Over the past week, several notable events have unfolded in the world of pickleball:
Veolia Pickleball National Championships Highlights
The Veolia Pickleball National Championships in Cary, North Carolina, showcased remarkable performances:
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Anna Leigh Waters’ Milestone: Top-ranked player Anna Leigh Waters secured her 195th and 196th career titles, bringing her closer to the 200-title milestone. (pickleball.com)
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Dominant Duo: Anna Bright and Anna Leigh Waters clinched the women’s doubles title, defeating Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black with a decisive 11-5, 11-6, 11-3 victory. (pickleball.com)
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Mixed Doubles Upset: In a surprising turn, Jorja and JW Johnson upset the top-seeded Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns in the mixed doubles semifinals, winning 4-11, 11-9, 11-6. (pickleball.com)
Equipment and Legal Developments
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JOOLA Patent Settlements: JOOLA reported that seven paddle brands have settled patent disputes, though some companies, like Diadem, have yet to respond, leading to potential default judgments. (brandedpickleball.com)
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Selkirk’s New Pickleball Bag: Selkirk introduced a redesigned pickleball bag featuring dedicated ball storage, spacious water bottle pockets, and innovative paddle sleeves, reflecting a two-year development process. (brandedpickleball.com)
Upcoming Events
- Veolia Arizona Open: The second stop of the 2026-2027 Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour season is set to take place in Mesa, Arizona, at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. (fancypickle.com)
These developments highlight the dynamic and evolving nature of pickleball, encompassing player achievements, equipment innovations, and the sport’s expanding competitive landscape.
