Pro Pickleball Line Call Controversy: A heated line-call dispute erupted during a Round of 32 men’s doubles match at the PPA Select Medical Orange County Cup on Championship Sunday at Life Time Rancho San Clemente in Southern California. Etienne Blaszkewycz called Travis Rettenmaier’s overhead shot out twice, and on both occasions the referee could not overturn the call. The lack of video challenges on side courts triggered frustration and renewed calls for better replay systems.
Court Dispute Over Calls
During the first game, at 2-5-2, Rettenmaier hit an overhead that Blaszkewycz called out. Rettenmaier and partner Connor Garnett argued it was in, but the referee ruled the out call stood.
In the second game at 2-0-2, Blaszkewycz again called one out, with Rettenmaier disputing the call. The officials, who could not view replays, upheld Blaszkewycz’s decision. Rettenmaier and Garnett went on to win both games and advance.
Social Media Reaction
After the match, Jimmy Miller, GM of the California Black Bears, posted about the controversy.
Rettenmaier responded on Instagram:
“I called it out ON PURPOSE… Told him I’d give him 2k if the ball he called out was actually out.”
A Longstanding Issue
Pro players like Zane Navratil and Thomas Shields have raised this concern before. On side courts, streamed on platforms like Pickleballtv and YouTube, there are no challenge options. This leaves boundary calls unreviewed and unresolved.
Proposed Fixes
Three solutions have been suggested:
Adding line judges to every court (unlikely due to space and trust issues)
Reviewing calls afterward and fining players (no in-match effect)
Introducing real-time video review from centralized officials—a promising but complex model.
The Stakes Ahead
With pro pickleball growing, and betting and prize money on the rise, accurate officiating is critical. Until replay systems improve, disputed calls will continue to fuel tension and risk the sport’s integrity.
News in Brief: Pro Pickleball Line Call Controversy
A contested line call during Travis Rettenmaier vs. Etienne Blaszkewycz at the 2025 Orange County Cup renewed concerns over missing replay tools on side courts. Without video reviews, disputed calls remain unresolved, prompting calls for better systems as pickleball grows in competitiveness and stakes.