Here are some of the most interesting things that happened in the sport of pickleball this week:
- Tennis star Jack Sock has begun to play pickleball and believes it will be his future. Sock, a former world No. 8 in singles and No. 2 in doubles, is playing his first pro pickleball tournament this weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina. He also remains a pro tennis player and hopes to compete in both sports.
- The Woodlands to open major pickleball facility to accommodate growing interest in sport. The Woodlands Township in Texas is planning to open a 16-court pickleball facility by the end of 2023, which will be one of the largest in the state. The facility will host tournaments, leagues, clinics and open play for pickleball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
- Pickleball enthusiast pursues stately achievement. Bob Haskin, a 72-year-old retiree from Wisconsin, has set a goal to play pickleball in all 50 states by the end of 2023. He has already visited 38 states and played with hundreds of people along the way. He says pickleball is a great way to stay fit, make friends and see the country.
- Three National Governing Bodies announce formation of the Pickleball Federation of the Americas (PFA). The National Governing Bodies for the sport of pickleball in the United States, Canada and Mexico have created and launched the PFA, the first continental pickleball federation in the Americas. The PFA aims to promote the development and growth of pickleball across the continent and beyond, as well as to organize regional competitions and events.
- PicklePod Ep 51: Ben Johns Sounds Off. In the latest episode of the PicklePod podcast, hosted by The Dink Media Team, Ben Johns, the No. 1 ranked pro pickleball player in the world, shares his thoughts on various topics related to the sport, such as performance enhancing drugs, paddle technology, prize money, ratings and rankings, and more. He also reveals some of his personal goals and challenges for 2023.