PicklePod Breaks Down MLP’s Beer City Open: In this week’s PicklePod episode, Zane Navratil, a seasoned pro, and Thomas Shields, the CEO of The Dink, dive deep into the latest Major League Pickleball (MLP) tournament. Their discussion covers everything from the thrills of the Beer City Open to paddle testing issues and team dynamics. Here’s a rundown of their conversation.
MLP’s Big Hit and What’s Next
The Beer City Open (BCO) proved to be a crowd-pleaser. With electrifying matches and enthusiastic fans, the tournament lived up to its billing. For Zane Navratil, it marked his fourth MLP championship win. But as the MLP season progresses, questions arise: is this the formula for success, or are there tweaks needed to maintain the momentum?
One burning question on everyone’s mind: did Zane finally get that Clowns tattoo he joked about? Listen to Zane and Thomas as they discuss the tournament’s impact and whether such excitement can be sustained throughout the season.
Paddle Testing Trouble
One hiccup at the BCO was the unexpected abandonment of paddle testing, a key component of pro pickleball regulation. According to a source close to Thomas Shields, equipment issues plagued the testers, leading them to scrap all tests except for grit. Zane reported that players were informed, “Use whatever you want,” highlighting the ongoing struggle with inconsistent standards in paddle testing.
The issue of paddle testing has been a recurring headache for players, and this latest incident, where reportedly 11 paddles failed before the tests were called off, only adds to the frustration.
The Infamous Line Call and Rettenmaier’s Reaction
The BCO wasn’t without its controversies. Among the most talked-about moments was a questionable line call that sparked a heated reaction from Travis Rettenmaier on Instagram. Zane and Thomas delve into their take on the incident and Rettenmaier’s social media response, shedding light on the drama that unfolded.
The Johns Brothers’ Mid-Season Struggles
For years, the Johns brothers were the gold standard in pickleball, dominating tournament after tournament. But this season has seen a shift. Zane Navratil offers his take on why Ben and Collin Johns are facing tougher challenges. He criticizes the Carolina Pickleball Club (formerly the Seattle Pioneers) for not adequately supporting Ben with top-tier teammates, which he believes has contributed to their struggles.
Zane goes further, suggesting that Collin Johns might need to reinvent his game on the right side if he hopes to reclaim their past glory. He even speculates on potential partners for Ben Johns if Collin takes a break from their partnership, hinting at exciting possibilities for the future.
Embracing the Team Format
Zane is a strong advocate for the team format, which has characterized this MLP season. He believes it represents the future of pro pickleball. And here’s a fun fact: you can get in on the action yourself. The Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) offers a similar team experience, with upcoming tournaments potentially near you.
Random Phone Calls and Hilarity
In a new and potentially legendary segment, Zane and Thomas make random phone calls. They start by reaching out to someone who isn’t a fan of pickleball, followed by a call to Connor Pardoe, CEO of the PPA Tour, who certainly appreciates the sport. They also contact the “funniest person in pickleball” and, finally, Greg Dow. The ensuing conversations promise to be both entertaining and insightful.
Tune into this week’s PicklePod for a lively discussion that covers the highs and lows of the MLP scene, as well as a dose of spontaneous humor.
News in Brief: PicklePod Breaks Down MLP’s Beer City Open
This week on PicklePod, Zane Navratil and Thomas Shields dissect the latest MLP action from the Beer City Open (BCO), where Navratil clinched his fourth championship. They explore whether the tournament’s excitement can be sustained and discuss the abandoned paddle testing due to equipment issues, leaving only grit tests. Controversies, including a disputed line call and Travis Rettenmaier’s reaction, are also covered. Navratil critiques the Johns brothers’ struggles, suggesting Ben Johns needs better teammates and Collin might need to reinvent his game. They highlight the appeal of the team format in MLP and introduce a new segment with random phone calls for a mix of humor and insights. Tune in for a lively episode!
