competing across 38 different categories.
The competition features over 600 total registrations, underscoring the rapid growth and increasing adoption of the sport across the country. As a qualifying event for the national ranking, the Copa do Brasil will distribute up to 500 points to athletes and offers nearly R$ 40 thousand in prizes across various categories. Competitors are travelling from several states to participate.
Pickleball, which blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, originated in the United States in 1965 and has gained popularity in Brazil due to its dynamic, accessible, and easy-to-learn nature. Players use light paddles and a perforated plastic ball on a court smaller than a tennis court. The game’s rules, including the underhand serve and the “non-volley zone” near the net, make it attractive to players of all ages due to its lower physical impact. The tournament is organized by Santa Arena, the Federação Catarinense de Pickleball, and the Confederação Brasileira de Pickleball, with support from Arquitech and the Tubarão City Hall.
Cayman’s Inaugural 24-Hour ‘Dink for Pink’ Pickleball-a-thon to Battle Breast Cancer
Cayman Islands – The Breast Cancer Foundation Cayman is gearing up to host the islands’ inaugural 24-hour pickleball-a-thon, appropriately dubbed ‘Dink for Pink’, this weekend. Scheduled for Friday and Saturday, November 28-29, the high-energy community rally will take place at Pickleball Cayman. Currently, 20 teams have registered to participate in the non-stop endurance challenge.
The primary mission of the event is to raise crucial funds and awareness for comprehensive wellness initiatives, early detection, and breast cancer prevention across the islands. The funds raised will directly support the foundation’s local programs, which include providing free mammograms, wellness therapies, counselling, and educational initiatives aimed at supporting individuals and families throughout the Cayman Islands.
Beverly Edgington, chief administrator of the Breast Cancer Foundation Cayman, characterised the event as “a 24-hour rally of compassion and strength,” emphasizing that “every serve and rally makes an impact”. Edgington highlighted that the funds generated remain within the Cayman Islands to support survivors and drive early detection efforts. The community’s reaction has been “extraordinary,” reflecting a powerful shared commitment to survivor support and early detection.
Pro Star Federico Staksrud Announces Aspen Engagement Ahead of PPA China Appearance
Aspen, United States – Top pickleball professional Federico Staksrud, 29, shared joyous personal news with fans on Saturday, announcing his engagement to girlfriend Selena Sherifi via Instagram. Staksrud proposed to Sherifi during a trip to Aspen, nestled in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
The announcement was met with a flood of congratulations from fellow players, including praise from Tyson McGuffin, who wrote, “Prince in action,” and Christian Alshon, who commented, “Winning on and off the court”. Roscoe Bellamy jokingly added, “Ahhhh now I know why he went to Aspen! Congrats bro!!!”. Travis Rettenmaier also extended his felicidades, recalling a conversation in Daytona that made Staksrud’s decision clear.
The engagement comes just before Staksrud embarks on an international journey to China. He is scheduled to participate in the PPA Tour Asia’s final event of the season, the Hangzhou Open, which runs from December 3-6 at the Linping Sports Center. Staksrud enters the tournament as the top seed in the men’s singles bracket. He will also compete in men’s doubles with Armaan Bhatia and mixed doubles alongside Alix Truong. Other notable players travelling to China for the event include Connor Garnett, Blaine Hovenier, Tama Shimabukuro, and Zoey Wang.
Mumbai Pickleball Gains Major Boost as IPA Affiliates Khar Gymkhana
Mumbai, India – Mumbai’s thriving pickleball ecosystem has received a significant lift with the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) granting official affiliation status to the prestigious Khar Gymkhana. This move by India’s national governing body for pickleball is expected to accelerate structured training pathways and strengthen tournament exposure within the city, solidifying Mumbai’s standing as an influential national centre for the sport.
The IPA celebrated the affiliation on social media, noting that it recognises Khar Gymkhana’s increasing role in nurturing players and strengthening the sport’s grassroots ecosystem. As an affiliate, the Gymkhana is now eligible for numerous benefits under the IPA program, including access to IPA resources and support, as well as participation in official leagues and development programs.
Mumbai has long served as one of India’s most active pickleball hubs, consistently developing top-tier national talent. Recent success stories from the city include Arjun Singh, who won the open men’s singles title at the IPA Nationals, and the Amalsadiwala sisters, Pearl and Naomi, who collectively secured six medals. These achievements contributed to Maharashtra winning the team event title, demonstrating Mumbai’s expanding competitive base. Given the ever-growing community, the IPA’s timely decision is poised to further energize the city’s vibrant pickleball culture.
Asian Pickleball Association Endorses Indian Pickleball League Ahead of Inaugural Season
New Delhi, India – The Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) has secured a substantial boost ahead of its inaugural 2025 season with the official endorsement of the Asian Pickleball Association (APA). This partnership, announced Friday, marks a significant milestone that is expected to strengthen India’s position on the global pickleball map while elevating the sport’s profile across Asia.
