Three first-time champions. One double-gold winner. And a whole lot of drama. The PPA Virginia Beach Open had a little bit of everything. Kate Fahey stole the show, a brand-new men's doubles pairing struck gold, and one singles champ went the entire tournament without dropping a game. Not bad for a weekend at the beach. We've got the full rundown below.
In This Issue:
— 5 pickleball tips to stop following
— The push for one paddle standard
— Stop apologizing for good shots
Let’s get on with it.
Our Picks 👆
🔥 Best Dressed: Fire Fits on Two Continents
From Sofia Sewing's emerald-green dress to Dylan Frazier's Spider-Man jersey, the pros brought serious style to Virginia Beach and Australia. See who made our best-dressed list.
🤝 Instant Chemistry: Win With Any Partner
Paired with a stranger at open play? Pro Zane Navratil shares how to build doubles chemistry fast, from scouting your partner during warmups to owning the middle and avoiding the blame game. Watch his tips for clicking with anyone.
😬 Crowd Control: Franklin Faces Fan Backlash
Fans hoping to catch Anna Leigh Waters in Malaysia got more than they bargained for: overcrowding, frustrated spectators, and a public apology from Franklin Malaysia. Here's what went down.
🇦🇺 Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Hunter Steals the Show
Hunter Johnson survived a wild three-game final against Christian Alshon in Brisbane, then led the crowd in a rousing “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!” chant. Full event recap, right here.
5 Pickleball Tips You Need to Stop Following
Some of the most common pickleball advice is officially past its prime. The game has evolved, and according to APP pro and coach Jilly B, your strategy should, too.
Here are five outdated tips — and what to do instead:
“Only attack green balls.” Forget the traffic light system. Even low balls are attackable if they're dead, with little pace or spin, and you're balanced.
“Hit it high, you die.” Pop one up? Don't panic. Step back, get your paddle up, and prepare to counter the inevitable smash.
“Always dink crosscourt.” Under pressure, go middle instead. It's the lowest part of the net and easier to defend.
“Track the ball with your paddle.” Move your feet first. Keep your paddle centered in front of your body, not reaching out to the sides.
“Aim for the lines.” Stop chasing corners on putaways. Target the middle for more margin and fewer errors.
Five small adjustments. A whole new perspective on today’s game.
Every Move Starts At Your Feet
Pickleball is a lateral game. Quick shuffles at the kitchen, split steps, sprints back for a lob.
Your shoes do the work on every one of them.
The Franklin ACV Pros are built for range on the pickleball court, from baseline sprints to fast lateral cuts.
And now, they come in two new colorways: White/University Blue and Black & White.
Hayden Patriquin wears them. You can, too.
First-Time Champs Highlight PPA Virginia Beach
No Ben Johns. No Anna Leigh Waters. No problemo. The PPA Virginia Beach Open delivered a weekend full of fresh faces, first-time champions, and some serious drama.
Kate Fahey stole the show, claiming double gold in women's singles and mixed doubles just one day before her 30th birthday.
Meanwhile, Sofia Sewing, Elliott Schupp, and Jaume Martinez Vich all captured their first career PPA titles. Schupp and Martinez Vich did it together in their first tournament as partners.
And how's this for a comeback? Fahey and Eric Oncins trailed 8-2 in the deciding game of the mixed final before storming back to win 11-9.
Here's who took home the hardware:
Women's Doubles: Catherine Parenteau / Sofia Sewing def. Alix Truong / Layne Sleeth
Men's Doubles: Elliott Schupp / Jaume Martinez Vich def. Noe Khlif / Riley Newman
Mixed Doubles: Kate Fahey / Eric Oncins def. Catherine Parenteau / Riley Newman
Women's Singles: Kate Fahey def. Helena Jansen Fink
Men's Singles: John Lucian Goins def. Jaume Martinez Vich
Notably, Goins didn't drop a single game all tournament. Casual.
Stop Saying Sorry for Being Good at Pickleball
We've all been there. Your opponent hits a beautiful, perfectly placed winner. You never stood a chance. And what do they say?
“Sooorrrry.”
Enough already.
There's a growing debate in pro pickleball about whether excessive screaming and taunting should be penalized. But at the rec level, we've got the opposite problem: People apologizing for shots they genuinely earned.
A lucky net cord? Fine. Throw up a hand. But a nasty drop, perfectly placed lob, or wicked crosscourt dink? Own that masterpiece.
Pickleball is a competitive sport. Winning points is kind of the whole idea. So stop apologizing for being good, and start enjoying it.
No mercy. No sorries. Maybe just don't scream about it.
Your Gear Called. It Wants An Upgrade.
It’s time for a fall reset.
The weather’s turning, and so is the gear you’ve been putting off. A worn grip. A tired bag. Something that’s been due for a replacement since July.
Midwest Racquet Sports stocks the brands you know in paddles, apparel, balls, bags, and more. All in one place, so your whole list can go in one cart.
Shop Midwest Racquet Sports (and don’t forget to use code THEDINK at checkout for up to 15% off your order.)
Paddle Wars: One Sport, One Standard?
Pickleball has a paddle problem. Two governing bodies, two certification standards, and a whole lot of confusion over which paddles are actually legal.
UPA-A President Jason Aspes thinks it's time to end the madness.
In a pointed new essay, Aspes calls for USA Pickleball and UPA-A to combine forces and create one universal paddle certification standard for recreational, amateur, and professional play.
His proposal? Combine USA Pickleball's global reach with UPA-A's performance testing, then hand oversight to an independent committee free of sponsorship conflicts.
“Two standards cost everyone,” Aspes writes.
He also takes aim at USA Pickleball's handling of controversial paddle approvals, raising questions about transparency, inconsistent testing, and commercial influence.
The catch? Both organizations would have to surrender some control. And that's easier said than done.
For players, though, the goal couldn't be simpler: One approved paddle list. No guesswork. No drama.
Headlines & Quick Hits
By the Numbers: The Pickleball Facility Paradox
Why Seniors Should Prioritize Consistency Over Power
Win More Points by Playing the Body Not the Line
Highlights
Protestors storm APP court
Could Alshon be the next GOAT?
Does DUPR vary by geography?
Not always so graceful
Missed a recent issue? We've got you covered
A review from the Dink Fam...
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