If there’s one thing pro pickleball is missing, it’s a true rivalry.

I’ve always believed rivalries elevate a sport. They add tension, storylines, and a reason to keep watching. Right now, the closest thing we’ve got might be brewing between Anna Leigh Waters and Hayden Patriquin.

And honestly? It’s great for the game.

The first real flashpoint came last year at MLP Orlando. After the New Jersey 5s took the mixed match, tensions boiled over—Patriquin fired off a heated comment, and Waters didn’t hesitate to confront him on the spot.

It was the moment that shook the picklesphere.

Seeing Waters show that kind of emotion felt out of character. She’s faced plenty of tough opponents and heard her share of chirping over the years, but there’s something about Patriquin that clearly gets under her skin.

And when those two meet on court, you can feel it.

Every matchup carries a different kind of intensity, an edge that goes beyond the scoreline. The tension is almost tangible, especially in Major League Pickleball, where the stakes and emotions run even higher.

At this point, whenever Patriquin and Waters go head-to-head, it’s appointment viewing. Maybe Patriquin celebrates a little too hard. Maybe Waters fires something back across the net. Either way, something’s going to happen.

And that’s exactly why you can’t look away.

Most recently, it all flared up again at MLP Orlando—and at this point, you have to wonder: what is it about these two in Orlando? Why does the beef get turned up to 11 every time they’re in Central Florida? Is it the proximity to Walt Disney World and the urge to put on a show? Whatever the reason, it works. And frankly, it’s electric.

At this year’s event, the rivalry took center stage in mixed doubles, delivering the marquee match of the day.

Patriquin was in full form, yelling right across the net after a big point, while Waters fired right back. The back-and-forth wasn’t just entertaining; it elevated the level of play. Both players fed off the tension, the crowd, and each other, producing moments that will live on the 2026 highlight reel.

And then came the moment everyone will remember: Patriquin breaking into a dance after a net cord went his way.

Even Leigh Waters, Waters’ mom and coach, got a kick out of it. “This was actually really funny,” she commented on Instagram.

Anna Leigh has always been an emotional competitor, but her intensity shows up as fire, not frustration. She’s not one to break a paddle or unravel, she channels it. When she gets amped, she gets sharp, a little sassy, and a lot more dangerous. And when that side of the World No. 1 comes out, it’s must-watch.

There’s just something about Patriquin that brings it out of her. Put them on opposite sides of the net, and chances are, you’re going to see that edge and all the entertainment that comes with it.

For Patriquin, though, it’s all part of the experience. “Even though I lost, this was the most fun I’ve ever had on court,” he shared on Instagram.

That’s what makes this rivalry work. It’s competitive, but still lighthearted—fiery without crossing the line. And more importantly, it consistently delivers high-level pickleball. Waters and Patriquin aren’t just trading words; they’re pushing each other to play better. Too often, rivalries fall flat when one side clearly has the upper hand. That’s not the case here. When these two meet, it genuinely feels like a toss-up.

There’s also an added layer that makes it even more entertaining: they’re both part of the Franklin Sports roster. One of the brand’s taglines is “Franklin Family”—and if that’s the case, this is the kind of family dynamic that feels a little too familiar. Think less picture-perfect and more Thanksgiving dinner when someone brings up politics.

All of which is to say: here’s hoping the New Jersey 5s and the St. Louis Shock meet with a title on the line. Because if Patriquin and Waters square off again in a championship setting, you can bet the intensity and the entertainment will hit another level.

Click here to buy tickets to the MLP Finals in New York City. And to keep up to date on all things pickleball, follow us on Instagram.

The Carvana PPA Tour announced on Wednesday the launch of the World Pickleball Rankings (WPR), a first-of-its-kind system designed to identify the best overall professional pickleball players on the planet. 

Debuting with the 2026–27 season, the World Pickleball Rankings brings every PPA event around the world under one unified, global leaderboard — giving players, fans, and media a single, definitive answer to the question: Who is the best pickleball player in the world?

