Ever wonder what it takes to organize 7,000 players, 500 pros, and 56,000 fans in a single week? Welcome Inside the Biggest Pickleball Party in the World. In this episode, we sit down with Ben Weinberger, President and Tournament Director of the US Open Pickleball Championships. Ben reveals the staggering growth of the 10th-anniversary tournament, the "humbling" reality of turning away thousands of lottery applicants, and the business strategy behind the DraftKings-backed acquisition of the sport's most iconic event. Key Takeaways Record-Breaking Demand: A record 7,126 players entered the lottery for the 2026 event, a massive jump that forced the tournament to turn away nearly 50% of applicants. Unmatched Inclusion: For the 10th year, the Open is expanding its reach with an official Special Olympics tournament and the largest wheelchair field in the sport. The "Electric" Environment: Pros consistently rank the Zing Zang Championship Court as the most atmospheric venue in pickleball due to fan proximity. Strategy for Players: Ben emphasizes "Hydration and Acclimation," recommending that players from the North arrive in Naples several days early to adjust to the 90-degree humidity.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro 00:39 Meet Ben Weinberger 01:45 Ben's Pickleball Origin Story: DraftKings, Venture Funds & Acquiring the US Open 04:18 The Lottery Numbers: 7,126 Entries, 3,500 Spots & Global Reach 06:45 Inclusivity at Scale: Juniors, Wheelchair Field & Special Olympics Partnership 09:19 How the US Open Evolved: From 800 Players in 2016 to a Weeklong Takeover 12:50 Behind the Scenes: 500+ Volunteers and 150+ Referees Powering the Event 18:14 Inside Zing Zang Championship Court: Electric Atmosphere, Tickets & VIP Seating 20:20 Fan Experience Up Close: Free Park Access, Pro Interaction & 59 Courts of Action 22:41 Giving Back: Charity Support & Free Pro Matches Across 59 Courts 23:40 Rising Stars in the Pro Brackets: Can a Teen Win? 24:59 Record Demand & Qualifiers: The Youth Surge in High-Level Divisions 27:01 Does Ben Play? Plus One Must-Have Player Tip: Hydrate & Embrace the Big Stage 29:37 Spectator Pro Tips: Specialty Drinks, Best Food Finds & Beating the Parking Rush 32:20 Make It a Trip: Acclimate Early, Explore Naples & Set Up in Player Village 34:36 Quickfire Either/Or: Mixed vs Doubles, Open vs Senior Pros, and More 36:39 Celeb Sightings & Pro Athletes Who Play the US Open 39:03 What's Next for the US Open: Growth, New Events, and Venue Expansion 41:36 How to Stay Involved: Website, Connections Group, and Final Wrap-Up

In this episode of This Is Pickleball we dive deep into the crossover between pro tennis and pro pickleball. Rick gives an exclusive "Uncle Rick" perspective on Ben Shelton's recent Australian Open run and discusses the tactical evolution of the world's best tennis players. But the real drama starts on the pickleball court, as Rick shares the "spite-fueled" story of winning the US Open with Scott Moore after overhearing locker-room talk, and why he is officially a free agent in the paddle market for 2026.

Fabian and Rick also break down their recent match against the Kawamoto sisters, explaining why their "smoke detector" mentality makes them the hardest out in the PPA. From recovery secrets involving mustard packets and pickle juice to a masterclass on shifting gears from offense to defense, this episode is packed with professional insights you won't find anywhere else.

Key Takeaways The Entitlement Trap: Never assume a point is over just because you hit a "great" shot; always adjust to your opponent's reset.

The "Stick Shift" Mentality: Successful players must constantly shift between offensive, neutral, and defensive gears within a single rally.

Recovery Secrets: Rick swears by mustard packets and pickle juice for near-instant relief from debilitating match cramps.

Pro Mindset: The best players (like the Kawamotos or Ben Shelton) often have a calm, introverted exterior that masks an unrelenting competitive fire.

Industry Shift: High-level coaching and league ownership (like Rick's involvement in CSP/NPL) may offer more "boots-on-the-ground" value to paddle brands than traditional pro sponsorships.

