Megan Fudge Suggests Strengthening Pickleball’s Foundation: Megan Fudge DeHeart, the APP tour top-ranked women’s player, emphasizes that while Olympic inclusion pickleball is a worthy goal, the immediate priority should be developing a solid foundation for pickleball. This includes ensuring global governing bodies fully grasp the sport’s essence and are committed to its growth at all levels.
Fudge DeHeart, who transitioned from tennis to pickleball during the COVID-19 pandemic, has rapidly become one of the sport’s leading figures.
During the grand launch of the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) in Dubai on July 24, 2024, DeHeart discussed the sport’s future. She noted that while pickleball’s burgeoning popularity has sparked discussions about its Olympic potential, it remains in its developmental stages.
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“It’s a wonderful goal to aim for,” DeHeart stated, but we must remember that pickleball is still in its infancy. Although pickleball has seen significant growth, particularly in America, more work remains before we can consider such a major step.
The launch event, backed by Pickleball League Asia Private Limited in partnership with The Times Group, marked a milestone in the sport’s global expansion. DeHeart showed the importance of focusing on player development across all ages and abilities to strengthen the sport’s foundation.
“It’s crucial that each federation understands pickleball’s full scope—not just its Olympic potential. We need to ensure the sport is accessible and enjoyable for all levels,” she added.
DeHeart also discussed the sport’s potential to surpass tennis in popularity, referencing a recent comment from Novak Djokovic about pickleball’s rising influence. She highlighted pickleball’s accessibility and ability to engage players of all ages, which contributes to its rapid growth.
Regarding pickleball’s athletic demands, DeHeart pointed out that the sport’s high-intensity nature offers a rigorous workout. “Data shows that pickleball can be very demanding physically. It’s comparable to other high-intensity activities in terms of calorie burn,” she explained.
Looking ahead, DeHeart noted the sport’s rapid evolution. “Pickleball evolves at an unprecedented pace. What happens in three years in tennis occurs in just a few months in pickleball. The sport is constantly changing,” she said.
Addressing pickleball’s potential impact in South Asian countries like India, DeHeart acknowledged cricket’s dominance but believes pickleball has a unique appeal. “While cricket will always be prominent, pickleball’s short, fast-paced games cater to modern viewers’ preferences. Its familiarity to fans of tennis, badminton, and table tennis could quickly attract interest,” she concluded.
News in Brief: Megan Fudge Suggests Strengthening Pickleball’s Foundation
Megan Fudge DeHeart, the APP tour top-ranked women’s player, emphasizes that while Olympic inclusion pickleball is a worthy goal, the sport’s immediate priority should be solidifying its foundation. At the Pickleball World Rankings launch in Dubai on July 24, 2024, DeHeart stressed the need for global governing bodies to understand and support the sport’s growth. She highlighted pickleball’s rapid development and potential to surpass tennis in popularity, noting its accessibility and rigorous physical demands. DeHeart also mentioned pickleball’s appeal in South Asian countries, despite cricket’s dominance.
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