The APA, serving as the premier governing body for pickleball across the continent, sanctions international tournaments, develops standards, and fosters cross-border participation. Its backing provides crucial legitimacy to the IPBL, which is set to host six franchises in its debut edition. The first season, launched by The Times Group, is scheduled to take place from December 1–7, 2025, at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi, establishing the city as an epicentre for the “next major sporting revolution” in India.
The IPBL, sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA)—recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports—has already amassed a strong lineup of partners. Adani has signed on as the Powered By partner, while Delhi Tourism joins as the Tourism Partner. Broadcast partners providing live streaming and highlights include Zoom, Mirror Now, Pickleball Now, Times Play, Waves, Dailyhunt, and DD Sports. Additional partners include District (ticketing), Mirchi (radio), Gaana (music streaming), Joola (equipment), and Prakash Hospitals (medical). The PWR (Pickleball World Ranking) national system will track the performance of players, forming the foundation for national team selection.
Punjab Pickleball Association Launches Major Grassroots Initiative in State Schools
Punjab, India – The Punjab Pickleball Association (PPA), with support from the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), is making significant strides in growing the sport at the grassroots level across the state. The association’s strategic mission is focused on introducing pickleball to the next generation of Indian players by taking the sport directly into schools.
Over the last few months, the PPA has conducted demonstration sessions in more than 50 schools, successfully introducing thousands of students to the sport. Furthermore, the associations have already helped at least five schools construct their own dedicated pickleball courts, with a guarantee to assist partner schools in developing their infrastructure to ensure long-term access.
Virameet Singh, State Secretary at the Punjab Pickleball Association, affirmed the organisation’s clear objective: “to take pickleball to every school in Punjab,” noting that the excitement among students is inspiring. AIPA President Arvin Prabhoo, who is also the President of the Asia Federation of Pickleball, expressed pride in supporting the initiative, stating that the PPA is “building sustainable platforms for children to grow, train, and compete”. Prabhoo believes this commitment reflects the future of Indian pickleball and will nurture young players who will eventually represent India globally.
PPA Pro James Ignatowich Set for Clinics and Appearances in the Philippines
Philippines – Filipino pickleball fans and players are in for a significant event as The Pickle Yard is bringing American professional player James Ignatowich to the country in December. Known for his dynamic athleticism, powerful, attacking style, and sharp hands at the kitchen line, Ignatowich is recognised for his aggressive drives and ability to control tempo during fast exchanges.
Ignatowich is also the Founder of RPM, a fast-rising pickleball paddle manufacturer, designing the paddles himself. During his whirlwind trip, the pro player will meet fans, promote his brand, and hold dedicated pickleball clinics. He will also engage in play sessions with selected local players.
His appearances are scheduled for Pickle Yard Dasma on December 15–16, 2025, followed by an appearance at Pickle Yard SOMO on December 17, 2025. The Pickle Yard, a prominent pickleball brand with multiple facilities in the Philippines, is currently offering tickets for fan participation.
Adrian Gray Appointed Officiating Coordinator for Pickleball Australia
Australia – Pickleball Australia (PA) has announced the appointment of Adrian Gray as the organisation’s new Officiating Coordinator. Gray, who brings extensive experience to the role, is a well-known figure in the Australian pickleball community.
Gray is based in Queensland and has a professional background as a teacher spanning over 20 years. His credentials include serving as the former President of the Pickleball Association of Queensland, and he has previously acted as a head referee at several Australian Ranking (AR) tournaments across the country. Furthermore, he is an IPTPA-qualified coach and an accredited educator referee, demonstrating his comprehensive commitment to both teaching and playing the sport.
Gray expressed his excitement for the new opportunity, stating, “I am looking forward to developing the education and accreditation side of officiating”. He believes his prior role as Queensland’s President allowed him to network nationally with administrators, officials, and committees, positioning him well to work across all states in his new role.
Malaysia’s LinkedUp Asia Unveils 3.5 Accelerator Programme and Calls for Beta Testers
Malaysia – LinkedUp Asia Sdn Bhd, a key player in the Malaysian pickleball scene and the nation’s premier training and sports management company, has announced the launch of the 3.5 Accelerator Programme in early 2026. The new structured training curriculum is powered by Titan Ball Machines and is specifically designed to help players achieve a 3.5 playing standard.
The six-lesson program combines expert coaching with the Titan Ball Machine to facilitate improvement, focusing on refining techniques and mastering essential pickleball fundamentals.
In preparation for the official 2026 release, LinkedUp Asia will host a free Beta Test Trial Session on November 27 at myPickle Lifetime, The Strand. This session aims to optimise the program and ensure the highest quality of training for the following year. The beta trial will focus on developing technically sound forehand drives. Participants, who should be aspiring 3.5 players, will receive individual feedback, forehand driving drills using the ball machine, and access to a “correction court” for detailed technical adjustments.
