Tom Evans and Helena Spiridis: Australian pickleball players Tom Evans and Helena Spiridis have signed exclusive contracts with the UPA, allowing them to compete in PPA Tour and MLP events. This significant milestone makes them the first Australian players to sign contracts for the PPA Tour and MLP.
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New Pathways for Australian Players
Evans and Spiridis are joining the premier global pickleball tour and league after successful careers in the NPL in Australia. Their contracts signal a new era for Australian pickleball, creating professional pathways for players in elite organizations like the NPL and PPA Australia.
“Being signed to the number one Pickleball Association in the world, alongside the best players, is absolutely mind-blowing,”
“I’m so excited to see how far I can go and how much I can improve. I’m thrilled to partner with such a fantastic organization like the PPA Tour and help grow this incredible sport.”-(Tom Evans )
Spiridis expressed her excitement as well:
“When I first started playing pickleball, my goal was to one day become a PPA player in the US, and now that dream has become a reality. I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”-(Helena Spiridis)
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Tennis Careers to Pickleball Success
Both players have impressive tennis backgrounds, having ranked as top juniors in Victoria and NSW. Spiridis and Evans achieved International Tennis Federation rankings of 200 and 300, respectively. They have now traded their tennis racquets for paddles to pursue their dreams in pickleball.
Evans and Spiridis will leave for the United States in June 2025. Before their departure, they will compete at the Proton Australia Pickleball Open this week at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, alongside many of Australia’s top pros and players from the PPA Tour.
Significance of the Contracts
The signing of these contracts is a crucial step for Australian pickleball. It opens doors for future athletes and highlights the growing popularity of the sport in Australia. With Evans and Spiridis leading the way, more players may pursue opportunities in professional pickleball on a global scale.
News in Brief: Tom Evans and Helena Spiridis
Australian pickleball players Tom Evans and Helena Spiridis have made history by signing exclusive contracts with the UPA, becoming the first Australians to join the PPA Tour and MLP. Both athletes, former top junior tennis players, expressed their excitement about the opportunity. Their contracts mark a significant milestone for Australian pickleball, paving the way for future players in the professional arena.
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