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Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Recap of Interview with Jackie and Jade Kawamoto 02:06 Insights on Playing Against Top Players 05:14 Ben Shelton's Australian Open Journey 15:06 Discussion on Tennis and Pickleball Tournaments 19:38 Overhearing Doubts and Proving Them Wrong 20:14 Winning the US Open Against All Odds 21:11 The Significance of the US Open 22:07 Defying the Odds at Nationals 23:45 Rick's Tip of the Week: Split Personality on the Court 27:41 Choosing the Right Paddle Sponsor 35:41 Upcoming Tournaments and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we sit down with the PPA's most synchronized force: Jackie and Jade Kawamoto. From their childhood in Maui to their Division 1 tennis days at the University of Dayton, the sisters share their unique path to the podium. Unlike many full-time pros, Jackie and Jade maintain careers at the NCAA, a "diversion" they claim keeps them mentally sharp and prevents the burnout seen in specialized athletes.

The sisters take us behind the scenes of their historic Cincinnati win, where they overcame a massive deficit to beat the world #1s. We dive into the "paddle gate" drama that forced a mid-tournament equipment change, the mechanics of Jade's lethal lefty forehand, and the heartwarming (and hilarious) reality of competing alongside your sibling. Plus, Rick shares a moving tribute to the family bonds that drive their success on and off the court.

Key Takeaways

The "Diversion" Strategy: Having a full-time job at the NCAA provides a mental break from the high pressure of the pro tour, preventing burnout.

The Cincinnati Miracle: The sisters proved that in Pickleball, you are never out of it—coming back from 0-2 in the finals and 4-9 in the third during the semis.

The Lefty Edge: Jade utilizes unique angles (the cross-body forehand) that many opponents aren't accustomed to seeing on the women's tour.

Disguise is King: Jackie's lob is successful because her preparation is identical to her dink, forcing opponents to lean in before the ball goes over their heads.

Multi-Sport Value: Both sisters attribute their success and lack of burnout to playing soccer and tennis growing up rather than specializing in one sport too early.

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Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:54 The Kawamoto Sisters' Journey to Pickleball 03:02 Balancing Careers and Professional Pickleball 08:14 College Experience and Its Impact 24:34 Beating Anna Leigh Waters & Anna Bright 31:19 Switching Paddles and Ice Cream Motivation 31:45 The Impact of Sponsorship 34:35 Signature Shots and Strategies 36:23 The Rise of the Lob Shot 40:16 Crowd Energy and Player Dynamics 42:48 Sibling Telepathy on the Court 46:56 Future Plans and Tournaments 47:44 Social Media and Sponsorship Shoutouts 49:09 Final Thoughts

From the historic $10 million contract for Anna Leigh Waters to the emotional origin story of the Ripsken brand, this episode covers the entire spectrum of the sport. In this episode of This is Pickleball, Rick and Fabian break down the massive "Paddle Shuffle" of 2026—tracking the moves of Rachel Rohrabacher, Chris Haworth, and rumors about the Johnson siblings. Rick then opens up in a rare, vulnerable segment about his late brother, Todd Witsken (former World #1), and the spiritual connection he shares with his nephew, tennis superstar Ben Shelton. Plus, Rick drops essential coaching advice on why you need to stop "ego playing" in Rec games, and Fabian leads a heated discussion on how to fix toxic club culture from the ground up.

Key Takeaways

The $10 Million Woman: Anna Leigh Waters signs a historic 5-year deal with Franklin and partners with Nike, setting a new financial standard for the sport.

The Paddle Shuffle: A breakdown of the major moves: Rachel Rohrabacher to Friday, Chris Haworth to Luzz, and the "personality" reasons why the Johnsons likely will no longer be with Franklin.

The Ripsken Legacy: Rick shares the touching story of his brother Todd, the "Ripsken" (RIP + Witsken) brand, and the bald eagle that follows the family during major moments for Ben Shelton.

Rec Play Mindset: Rick's coaching tip: Stop playing the weaker player for an ego boost. Play the better player and focus on performance, not the win.

Club Culture: Why the responsibility of policing sandbaggers and court etiquette falls on the members, not just the staff.

Timestamps 00:00 Intro: IU Football Hype 05:07 ALW's $10M Contract & Nike Deal 06:18 The Paddle Shuffle: Friday, Luzz, & Facolos 12:33 New Partnerships in Pickleball 21:24 The Ripsken Story: Ben Shelton & The Eagle 30:30 Rick's Coaching Tip: The Truth About Rec Play 34:31 Fixing Toxic Club Culture 40:31 Teaser for the Next Segment: Lessons from Investing in Pickleball

From quitting his job as a Deloitte auditor to becoming the World #1 and inventing the most controversial serve in pickleball history, Zane Navratil is the ultimate disruptor.