Unlike traditional rankings built around a single discipline, the World Pickleball Rankings is a composite measure of a player’s performance across all three: gender doubles, mixed doubles, and singles. Results are weighted to reflect the modern professional game [gender doubles at 50%, mixed doubles at 35%, and singles at 15%] and are drawn from each player’s 14 best results over the trailing 52 weeks. The system rewards complete players: the ones who show up and compete everywhere, in every format.

At the heart of the ranking is a globally unified point system. Every PPA event, from PPA Challengers to international stops to the sport’s biggest Majors and the Pickleball World Championships, feeds into the same leaderboard, with points scaled to the size of each event. No matter where in the world a player competes, their results count toward the same ranking. One tour, one point system, one path to the top.

The World Pickleball Rankings will also shape the competitive season itself, informing event entries, byes for the top-ranked players and teams, and qualification for the season-ending PPA Finals, where the top eight men and top eight women compete across all three disciplines to be crowned PPA Finals Champion.

“Greatness isn’t one-dimensional. The World Pickleball Rankings is about clarity and credibility - one number and one global standard, that tells the story of who the best players in the world truly are,” said Connor Pardoe, Founder and CEO of the Carvana PPA Tour. “As pickleball grows into a truly global sport, our athletes deserve a ranking that matches that ambition and rewards greatness across every discipline, everywhere they play.”

For more information on how the WPR works, visit: How Pro Pickleball Works.

Introducing “BE THE BEST.”

Alongside the new ranking, the Carvana PPA Tour is unveiling “BE THE BEST.”, a new rallying cry for the PPA Tour and its community. The Carvana PPA Tour showcases elite athletes with unique personalities within the greatest community in sports on an unrivaled global stage. BE THE BEST. was developed to capture that identity in a single, unifying idea that speaks to everyone the Tour touches, from world-class professionals to the millions of amateurs around the world who love the game.

The message was built to be inclusive and aspirational rather than presumptuous: everyone, at every level, has their own “best” to chase. BE THE BEST. will come to life across the Carvana PPA Tour experience, appearing on-site at PPA events through both professional and amateur touchpoints, and extending into the Tour’s marketing and merchandise.

“BE THE BEST. is more than a tagline, it’s an invitation,” said Jeff Watson, SVP, Marketing and Communications, Carvana PPA Tour. “Whether you’re competing for a world title or stepping onto a court for the first time, the challenge is the same: be your best. Paired with the World Pickleball Rankings, it gives every player in our community something to strive for.”

July had everything—red carpets, jaw-dropping rallies, and maybe the greatest point in pro pickleball history. Here’s your full recap of everything you missed.

Pickleball Industry News

Apple TV releases their new pickleball comedy movie, The Dink.

Prince Harry plays pickleball in the UK. 

The LA Mad Drops partner with pickleball fashion company J. Pritchard to design new team uniforms. 

A pickleball coach is cast on the new season of CBS’s Big Brother. And unfortunately, he’s voted out in week two. 

PaddleTek signs Jorja and JW Johnson and Hurricane Tyra Black. Brooke Buckner, Will Howells, Hannah Blatt, and Jay Devilliers go on the Pickleballers Podcast. 

Nearing the end of the MLP season, more big trades take place. Notably, Federico Staksrud is dealt from the Orlando Squeeze to the New Jersey 5s, and Connor Garnett is dealt from the Utah Black Diamonds to the LA Mad Drops.

Pickleball Inc. and the Pickleball World Cup unite to expand global competition. This artist painted a mural on public pickleball courts in Pittsburgh to celebrate play and community. 

The New Jersey Fives temporarily rebranded to “The Fibes” in collaboration with Raisin Bran to spread the fiber-fueled message. 

Former NFL wide receiver Eric Decker attends the MLP Mid-Season Tournament and revealed how much he loves pickleball. 

Bucket hats became a hot topic of debate after PPA and MLP CEO Connor Pardoe tweeted that pickleball should ban them. 

