Pro pickleball players' vision for a better sport in 2025
Last Edited
Dec 23 2024
Category
Community
While we primarily take interest in what pickleball fans want to see from their sport, there is something valuable in giving pickleball pros themselves a platform.
They spend countless hours — and quite a few dollars — to compete at the top level, entertaining more and more fans each year.
So: what do the pros want to see happen for pickleball in 2025 and beyond? We recently sat down with a couple pros to find out.
Global expansion
Most pros appear to want pickleball to continue its global growth streak, and for good reason: international growth means international partnerships and a broadening pool of competition to keep things interesting.
Jack Munro, a 6.57 in Doubles DUPR on the Chicago Slice roster, emphasizes the sport’s universal appeal and cultural adaptability.
"In 2025, I’m focusing on expanding pickleball’s reach globally, especially in emerging markets," he says.
"It’s up to us as pros to showcase how it can thrive in different cultures and continents. International exposure not only grows the game but elevates the players representing it."
Jack may already have his wish. In November, the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) have announced the launch of PPA Asia and MLP Asia.
In China alone, 10,000 courts and 100 million players are forecasted over the next five years.
Equipment regulations
Lots of pros have quietly advocated for tighter paddle regulations for years, with a focus on reducing overall power.
Jack Munro says those at the top of the game who aren't using the most poppy, power-focused paddles are at a disadvantage.
"While I understand the tradeoff of sacrificing third shot drop consistency for body bagging somewhere before they can even blink, it’s not ideal for the sport long-term." - Jack Munro
"My vision is softer paddles with higher spin potential. More spin allows for creative and exciting shots while keeping the game balanced and dynamic.
Zane Navratil, 2x winner of Major League Pickleball, says paddle standard adjustments are at the top of his list for what he'd like to see from pickleball's development in the new year.
But he's also focused on the standardization of court dimensions, surface quality, and ensuring better rollout surfaces at tournaments.
"I think all of us would like to see an improvement...particularly when it comes to space around the court and court surface."
A renewed attitude toward tournaments & special events
Both Jack Munro and Zane Navratil, 2x winner of Major League Pickleball, want to feel more impact at major tournaments.
"We need more differentiation between events," Zane says. "To make the [PPA Tour] slams feel more important."
Munro suggests pickleball tournaments develop their own unique traditions and visual cues:
- dress codes (all-white for a Masters-style event)
- custom pro-only tournament beach towels for major events
- louder atmospheres for rowdier events with more on the line
- more local celebrity pro-ams before regular competition
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