David Zapatka
The Australian Open Tennis Championships, known as the “Happy Slam,” made history this year when it hosted the Australian Open Pickleball Championships in tandem with their famous tennis tournament on finals weekend, January 24-26. Tennis court #3 was transformed into center court for the pickleball championships. $100,000 in prize money was offered. The event showcased pickleball’s fast-paced action and spirited camaraderie. Fans of all ages watched the drama and the fun unfold.
Pickleball’s charm has extended beyond the court to capture the attention of celebrities and sporting legends alike, with fans including Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Tom Brady, Taylor Swift, and George and Amal Clooney. Research shows that pickleball offers profound health and happiness benefits. Studies reveal that the sport promotes physical fitness and fosters meaningful social connections, particularly in later life, contributing to overall well-being and joy, making it a perfect fit for the “Happy Slam.” Chief Australian Open Tennis Officer Tom Larner said, “This is a great addition for the Australian Open, the sport that makes you happier finding a home at the ‘Happy Slam.’ Pickleball is a sport for everyone, and its rapid growth globally highlights its unique ability to connect people of all ages and backgrounds. By bringing pickleball to the AO, we’re embracing the future of racquet sports and providing an incredible experience for players and fans alike.” A statement this strong by the tennis officer of one of the four major grand slam hosts shows just how mainstream pickleball has become.
Our sport has arrived! Did you see the Anheuser-Busch InBev Ultra beer pickleball ad during the Super Bowl?! Pickleball was being talked about around the country while people were watching the biggest sporting event of the year!
Three hundred and eighty-one 3.0 – 5.0 amateurs, Junior PPA, and PPA professional players competed in the Australian Open event. This was the first PPA tournament held outside the USA.
In the PPA men’s pro singles tournament, players from the USA and Vietnam made it to the semi-finals with Gabe Tardio besting Tyson McGuffin in the finals of the men’s singles division.
In the women’s singles pro division, three Aussies and one American made it through the draw. American Kaitlyn Christian ousted Australian Somer Dalla-Bona in the final.
Americans dominated the mixed pro doubles taking all four semi-final spots. Tyson McGuffin and Lacy Schneemann eked out a 5-game-finals win vs. Jesse Irvine and Gabe Tardio.
American men dominated the men’s pro doubles taking all the semi-final spots with Tyson McGuffin and Gabe Tardio winning the finals in another 5-game match against Quang Duong and 18-year-old CJ Klinger.
American women dominated the women’s pro doubles taking all the semi-final spots with Lacy Schneeman and Vivian Glozman besting Tyra Black and Allyce Jones in a 4-game match.
Have a question about pickleball? Want to know more about the sport, the rules, equipment or have some pickilicious news you would like to share with our pickleball community? Email David Zapatka at [email protected].