South Korea Embraces Pickleball as Accessible ‘Lifestyle Sport’ Fuels Rapid Growth
Seoul, South Korea – Pickleball is experiencing a significant boom across South Korea, positioning itself as a widely accessible “lifestyle sport”. Although the sport’s surge across Asia has often centred on India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, South Korea is now rapidly joining the trend after the sport was introduced around 2016.
The momentum is largely attributed to the sport being easier to learn and far less physically demanding than established mainstream sports like tennis, igniting widespread interest across all age groups. The establishment of the Korea Pickleball Association in 2018 further accelerated this growth, leading to a proliferation of competitions for the fast-expanding community. A key milestone occurred last year with the opening of the Oak Valley Pickleball Park in Wonju, Gangwon Province, which currently stands as the largest dedicated pickleball facility in the country.
Coach Lee Tae-ho, 32, is a central figure driving the sport forward, dedicated to guiding newcomers. Lee, who was running his own business before getting “hooked on pickleball,” points to its accessibility as its primary charm. American resident Bridget Martin noted that while the number of elite professionals is still limited, the general skill level of enthusiasts in South Korea is impressive and “no less than that of Americans,” high praise considering the US is the birthplace of the sport. With expanding infrastructure and growing community interest, signs indicate that the sport is poised for an even bigger breakthrough.
Eagles Nest Tagaytay Blends Holiday Relaxation and Pickleball Action with New Outdoor Court
Tagaytay City, Philippines – Holiday getaways are increasingly incorporating pickleball, and Eagles Nest Tagaytay, a popular holiday home rental, is leading the trend in the Philippines by opening an outdoor private pickleball court for its guests. The addition caters specifically to pickleball-loving guests who wish to play a match or two while enjoying a well-deserved getaway.
Eagles Nest Tagaytay’s private court is set against a scenic backdrop of nature, providing players with a picturesque setting and fresh, clean air. The open-air court is designed for maximum fun and fitness, promising a fantastic playing experience. Guests can utilise the court day or night while being surrounded by “stunning nature vibes”.
To celebrate the launch, Eagles Nest Tagaytay is offering a soft opening promotion that allows guests to enjoy exclusive rates, including a discount of up to 10% when booking a stay. This initiative reinforces the growing global trend of holiday destinations integrating pickleball experiences into their offerings.
Two-Handed Backhand Dominates Pro Pickleball, Sparking Debate Over Overuse
United States – The two-handed backhand (“twoey”) has rapidly transformed from a rarity to a staple in professional pickleball, but its newfound prevalence has sparked a debate among analysts about its proper application and overuse, especially among junior players. Historically, only a few men, such as Dave Fleming, employed the shot a decade ago. By 2022-2023, players like Riley Newman, Connor Garnett, and James Ignatowich were using it, yet it remained uncommon among the majority of pros.
The game-changing moment came at PPA Bristol in August 2024, when Quang Duong demonstrated an aggressive, crosscourt, two-handed backhand dink that inspired nearly every professional to start working on the “twoey”. The prediction that the shot would become nearly ubiquitous by the end of 2025 has proven accurate, with players like Ben Johns and Federico Staksrud now using the twoey for dinks.
However, the shot has quickly become “overused,” particularly among juniors. The twoey is highly effective for drives, defensive blocking, resetting, and crosscourt roll dinks, but it severely limits a player’s reach and does not provide needed power for men during volleys. Many players, especially top singles contenders like Chris Haworth, John Lucian Goins, and Gabe Joseph, struggle in doubles because they overuse the two-handed backhand on volleys, limiting their versatility. The best teenage player, Hayden Patriquin, uses the twoey correctly—hitting roll dinks with two hands but volleying one-handed—demonstrating the necessary balance for success in doubles.
Times Network Launches Global Expansion of World’s First Dedicated Pickleball Channel, ‘Pickleball Now’
India – Times Network, India’s leading broadcast network, has announced the global expansion of Pickleball Now, the world’s first dedicated pickleball TV channel available across Connected TV and digital platforms. Positioned as a comprehensive hub for the world’s fastest-growing sport, the channel delivers a wide array of content, including live international tournament coverage, tactical breakdowns, player interviews, and global news.
Since its initial launch, Pickleball Now has showcased major international tournaments across various circuits, including the NPL Australia events in Sydney and Brisbane, the PWR DUPR India Masters, and the Pickleball World Cup. Starting December 1, 2025, the channel will also broadcast the inaugural edition of the Indian Pickleball League live.
To meet accelerating global interest, the channel is expanding its programming to include Global LIVE Tournament Coverage across continents and the PWR World Tour 2026, which will feature stops in Japan, the UK, Italy, the USA, and Brazil. The platform is also developing skill development content, strategy explainers, and features on community and club stories. Distribution is set to span smart TVs and OTT platforms, rolling out globally on platforms like BOTIM, Distro, YuppTV, and Rumble, with planned integrations across the US, MENA, ANZ, and the UK. Times Network stated that this expansion is a significant step in delivering high-quality, year-round coverage to connect fans, athletes, and leagues across continents.
Chris Beaumont
Founder and Editor-in-ChiefChris 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…
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