Nick Kyrgios to Make Pro Pickleball Debut: In a breaking news announcement, KOTC’s Jimmy Miller revealed that Anna Leigh Waters will play in the 2025 US Open and team up with her mother, Leigh Waters. The duo also competed together in the 2024 US Open, where they showcased their impressive skills on the court.
Top Rankings for Anna Leigh Waters and the Men’s Division
The final season rankings have been set prior to the end of the Tour finals. Anna Leigh Waters has secured the #1 spot in all three disciplines—Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles—solidifying her place as one of the top players in the sport.
On the Men’s side, the titles were split among three different players: Federico Staksrud finished #1 in Men’s Singles, Collin Johns took the top spot in Men’s Doubles, and Ben Johns finished #1 in Mixed Doubles.
Nick Kyrgios to Play Pickleball with Jack Sock
In a major announcement on the Tennis-themed Nothing Major Podcast, guest Nick Kyrgios committed to playing Pro Pickleball doubles with Jack Sock at the upcoming PPA Australia Open.
The podcast, hosted by four former US Tennis pros (three of whom are now involved in Pickleball), discussed the growing crossover between tennis and pickleball, with Kyrgios joining the ranks of tennis stars making the move to the sport.
PPA Releases Salary Data for Contracted Players
PPA also released an end-of-year summary packed with data, including a major highlight about player salaries. The summary revealed that the 60 women under contract in the PPA averaged $260,000 in earnings, a figure that exceeds the average salaries of players in the WNBA and NWSL.
This news reflects the rising financial opportunities for professional female pickleball players, further boosting the sport’s appeal and growth.
Looking Ahead to a Growing Sport
The announcements of Anna Leigh Waters’ partnership with her mother and the impressive rankings across multiple disciplines highlight the ongoing success of top players in the sport. Meanwhile, the news about Nick Kyrgios’ foray into professional pickleball and the PPA’s salary data show the growing interest and financial backing in the sport.
With big names from tennis and other professional sports joining the pickleball scene, the future looks bright for the sport as it continues to attract attention from both fans and sponsors.
News in Brief: Nick Kyrgios to Make Pro Pickleball Debut
Anna Leigh Waters will team up with her mother, Leigh Waters, at the 2025 US Open after dominating rankings in Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Nick Kyrgios announced his Pro Pickleball debut with Jack Sock. The PPA also revealed women players earned an average of $260,000, highlighting the sport’s growth.
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