Ben Cawston’s Promising Pickleball Debut: Ben Cawston, a seasoned veteran in the sport of rackets, made waves at the Veolia Milwaukee Open PPA Tour by qualifying for his first U.S. pickleball tournament. Known for his lightning-fast reflexes and strategic play in rackets—an intense sport blending elements of squash and racquetball—Cawston transitioned to pickleball with surprising ease. Despite having only picked up a pickleball paddle a year ago, the current World No. 1 in rackets has shown a competitive spirit that’s already starting to pay off.
Cawston’s debut at the Veolia Milwaukee Open was a testament to his adaptability. He started in the men’s singles pro qualifier and earned a spot in the main draw, impressing fans and fellow players.
Playing with an Engage paddle, Cawston showed his impressive athleticism and quick-thinking, despite the challenges of a long flight from London and a dramatic time zone shift. While fatigue might have affected his performance in his final match, it was clear that Cawston is a force to be reckoned with in pickleball.
“Every day this week I’ve gone to bed at 7 p.m. and woken up at about 2 a.m. I’m a little tired, but the morning matches help because it feels like the middle of the day for me.” – (Ben Cawston)
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The Challenges of Transitioning: From Rackets to Pickleball
Transitioning from rackets to pickleball isn’t as simple as picking up a new paddle. While both sports share fast-paced, high-intensity elements, Cawston noted that pickleball is far more touch-based, relying on strategy and finesse rather than raw power.
“Rackets is a very fast-paced sport, as is pickleball, but pickleball is a lot more touch-based and more top spin where we can chip and slice the ball around. It’s definitely a different kind of sport for me, especially in singles, but I quite like running about which is where rackets helps me.” – (Ben Cawston)
This subtle difference in the game’s tempo presents a learning curve, especially for someone accustomed to the explosive pace of rackets, where the ball can travel between 180-200 miles per hour.
Despite these challenges, Cawston was undeterred. He credited his success in racket sports with helping his pickleball game, especially when it came to movement and fitness. “I quite like running about, which is where rackets helps me,” he said.
Though he faced an early exit in the singles qualifier, Cawston’s competitive spirit and his promising future in pickleball are undeniable. His appearance at the Veolia Milwaukee Open is likely just the beginning of what could be a long and successful career in the sport.
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News in Brief: Ben Cawston’s Promising Pickleball Debut
Ben Cawston, the World No. 1 player in rackets, made his U.S. pickleball debut at the Veolia Milwaukee Open, impressing with his swift transition to the sport. Despite having picked up a pickleball paddle just a year ago, Cawston qualified for the men’s singles main draw, showcasing his athleticism and quick reflexes.
Though fatigue impacted his final match, Cawston’s competitive spirit and adaptability were clear. His debut marks a promising start, and his background in racket sports may fuel further success in pickleball.
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