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Well, well, well, look who is finally ready to play some pro pickleball. Nick Kyrgios has gone from pickleball hater to pickleball investor, and now he is ready to dip his toe into pro competition. Find out where you can see him play below.

On the topic of tennis talent transferring to pickleball, Zane Navratil posted on X:

Christian Alshon was also happy to offer his services as an understudy in the comments. Alshon, if you don't remember, was previously embroiled in a Twitter battle against the likes of Andy Roddick, Nick Kyrgios and others. Looks like he finally has some backup.

In This Issue:

📓 USA Pickleball releases 2025 rulebook updates
💧 The return of Leigh Waters
📅 MLP unveils 2025 season calendar

Welcome, Nick.

Our Picks ☝️

🎁 Holidays: One week until Christmas

Red alert: we are one week from Christmas. Find what you need for the pickleballers on your list in The Dink Holiday Gift Guide.

🍝  Pasta: Bring Pickleball Pasta to the Potluck

Throw out your bowtie. Forget the farfalle. The only acceptable pasta from here on out is pickleball pasta.

🎥 Video: The Sounds of Pickleball

These fans said noise complaints be damned. They’re bringing the sounds of pickleball into their home kitchen. Did they nail their impression?

🎙️ Podcast: Hunter Johnson has his eyes on the no. 1 spot

Catch an all-new Picklepod tomorrow with special guest Hunter Johnson. After a slow start to 2024, Johnson racked up 3 PPA titles to end the year. Hear how he plans to reach no. 1 in 2025.

Get Yourself Out of a Jam

When the pressure is on, the middle is your best friend. In a breakdown of his semifinal match, pro James Ignatowich revealed his go-to defensive move during a tough dinking rally: drop the ball to the middle of the court.

Here’s why it works: targeting the middle reduces errors, avoids high-risk erne setups, and buys you time to reset. In this match, James used the tactic to neutralize his opponent’s attack and pave the way for his partner to regain control—eventually leading to a winning shot.

The lesson? When you're scrambling on defense, skip the hero shots. A simple drop to the middle keeps you in the game and frustrates your opponents. Remember, sometimes the smartest play is the safest one.

Got a Minute? Let’s Talk Pickleball Gear.

So, you're always looking for that edge on the pickleball court, right? Well, let us tell you about the HEAD Boom Tour EX Pickleball Paddle.

It’s perfect whether you're playing doubles or smashing it in singles. It's got this 11mm profile and a swing weight that feels just right in your hand, giving you the power and control where it counts.

And the tech? Top-notch. HEAD’s thrown in some cutting-edge stuff like the Handle Stabilizer Technology with a special 8S-Resin handle that cuts down on those annoying vibrations, giving you a stable feel as you play. They’ve also crafted this with thermoformed T700 raw carbon, so you get a consistent response and a wider sweet spot—essential for keeping those volleys going.

If you’re serious about stepping up your game, the Boom Tour EX is worth checking out. HEAD nailed it with this one. It might just be the best upgrade you make this season.

Kyrgios is Next Up For Pro Pickleball

Tennis stars Jack Sock and Nick Kyrgios are hinting at a new doubles partnership—this time on the pickleball court. During a recent episode of the "Nothing Major" podcast, the duo discussed teaming up for the upcoming PPA Australia Open, scheduled for late January to early February in Melbourne.

In a previous episode, Sock hinted at a return to the tennis world alongside Kyrgios. He asked tournament director James Blake if a partnership with Kyrgios would warrant a wildcard at the Miami Open.

This isn’t Kyrgios’ first foray into pickleball:

• He’s an investor in the Miami Pickleball Club alongside Patrick Mahomes

• Was outspoken in a tennis vs pickleball debate on X

• And, was spotted lighting up the court in rec play

A partnership of this magnitude would undoubtedly attract attention from both the pickleball and tennis communities. But now the question is, do they have a better chance at gold in a tennis return at the Miami Open or a first-time partnership on the pickleball court?

2025 Rules Updates from USA Pickleball

On Jan. 1, 2025, the new USA Pickleball Rulebook goes into effect. Every year players can submit suggestions for new rules to improve the game. If they pass through the approval process, the rules take effect the following year.

