The PPA, headquartered in the United States, plans to introduce ranking points for the first time in these international competitions, aiming to replicate the sport’s explosive growth overseas. The action kicks off in Melbourne on January 29, followed by Mumbai in early February and Toronto in September. Additional tournaments across Asia and Europe will be announced soon, all building towards the pinnacle event, the World Championships slated for Dallas in November.
Anne Worcester, strategic advisor for the United Pickleball Association (UPA), expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, describing it as a pivotal moment for the sport. “The United Pickleball Association… is excited to bring the best players and events in the world to new corners of the globe in the first true international pro pickleball tour,” Worcester stated. She brings a wealth of experience from her tenure as CEO of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), highlighting the PPA’s ambitions on the world stage.
Among the elite names gracing the PPA Tour are rising stars like 17-year-old women’s world number one Anna Leigh Waters, dominant doubles and mixed doubles player Ben Johns, and men’s singles standout Federico Staksrud from Argentina. The roster also boasts former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard and retired ATP Tour veteran Jack Sock, underscoring the tour’s allure and competitive edge.
Since its inception in 1965, pickleball, a high-energy sport using a perforated plastic ball, has attracted a growing audience worldwide. In the United States alone, participation has increased a lot , making it the nation’s fastest-growing sport, according to the UPA.
News in Brief: 1st PPA Tour Outside US Planned For 2025
In 2025, the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) is launching its first international tournaments outside the U.S., expanding into Australia, India, Canada, Asia, and Europe. This marks a significant milestone for the sport, with ranking points introduced to boost global growth. Starting in Melbourne on January 29 and spanning to Mumbai, Toronto, and beyond, the PPA aims to culminate in the World Championships in Dallas by November. Anne Worcester of the United Pickleball Association (UPA) hails the move as pivotal, bringing top-tier players like Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns to new audiences.
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