🏓 Waters & Johns Dominate + China Breakthrough

What a week for pickleball! From dominant performances at the PPA Tour Newport Shootout to groundbreaking international expansion in China, the sport continues its meteoric rise. Whether you're a tournament player or weekend warrior, this week's developments show pickleball is reaching new heights both on and off the court.

🏆 Tournament Highlights

The PPA Tour Newport Shootout in Rhode Island delivered championship-level performances across all divisions. Federico Staksrud dominated Men's Singles with a commanding 11-3, 11-8 victory over Connor Garnett, while Anna Leigh Waters returned to her winning ways in Women's Singles, dispatching Catherine Parenteau in straight games.

The doubles draws saw familiar faces on top of the podium. Brothers Ben and Collin Johns extended their Men's Doubles winning streak, while Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns continued their Mixed Doubles dominance. Waters added a second title, partnering with Catherine Parenteau to claim Women's Doubles gold.

In exciting crossover news, tennis legend Andy Roddick made his official Senior PRO debut at a regional APP event in Florida, advancing to the quarterfinals in Men's Doubles and generating significant buzz for the 50+ category.

📈 Industry & Business News

Skechers has officially entered the pickleball arena with a multi-year sponsorship deal as the "Official Athletic Shoe of the PPA Tour." This partnership marks another major mainstream brand's commitment to the sport's explosive growth.

On the equipment front, Selkirk launched the "Amped Epic" paddle featuring their new "Vanguard X" face material, promising enhanced spin and a larger sweet spot. Pre-orders are live with shipments beginning October 20th. Meanwhile, early reviews of the upcoming JOOLA PWR series praise the raw power and pop, though testers note a slight adjustment period for control. Official release is slated for mid-October.

League structure news leaked this week suggests Major League Pickleball's 2026 season will feature a new conference-based format to accommodate expansion, with official details expected in November. The APP Tour has already confirmed its 2026 season opener: the APP Viva Pickleball Tour in Las Vegas, February 12-16.

🏟️ Facility Development

Infrastructure growth continues nationwide. Omaha, Nebraska broke ground on "The Pickle Pod," a massive 30-court indoor facility scheduled to open Summer 2026 that will host both professional and amateur tournaments. Atlanta's Piedmont Park welcomed "Park & Paddle," a public-private partnership delivering 16 outdoor courts with LED lighting for night play and a dedicated pro shop.

🌍 Global Pickleball Growth

The Shanghai Open debuted as a sanctioned APP event this week, marking a monumental milestone in pickleball's expansion into the Asian market. Chinese national champions impressed international competitors with their skill level, signaling the sport's potential in the world's most populous country.

The European Pickleball Federation (EPF) launched its continental rankings system, a critical step toward standardizing competition and establishing qualifying pathways for continental championships across Europe.

🎯 Player Spotlight

Unfortunately, Parris Todd announced she'll be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season for preventative wrist surgery, though she's targeting a full recovery for the 2026 campaign.

For players looking to elevate their game, the PPA Tour launched "Path to Pro," a subscription-based video series featuring lessons and strategy breakdowns from top pros like Ben Johns and Tyson McGuffin, designed specifically for serious amateur players.

🤝 Community Impact

The "Pickleball for Parks" charity event demonstrated the sport's community spirit, with tournaments held in over 50 US cities raising an impressive $150,000 for local park improvements and youth sports programs.

The momentum in pickleball shows no signs of slowing down. From professional excellence to grassroots growth, our sport continues to inspire and unite players worldwide. See you on the courts, San Diego!

Stay tuned for next week's update, and keep dinking!