MLP begins the Champions Series to showcase the best talent for players over 40 years old. 

Pro Pickleball News

Here’s what your favorite pros were up to off the court. 

Anna Leigh Waters attends the EPSY Awards for the second year in a row. Her mom and coach Leigh Waters was also in attendance. And Franklin created a custom gold pickleball bag for the occasion. Waters then walked on another red carpet to celebrate her spot on the Time100. 

Camila Zilveti got really into playing padel. Catherine Parenteau revealed the secret to how she stays focused on court – it’s chewing gum. Federico Staksrud took a trip to Greece with his fiancé. Then, they went to a World Cup game to support Argentina. Genie Bouchard attended Wimbledon and had the opportunity to sit in the Royal Box.

Kaitlyn Chirstian celebrated the fourth of July with friends and family. Anna Leigh Waters took a trip to the Florida Keys. Genie Bouchard visited Italy. Roscoe Bellamy took a trip to Spain. 

Ben Johns, Connor Garnett, Mary and Maggie Brascia, Meghan Dizon, and Roscoe and Beth Bellamy attended The Dink movie premiere and walked the blue carpet.

Grayson Goldin and Hannah Blatt visited Japan, then had their engagement party. Christian Alshon threw the opening pitch at a Chicago Cubs game. Jorja Johnson, JW Johnson, Hurricane Tyra Black, and Cam Chaffin were also in attendance at the game. 

Aussie pro Dani-Elle Townsend traveled to Tokyo to compete in PPA Asia. Michael Loyd and his fiancé visited a stalagmite cave. Anna Leigh Waters attended the World Cup Finals. 

Gio Morelli and Chris Crouch took a vacation to the Caribbean. Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova visited Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Camila Zilveti visited Croatia and achieved her bucket list of visiting 100 countries before she turned 30 years old. 

JW and Jorja Johnson traveled to Steamboat Springs, Colorado where they went to the rodeo. Jaume Martinez Vich returned home to Hawaii to visit friends. And Rachel Rohrabacher celebrated her birthday. 

Here’s what happened this month during Major League Pickleball. 

July’s action kicked off with the Mid-Season Tournament in Michigan. While playing for the Atlanta Bouncers, Jay Devilliers accidentally got hit in the head by Jessie Irvine’s paddle during a point. But don't worry, he's okay. 

The St. Louis Shock upset the favored New Jersey 5s and won the MLP Mid-Season Tournament. 

Then, the tour went to San Diego where the underdog team, the Dallas Flash, shocked the picklesphere and took home the victory. The Flash went on to win back-to-back weekends after securing the win at MLP Chicago. 

Meghan Dizon recieved an orange card after getting body bagged by her opponent. 

The final event of the regular season takes place at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports. 

At the event, fans watched Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters play on opposite sides of the court, which produced some of the best points we’ve seen in pro pickleball to date. 

Anna Leigh Waters won the 2026 Amway MLP Most Valuable Player Award. 

And the New Jersey Fives reigned supreme after one of the most tense and exciting matches of the weekend against the St. Louis Shock. Hayden Patriquins’ net cord celly was definitely a part of the highlight reel. 

What was your favorite pickleball moment from July 2026? Let us know on Instagram.

From the biggest Major League Pickleball (MLP) upsets and blockbuster trades to Anna Leigh Waters, Ben Johns, Federico Staksrud, Genie Bouchard, Christian Alshon, Hayden Patriquin's viral net cord celebration, and the latest pickleball news, this monthly recap covers all the biggest stories you need to know.

We also dive into Apple TV's The Dink, celebrity pickleball appearances, PPA and MLP news, pro player updates, paddle sponsorships, and the most entertaining moments from across the pickleball world.

If you're a pickleball fan looking for the latest pickleball news, MLP highlights, PPA updates, professional pickleball stories, tournament results, and viral moments, you've come to the right place.

Europe is stepping onto the global pickleball stage in a big way.

