Top 10 Plays From the PPA World Championships: The first PPA Tour World Championships proved to be everything pickleball fans had hoped for and more. From free country concerts throughout the week to the participation of over 3,500 players, it was an event like no other. The atmosphere was thrilling, highlighted by a celebrity pickleball showdown and a remarkable expansion of courts from 30 to over 80. And let’s not forget the thrilling action on the court, which featured some of the best pickleball ever seen at the pro level.
Weather Challenges Didn’t Dampen the Pickleball Spirit
As is often the case, nature wasn’t entirely cooperative. Early in the week, Dallas was hit with rain, keeping much of the play indoors on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
But by the weekend, the weather turned favorable, with sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s, creating perfect conditions for pickleball. The weekend matches were played in minimal wind, providing a true test of the competitors’ skills.
A Deep and Competitive Field at the World Championships
The PPA Tour boasts four major tournaments throughout the year, known as “Slams.” In 2024, these included the Masters, The Vizzy Atlanta Slam, the CIBC Atlanta Slam, and the World Championships. While each Slam carries significance, the World Championships clearly stood out as the most anticipated event.
With every healthy player in attendance, the tournament saw intense competition right from the Round of 64. The depth of talent on display this year was unprecedented, making this World Championships the most difficult and competitive in the history of professional pickleball.
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Top Moments from the PPA LAPIPLASTY World Championships
- Jack Sock’s Forehand Power: There’s no question that Jack Sock hits one of the hardest forehands in the game. Sock, paired with Callie Smith, was upset in a Round of 64 match by Maria Klokotzky and Etienne Blaszkewycz, but his forehand power remained one of the most memorable aspects of the tournament.
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- Young Duo Making History: Ella Cosma (15) and Ella Yeh (14) became the youngest duo to make a main draw appearance at the World Championships. The pair faced off against the seasoned Genie Bouchard and Kaitlyn Christian in the Round of 64. Though they lost 5-11, 6-11, they demonstrated resilience and skill beyond their years.
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- Genie Bouchard Shines: Speaking of Bouchard, she earned a spot in the Sports Center Top 10 with a standout performance at the World Championships. Her recent dedication to training was evident as she played at a high level throughout the tournament, showing her growth as a pickleball competitor.
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- Anna Leigh Waters’ Impressive ATP: As expected, Anna Leigh Waters made her mark with some jaw-dropping plays. One highlight included a perfect forehand ATP against John Cincola and Martina Frantova, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
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- Gabe Tardio’s Net Cord Recovery: In one of the most memorable points, Gabe Tardio fought off a net cord drive and managed to keep the ball in play before eventually winning the point. His partner, Andrei Daescu, lightened the mood with a humorous remark as they returned to the baseline.
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- Celebrity Showdown Fun: The Celebrity Pickleball Showdown brought tons of fun and highlights. Golden Tate delivered one of the best moments of the night with a Nasty Nelson against Kris Humphries. Humphries later got his revenge with a spectacular body bag at the kitchen line, sending Tyson McGuffin reeling.
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- Layne Sleeth’s Elite Defense: Layne Sleeth’s athleticism was on full display as she played stellar defense against Rachel Rohrabacker and Anna Bright. Her speed and quick reflexes were a key factor in the match.
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- Quang Duong and CJ Klinger’s Next-Level Play: In a quarterfinal match against Christian Alshon and James Ignatowich, Quang Duong and CJ Klinger showed why they’re among the top contenders. They cruised to victory with an 11-6, 11-7 win, showcasing their dominance on the court.
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- Hudson Hall’s Filthy Putaway: Hudson Hall, a 14-year-old junior player, impressed everyone with a filthy putaway at the kitchen line during his match. Although his DUPR rating is 4.4, this play was undoubtedly a 6.0-level move.
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News in Brief: Top 10 Plays From the PPA World Championships
The first PPA Tour World Championships, held in Dallas, attracted over 3,500 players and featured everything from celebrity showdowns to top-tier pickleball action. Despite weather delays early in the week, the weekend provided perfect conditions, and the tournament showcased some of the most competitive play in pickleball history.
From young talents like Ella Cosma and Ella Yeh to veteran stars like Jack Sock and Anna Leigh Waters, the World Championships featured thrilling moments and unforgettable highlights.