In this episode of This is Pickleball, Rick and Fabian sit down with the "Moneyball" king himself to discuss his wild journey, his new role as President of the UPA Pro Player Committee, and the explosive drama surrounding player contracts and firings. Zane doesn't hold back on the "hot paddle" controversy, the future of Anna Leigh Waters (is a $10 million deal coming?), and why he believes tennis players are finally starting to respect the game.

Plus, Zane drops his signature "hot takes" on coaching myths, reveals his new favorite shot, and plays a hilarious round of "Blind Ranking" with holiday desserts.

🔑 Key Takeaways The "Moneyball" Origin: How Zane used his CPA background to analyze the game and quit his corporate job to go pro.

The UPA Drama: Zane's insider perspective on the termination of James Ignatowich and others, and his role in protecting players moving forward.

The $10 Million Rumor: Zane breaks down the 7 brands that could afford Anna Leigh Waters (and why she might just start her own company).

Coaching Myths: Why "never use your wrist" is bad advice for pros, and how to find the right coach for your level.

The Future of Tennis: Why top-ranked tennis players in Southeast Asia are switching to pickleball, and what that means for the sport's global growth.

Kick off 2026 with a bang! In this special New Year's episode of This is Pickleball, Rick and Fabian dive headfirst into the chaotic world of "Paddle Wars." With contract negotiations exploding and pros switching brands left and right, the guys break down the biggest moves, rumors, and controversies shaking up the PPA . From the speculation surrounding Anna Leigh Waters leaving Paddletek (is Nike involved?) to Rachel Rohrabacher's shocking departure from Selkirk, Rick offers his insider perspective on why pros really switch gear—and it's not always about the paddle. Rick also shares his own origin story, tracing his journey from a tennis coach in 2011 to becoming a pioneer in the sport, resurfacing high school courts on his own dime to host early tournaments. Plus, he reveals the secrets behind his signature "Backhand Slice Return" and gives his #1 New Year's resolution for amateurs looking to level up their game.

🔑 Key Takeaways The 2026 Paddle Shuffle: A breakdown of major pro moves, including rumors about Anna Leigh Waters (Nike/Franklin?), Rachel Rohrabacher leaving Selkirk, and Kaitlyn Christian joining Luzz.

The "Hot Paddle" Issue: How the combination of new paddle tech and the Lifetime ball is changing the speed and safety of the game.

Rick's Origin Story: How Rick discovered pickleball in 2011 and took a massive risk by resurfacing high school courts to host the first APP pro tournament in Zionsville.

Signature Shot Revealed: Rick breaks down the mechanics of his "Backhand Slice Return"—vertical paddle entry, grip pressure, and body weight transfer.

Amateur Advice: Rick's top tip for 2026 is focusing on flexibility (lunges, yoga) to get lower and improve defense. ADD US ON: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thisispickleballpodcast/ Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction 00:24 Pickleball Drama and Player Movements 01:16 Paddle Market Insights and Player Choices 05:14 Pro Player Sponsorships and Paddle Preferences 08:08 Speculations on Player Paddle Deals 14:49 Emerging Paddle Brands and Player Transitions 20:08 The Rise of Culty Paddle Brands 20:53 Family Affairs in Sponsorships 21:39 Impact of Paddle Changes on Performance 23:33 Mental Aspects of the Game 25:01 Rick Witsken's Journey into Pickleball 29:10 The Evolution of Pickleball Tournaments 32:37 Signature Shots and Techniques 36:58 Advice for Amateur Players 39:19 Final Thoughts

Brooke Buckner is proof that you can have it all—if you're willing to work harder than everyone else. A University of Michigan tennis legend and former D1 coach, Brooke traded the sidelines for the center court and quickly skyrocketed to the Top 5 in the world in singles. Fresh off an MLP Challenger Championship with the Las Vegas Night Owls and a Bronze at the World Championships, Brooke joins Rick and Fabian to discuss her incredible rise. She pulls back the curtain on being the first-ever Agassi x Joola signature athlete, the intensity of battling Anna Leigh Waters, and the chaotic reality of balancing life on tour with three young children. From competing while pregnant at the highest level to the specific mechanics of her lethal "Inside-In" forehand, this episode is a masterclass in grit, technique, and time management. 🔑 Key Takeaways The "Supermom" Feat: Brooke played pro singles at 20 weeks pregnant and MLP doubles at 32 weeks pregnant. The Agassi Connection: How a chance meeting in NYC led to Brooke becoming the face of Andre Agassi's signature Joola paddle line. Signature Shot: Brooke breaks down the "Inside-In Forehand"—running around the backhand to freeze the opponent. The 5 PM Rule: How Brooke structures her training to ensure she is home every evening for family time. The Future of Talent: Brooke's take on how the first generation of "Pickleball-only" athletes (non-tennis background) will change the singles game. ADD US ON: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thisispickleballpodcast/