The PPA Tour officially announced the launch of PPA Tour Europe on Tuesday, marking a major milestone in the sport’s international expansion. Long considered the premier professional circuit in pickleball, the PPA is now bringing its high-level competition, structure, and visibility to courts across the continent.

The inaugural 2026–27 season is set to be ambitious from the start. The tour will feature 20 events spanning nine countries, backed by a total prize pool of €545,000. All roads will lead to the PPA Finals Europe in May 2027, giving players a clear championship target and a full season-long narrative to chase.

Stops are planned across a wide range of countries, including Spain, Slovenia, Portugal, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Italy, with additional locations expected to round out the schedule. The scope reflects both the rapid growth of pickleball in Europe and the PPA’s commitment to building a truly global tour.

More importantly, the launch creates a long-awaited pathway for Europe’s top talent. Players across the continent will now have consistent opportunities to compete at a professional level, earn prize money, and climb the ranks without needing to travel overseas. It’s a foundational step toward developing homegrown stars and integrating Europe more deeply into the global pickleball ecosystem.

The messaging behind the launch is clear: this is not a one-off expansion—it’s the beginning of something much bigger. With more cities, more competition, and more opportunities on the horizon, PPA Tour Europe aims to unify the continent under one rapidly growing sport.

When CBS’s Big Brother revealed a pickleball coach in the cast, I was ready. Finally, an excuse to cover pickleball through the lens of a major reality TV show. It felt like a guaranteed crossover moment, the kind that could bring the sport to an entirely new audience.

Well… that didn’t last long.

Rome Seymore was voted out in week two.

So much for weeks of pickleball chatter, inside jokes, or even a casual mention of the game. Instead, just 42 hours into his time in the house, Rome took a hard pivot—from pickleball coach to full-blown romantic. And not just casually interested—“fell in love” with someone he had known for, quite literally, two days.

I wish I were exaggerating.

Any hope of pickleball making even a cameo disappeared as Rome’s storyline turned into a steady stream of love-struck monologues. The paddle got dropped, and suddenly it was all poetry, feelings, and declarations. Pickleball? Completely sidelined.

Not exactly the storyline I signed up for.

Anyway, Seymore was gone by week two. That’s right. The guy I had pegged as a potential winner became the second houseguest evicted, all because of his showmance. A true tragedy.

But somehow, the pickleball storyline didn’t end with his exit.

In week three, Big Brother rolled out a pickleball-themed competition.

Dubbed the “Pickle Ball,” the challenge had contestants spinning around on a giant pickle before sprinting down a track, grabbing oversized paddle props, and launching pickleballs into a skeeball-style target. Rack up the most points, move on to the next round.

Now… I have absolutely no idea what the producers think pickleball is, because this wasn’t even remotely close.

And yet, the entire premise of the competition leaned into one thing: pickleball as the next big thing in American sports.

So while the execution missed the mark, the message was loud and clear: the hype is very real.

“Welcome to 2051 where pickleball has become the most popular sport in America,” said Big Brother contestant Angela, the host for the competition. 

If this is the future Big Brother producers envision for the sport, I honestly hope they’re onto something.

“Pickleball is the ultimate combination of dance and sport,” added Angela.

Though the dance element doesn’t exactly track, unless you’re celebrating like Hayden Patriquin after catching a net cord.

One of the competitors, Lyric Medeiros, also happened to be Rome’s showmance. Naturally, she couldn’t resist giving a shoutout to her man watching from home. 

“I play pickleball every Sunday with my family and my mom is kind of a beast, but boy do I wish Rome was here to see this,” said Lyric. “He’d be like, ‘That’s my girl!’ But I know he’s cheering me on from home.” 

And Rome definitely was. He even shared his live reaction while watching the nail-biting pickleball competition unfold.

While his enthusiasm might be a bit much, you have to give him credit—he’s clearly a supportive partner. You can only imagine how fired up he’d be if she entered a real pickleball tournament, sitting courtside while she battles it out in singles. That would be great TV.

