🏓 Ben Johns Wins Big + Lucy Kovalova Retires

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What a week for pickleball! From Ben Johns' continued dominance on the APP Tour to a heartfelt retirement announcement from a legend of the game, this week delivered thrilling competition, exciting innovations, and remarkable growth milestones. Plus, our very own San Diego made headlines with an inspiring adaptive pickleball initiative!

🏆 Tournament Highlights

Ben Johns continues his winning streak at the APP Newport Beach Open, capturing both Men's Pro Singles and Men's Doubles titles alongside brother Collin Johns. This marks his third consecutive APP singles victory since joining the tour for select events, reinforcing his position as the sport's most dominant player.

In a major upset, teen phenom Anna Leigh Waters fell in the semifinals to Salome Devidze, paving the way for Lea Jansen to claim her first major title of the 2025 season in Women's Singles. The victory marks a breakthrough moment for Jansen and signals increasing depth in the women's professional game.

In bittersweet news, multiple-time national champion Lucy Kovalova announced her retirement from professional pickleball. Known for her fierce mixed doubles partnerships and historic rivalries, Kovalova will transition into full-time coaching and mentorship—a tremendous gain for the next generation of players.

📈 Industry & Business News

JOOLA has released the latest evolution of Ben Johns' signature paddle: the Hyperion CFS 16. Featuring an upgraded "Control-Flex-Spin" surface and extended handle, the paddle is engineered for enhanced topspin and two-handed backhand stability—perfect for players looking to elevate their game.

Not to be outdone, Selkirk Labs unveiled their experimental "Amped Omni" core technology, promising a larger sweet spot without power loss. Available through limited release for player testing, this innovation could reshape paddle design in coming years.

Major League Pickleball finalized team rosters for the upcoming season, with Tyson McGuffin joining the D.C. Pickleball Club to team up with Catherine Parenteau. This powerhouse pairing has fans buzzing about championship potential.

🌍 Global Pickleball Growth

Europe's pickleball revolution continues with the opening of "Pickleball Madrid"—Spain's first dedicated pickleball complex featuring 12 indoor courts, a pro shop, and coaching academy. The facility will host APP International events in 2026, marking a milestone for Southern European growth.

Closer to home, Johnson County, Kansas broke ground on a $5 million expansion adding 20 outdoor pickleball courts, scheduled to open Spring 2026. Meanwhile, Pickleball England reported a stunning 45% year-over-year increase in registered club players, driven by youth and senior programming.

Internationally, the Japan Pickleball Association announced its inaugural National Championship for December 2025 in Tokyo, while the APP Tour confirmed its first Middle Eastern tournament in Dubai, UAE for 2026.

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⚖️ Rules & Regulations

USA Pickleball issued an important clarification on the "chain link net rule": if a ball strikes the horizontal band between fence sections behind the baseline and bounces back into play, it remains a dead ball and is out. This ruling eliminates confusion at outdoor facilities and ensures consistent play.

🎯 Player Spotlight

San Diego made us proud this week! The new Warrior Pickleball Center hosted a free adaptive pickleball clinic for injured and disabled veterans, with instruction provided by PPA and APP touring professionals. This inspiring initiative exemplifies the inclusive spirit that makes our sport special.

The "Pickle4All" charity event in Austin, Texas raised over $150,000 for youth sports accessibility programs, featuring exhibitions from top pros and demonstrating pickleball's growing commitment to community impact.

📅 Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars! The PPA Tour announced its 2026 season opener: the PPA Masters in Boca Raton, Florida (January 15-19). Early bird amateur registration opens next week. Additionally, USA Pickleball's "Youth Pickleball Month" launches in November 2025 with free lesson plans and equipment grants for schools nationwide.

What an incredible week for our sport! From groundbreaking facilities to inspiring community initiatives right here in San Diego, pickleball continues to grow and unite players worldwide. See you on the courts!

Dink responsibly,
Your San Diego Pickleball Community Team