Timestamps: 00:00 Guest introduction and Early Career 01:36 Current Status and Future Plans 03:58 Journey into Pickleball 10:21 Balancing Family and Career 14:36 Training and Competition 17:49 Playing While Pregnant 19:57 Reflecting on Pickleball's Growth 21:38 Partnership with Agassi x Joola 22:30 Meeting Andre and Joining Joola 23:14 Designing the Paddle 24:34 Signature Shot: Inside-In Forehand 26:21 Finding Doubles Partners 28:07 Playing Both Sides 29:06 Coaching Insights and Challenges 30:46 Biggest Failure and Success 35:40 Future Plans and Excitement for Pickleball

Matt Manasse was born to coach. From the high-pressure courts of collegiate tennis to the glitz of the "Pickleball Coach to the Stars" moniker, Matt has a unique ability to bridge the gap between elite athletics and pure entertainment.

A former high-performance tennis coach for stars like Shelby Rogers, Matt joins Rick to discuss his rapid ascent in the pickleball world—a journey that started with taping lines on a driveway during the pandemic and led to road-tripping with Ben Johns and Simone Jardim.

In this episode, Rick and Matt relive their legendary "Battle of the Sexes" victory against top pros, break down the technical adjustments tennis players must make (hint: freeze that wrist), and discuss the "hot paddle" dilemma facing the tour. From the commentary booth at The Tennis Channel to the exploding international market in Asia, Matt offers a panoramic view of where the sport has been and exactly where it's going next.

🔑 Key Takeaways The "Battle of the Sexes": Rick and Matt recount their "Tuesday Night Pickleball" victory against pros like Anna Bright and Vivian David.

The Ben Johns Road Trip: How a weekend training trip with Ben Johns and Simone Jardim fast-tracked Matt's pro career.

Technical Advice: Why maintaining a "square paddle face" and avoiding wrist movement is the most critical skill for tennis converts.

The Global Boom: Matt predicts that Asia (Vietnam, Malaysia, China) will be the next massive growth engine for the sport.

Paddle Integrity: A nuanced look at the delamination/"hot paddle" controversy and the need for better testing standards.

Broadcasting: Matt's transition from player/coach to becoming a lead voice for The Tennis Channel.

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Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:49 Battle of the Sexes: A Memorable Match 02:45 Transition from Tennis to Pickleball 06:09 Pandemic and Pickleball Discovery 08:24 Training and Early Competitions 11:10 Pickleball vs. Tennis: Skills and Respect 15:54 Racket Sports and Personal Growth 21:51 The Joy of Racket Sports 22:36 Encouraging Pickleball in College 23:04 Growth of Pickleball Leagues 24:21 Junior and Collegiate Pickleball 26:18 International Expansion of Pickleball 28:18 Coaching Tips for Pickleball 31:04 Paddle Technology and Fair Play 34:50 Commentating in Pickleball 39:34 Final Thoughts and Future of Pickleball

Jack Munro is a force of nature. Dominating the APP tour in 2025, he and his partner clinched seven gold medals, setting a new record for most consecutive wins in APP history. But his impact isn't just on the podium; he's one of the sport's biggest creators, reaching over 10 million people a month with game-changing content.

Fresh off his historic run, Jack joins Rick to discuss his unique path: from a baseball-ending injury at age 10 to becoming the youngest 5.0 player in history at 12. He shares the powerful, emotional story of his APP Daytona win, playing for his grandpa in his final hours.

From his "artificial ambidexterity" and signature two-handed backhand to his decision to build a future with the APP tour and his groundbreaking work founding the Longhorn Pickleball Club at UT Austin, this episode is a masterclass in building a multifaceted career. Behind the creator is a fierce competitor with an old soul, a deep appreciation for the sport, and a vision for its future.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. An Accidental Ambidextrous Player: Jack's unique ambidextrous ability wasn't planned. After a baseball pitching injury at age 10, he wore a sling on his dominant (right) arm for months. He started playing pickleball left-handed during his recovery and, by the time he healed, felt so natural with his left that he developed both sides, coining the term "artificial ambidexterity."

2. The "Old Soul" of Pickleball: Becoming the youngest-ever 5.0 player at 12 meant Jack grew up playing almost exclusively with adults. He says this social friction was tougher than the competition and is the reason many people call him an "old soul" today.