Changes that you need to be aware of for 2025 include:

• (Provisional Rule) Rally scoring is now an optional scoring format for both doubles and singles at USA Pickleball-sanctioned events

• 9.B.1. The act of volleying begins when the ball is struck out of the air before bouncing - This means if you touch the non-volley zone with your paddle prior to volleying a ball out of the air, it is no longer a fault. The act of the volley begins when the ball is struck, not when the swing motion begins.

On the serve:

• 4.A.5 The serve shall be made with only one hand or the paddle releasing the ball - A toss with the paddle is legal in 2025

• 4.C.2 …Verbal indicators to stop play such as “stop” and “wait” will be recognized - In addition to hand signals, verbal cues can be used to indicate you’re not ready to receive a serve

One of the more interesting additions can be found in Appendix Point 8, which aims to “Preserve the unique features and rules of the sport involving the Non-Volley Zone and the two-bounce rule and prevent one shot, one paddle, or type of play from dominating the sport.”

Last year was arguably the most tumultuous year on record when it comes to paddle regulation. We’ll see if this guideline impacts the state of paddles in 2025. We will cover more of the rules updates on Friday but until then you can download an official 2025 USA Pickleball Rulebook here.

Meet Your New Favorite Pickleball Companion

Meet CHUCK, the official ball of The Dink Minor League Pickleball National Championships and your new favorite playing partner!

The GAMMA CHUCK Pickleball changes the game with its 38 holes and a symmetrical pattern that ensures a true flight every time you hit the court.

Designed to withstand extreme outdoor temperatures, CHUCK guarantees durability without warping or cracking. Use the code DINK10 for 10% off your order.

Visit gammasports.com to learn more and grab your chuckload today.

Leigh Waters Makes Her Return

The PPA Tour is squeezing in one more tour stop before the ball drops on 2024. The Daytona Beach Open begins tomorrow, but PPA Tour points won at the event will count towards 2025 totals.

We’re back to a traditional format in Daytona, which means only one event per day and each event will be played through the semifinals.

Thursday: Men’s and Women’s Singles
Friday: Mixed Doubles
Saturday: Men’s and Women’s Doubles
Sunday: Championship Sunday

Leigh Waters Returns
Those new to the pro game have never seen Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters team up on the court. Before a knee injury sidelined Leigh Waters, the duo was in gold medal contention at every event.

With Catherine Parenteau sitting out from the event, it’s a perfect time for the Waters to pair up. ALW is only playing women’s doubles in Daytona, so no triple crown watch this weekend.

Holding on to the Top Spot
There are plenty of players sitting out from Daytona, but Federico Staksrud is not one of them. He is holding firm to the top spot and looking to add another title to his collection. Fed and Hayden Patriquin will look to maintain an undefeated record in men’s doubles.

Mixing Up Doubles
Mixed doubles received a complete shake-up in Daytona. The top seed belongs to the new duo of Anna Bright/Dekel Bar. They will likely face Jorja Johnson in the finals who is subbing in Big H for an absent JW Johnson.

Find a full preview for the event including podium predictions for our guy Erik Tice here. Tune into the action starting at 11 am ET tomorrow on Pickleball TV.

MLP Unveils 2025 Schedule

Tour Wars and a complicated merger process delayed the 2024 MLP season. The condensed calendar shortened the runway on both event planning and execution. Thankfully, next year will not have any of those issues.

MLP just released the 2025 schedule which includes the following:

• 10 regular season events | April 24 - August 3

• A mid-season tournament | Jul 10 - 13 in Grand Rapids, MI

• Two weeks of playoffs | Aug 15 -17 and Aug 22-24

• The MLP Cup | Oct 31 - Nov 2

As PPA Tour CEO Connor Pardoe discussed on the PicklePod, the 10 regular season events will be hosted by the team(s) in that city.

This change allows owners to tap into their resources to create unique events. As a result, the St. Louis event, July 17-20, will be held in the 10,000+ seat Chaifetz Arena.

Find the full 2025 MLP season calendar here.

Headlines & Quick Hits

• We Found the Perfect Holiday Read

• PB5star Unveils the Court2: Pickleball Shoe Built to Perform

• Inspiring Children Foundation uses pickleball for good

• Pickleball is Chic - Just look at Miami

Highlights

• Breaking ankles in the evening 🩼

• Check out the jets on this guy 🛩️

Missed a recent issue? We've got you covered

• This is the nation's best amateur team

• Perfecting the backhand flick

• The worst thing about pickleball

A review from the Dink Fam...

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