Hayden Patriquin At PicklePod: On the latest PicklePod episode, Zane Navratil and Thomas Shields welcomed 18-year-old sensation Hayden Patriquin for a lively and unfiltered discussion. Patriquin, currently a standout in pickleball, is ranked 15th in Men’s Doubles, 10th in Mixed Doubles, and 18th in Men’s Singles on the PPA Tour. As a member of the St. Louis Shock in Major League Pickleball (MLP), he’s been making waves with both his on-court performance and his offbeat personality.
The Infamous Nasty Nelson
The highlight of the podcast was undoubtedly the recounting of a unique moment from the recent MLP event in Salt Lake City. In a dramatic twist, Zane Navratil, who represents the New Jersey 5s, executed what might be the league’s first-ever “Nasty Nelson” on Patriquin. Trailing 23-12 with nothing left to lose, Navratil directed his serve straight at Hayden, who wasn’t even the intended returner. The serve hit the tape and struck Patriquin squarely in the face.
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Patriquin, known for his colorful commentary, didn’t hold back in sharing his feelings about the incident. His reaction was a mix of shock and amusement, embodying his reputation for outspoken and entertaining interviews.
The Fine Line of Court Chatter
The episode talked about the often topic of on-court banter. Is there such a thing as crossing the line when it comes to trash talk in pickleball? Hayden and the hosts debated this, with Patriquin providing his personal top five trash talkers in the sport. The conversation explored the nuances of competitive banter and discussed where, if at all, players should draw the line between spirited competition and unsportsmanlike conduct.
A Showdown of Epic Proportions
Another focal point of the episode was the much-discussed “battle of the sexes” challenge proposed by Ryan Sherry. Ranked No. 25 in Men’s Singles, Sherry has called out Anna Leigh Waters, the reigning No. 1 in Women’s Singles, for a singles match. The hosts and Patriquin dissected this challenge, debating who might stand a chance against Waters from the men’s side and the implications of such a high-profile match.
The Origins of ‘Big H’
The nickname “Big H” has become a fixture in the pickleball world, and in this episode, Patriquin shared the story behind it. Early in his career, he was mentored by Jeff Warnick, a senior pro with a knack for trash talk. According to Patriquin, it was Warnick who bestowed the moniker “Big H” upon him, adding another layer to his already dynamic persona.
Concerns About Ben Johns
The episode concluded with a discussion on Ben Johns, who has been the subject of speculation following his recent MLP performances. After Patriquin’s departure—presumably to board one of the private jets associated with the St. Louis Shock—Navratil and Shields turned their attention to Johns. There has been considerable debate about whether Johns is experiencing fatigue, boredom, or dissatisfaction with the MLP setup. The hosts pondered whether these factors, combined with the scrutiny on his performances, might be affecting the game’s greatest player.
News in Brief: Hayden Patriquin At PicklePod
On the latest PicklePod episode, hosts Zane Navratil and Thomas Shields welcomed 18-year-old pickleball prodigy Hayden Patriquin for a lively discussion. Ranked 15th in Men’s Doubles, 10th in Mixed Doubles, and 18th in Men’s Singles on the PPA Tour, Patriquin, also a Major League Pickleball player for the St. Louis Shock, shared insights and stories from his career. Highlights included a humorous recount of Navratil’s “Nasty Nelson” serve to Patriquin and a debate on the limits of on-court trash talk. The episode also explored Ryan Sherry’s proposed “battle of the sexes” with Anna Leigh Waters and discussed recent concerns about Ben Johns’s performance. The podcast delivered its signature mix of analysis and entertainment.
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