3. Why He Chose the APP Tour: Jack is "fully leaning in" with the APP. He values the quality of life, loyalty, and, most importantly, the international opportunities provided by the APP's Global Alliance, which allows him to play in places like Vietnam and India—something he couldn't do under an exclusive PPA contract.

4. The Secret to His Signature Shot: Jack breaks down his lethal two-handed backhand speedup. The secret? He aims for the "dead spot" (the top edge) of the paddle, not the sweet spot. He says this gives the ball more dwell time and spin. His other signature shot is switching hands to hit a forehand ATP instead of a much more difficult backhand ATP.

5. Playing for Family: Jack's most important win wasn't his first breakout but the 2025 APP Daytona. He played the entire weekend while his grandfather (also named Jack) was nonverbal in the ICU, watching the stream. Jack won two gold medals on Sunday, FaceTimed his smiling grandpa, and learned the next morning that he had passed away peacefully in his sleep.

6. Building the Future: Jack is building the collegiate pickleball pipeline himself. He founded the Longhorn Pickleball Club at UT Austin, which won the DUPR Collegiate National Championships. He sees a strong NCAA-to-pro pipeline as essential for the sport's future.

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Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome: Jack Munro, The 12-Year-Old Prodigy 01:07 How a Broken Arm Forced Him to Play Lefty 02:37 The Reality of Being a Child Prodigy on Tour 03:52 The "Old Soul": Growing Up in an Adult Sport 07:07 Defining a "Pro" & The Global Alliance 11:01 Founding the Longhorn Pickleball Club (NCAA Pipeline) 17:17 Jack's Signature Shot: The Two-Handed Backhand Speedup 20:09 The Daytona Story: Playing for His Grandfather 27:16 International Growth: Vietnam, India & The World Cup 30:35 Final Thoughts & Socials

Andrei Daescu was born to compete. From his early days in Bucharest, Romania, to a standout All-American tennis career at the University of Oklahoma and a pro run that saw him reach ATP #120 and represent his country in the Davis Cup, his athletic pedigree is elite.

But after a shoulder injury cut his tennis career short, pickleball gave him a "second chance" to compete.

Today, Andrei is one of the most dominant forces in the sport, sitting at #3 in the PPA men's doubles rankings. Fresh off a 2025 Major League Pickleball championship with the underdog Columbus Sliders, he joins Rick to discuss his incredible journey.

Andrei breaks down the "process over results" mindset his pro-basketball-player father instilled in him, the "chip on the shoulder" that fueled his team's underdog MLP run, and the strategic decision to step back from singles at age 37 for the sake of longevity. This is a masterclass in grit, mindset, and the fire that drives a world-class competitor.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Process Over Results: Andrei credits his father, a former professional basketball player in Romania, for his healthy competitive mindset. His father demanded effort, not wins, and understood that junior sports are about development, not paychecks. This allowed Andrei to focus on the process rather than the pressure of results.

2. The Underdog MLP Champions: Andrei's Columbus Sliders were the #15 seed going into the playoffs. He reveals that when the #2 seed (Dallas) chose to play them, it put a "chip on their shoulder" that motivated the entire team. They went on to win three dream breakers, ultimately winning the 2025 championship in Central Park.

3. The Signature Erne: Andrei breaks down his signature shot. As a 6'4" player, he says the key isn't the jump; it's the preparation. The shot before the Erne is what matters, forcing the opponent to lift the ball or dink it up the line, creating the opportunity. He says it's a shot anyone can add to their game with the right footwork.

4. A "Body Longevity" Decision: At 37, Andrei has largely stepped away from singles. He calls this a "body longevity decision," explaining that with a grueling 30-event-a-year schedule, the wear and tear is too much. He notes most top pros (outside of Federico Staksrud) are now managing their bodies the same way.

5. A Second Chance at Competing: The most significant way pickleball changed his life? It "reignited that fire" to compete. After a shoulder injury ended his pro tennis career, he felt a void. Pickleball gave him a "second chance" to have a pro-athlete career, and he's enjoying his "last ride" in professional sports.

Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Andrei Daescu 01:09 Early Tennis Journey in Romania 02:10 Transition to College Tennis 02:57 Parental Influence and Junior Tennis 05:56 From Tennis to Pickleball 07:17 Physical and Mental Preparation 11:22 Singles vs Doubles in Pickleball 14:46 Major League Pickleball Championship 22:25 Signature Shot and Playing Style 25:28 Future of Pickleball 29:22 Personal Life and Family 31:16 Impact of Pickleball on Life