And as luck would have it, Lyric went on to win the pickleball competition.

“I won the pickleball veto, and to my lovely pickleball family—and Rome, my pickleball lover—this one is for you,” she said.

It’s moments like these in reality TV where the script practically writes itself. Of course the contestant dating the pickleball coach wins the “Pickle Ball” competition the very next week after he’s sent home. It’s reality competition TV at its finest and, honestly, its most ridiculous.

Still, I’m not convinced the Big Brother producers have any real idea what pickleball actually looks like. Might be time they tune into The Dink for a refresher.

To keep up to date on all things pickleball, follow us on Instagram.

At higher levels of pickleball, consistency alone isn’t enough. If you want to win more points at the kitchen line, your dink has to do more than just land in—it needs to apply pressure.

That’s exactly what Susannah Barr of The Flying Pickle Academy set out to fix with her student, Thomas. Already a solid player with a reliable forehand dink, Thomas represented a common problem: consistency without offense.

The Problem: Safe, But Not Threatening

Thomas’ dink was technically sound, but it lacked pace and intent. The root issue? His paddle tip was dropping too low.

When the paddle drops straight down, players are forced to lift and roll the ball at the same time—killing both control and aggression.

He was also crowding the ball, short-hopping contact, and limiting his ability to dictate the point.

The First Fix: Don’t Drop the Paddle—Drop Your Knees

One of the biggest breakthroughs came from a simple concept:

If the ball is low, don’t drop your paddle—drop your body.

By lowering through the knees instead of the paddle head, players can keep the paddle more stable and in front, allowing for cleaner, more controlled contact.

This adjustment keeps your paddle visible, your contact point consistent, and your shot more compact.

Spacing and Contact: Let the Ball Work for You

Another key adjustment was spacing.

Instead of crowding the bounce, Thomas was coached to:

• - Let the ball rise after the bounce
• - Catch it just as it begins to fall
• - Make contact out in front of his body

This creates a more optimal strike zone and gives players the ability to control direction and pace.

Paddle Position Matters

Rather than pointing the paddle straight down, Barr emphasized angling it toward the sideline and keeping it slightly open.

This allows for a smoother low-to-high motion and makes it easier to roll the ball with purpose—without overusing the wrist.

Footwork Creates Freedom

A subtle but critical tweak: pulling the right foot back.

This small movement created more space between Thomas and the ball, preventing him from getting jammed and allowing for better extension through contact.

Good dinks don’t come from the hands alone, they come from positioning.

Add Pressure With Acceleration

Once the foundation was in place, the next step was adding pace.

Not with a bigger swing, but with better timing.

By accelerating through contact instead of guiding the ball, Thomas began producing a dink that stayed low while forcing his opponent to react.

When to Attack

An aggressive dink isn’t always the right choice.

Barr emphasized that players should only attack when:

• - They are balanced
• - The ball is out in front
• - They can clearly see the contact point

If off-balance, the smarter play is to reset, aiming middle or at the opponent’s feet to regain control.

The Result: From Neutral to Offensive

With just a few adjustments—knees instead of paddle, better spacing, cleaner paddle position, and improved footwork—Thomas transformed his dink from a neutral shot into a weapon.

“It feels more under control,” he said. “Like I have less to do with the paddle.”

And that’s the goal.

At the highest levels, the difference isn’t learning a new shot, it’s refining the one you already have.

If your dink isn’t creating problems for your opponent, it’s time to upgrade it.

Start with these fundamentals:

• - Drop your knees, not your paddle
• - Create space and contact out front
• - Keep your paddle stable and visible
• - Use your feet to set up the shot
• - Accelerate through contact

Make those changes, and your dink won’t just keep you in rallies, it’ll start winning them.

If your drives keep popping up and getting smashed back at you, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common problems in pickleball—and thankfully, one of the easiest to fix.

Most players assume the issue is power. It’s not. The real problem? Your swing mechanics and body positioning.

The good news: a few simple adjustments can transform your drive from attackable to unstoppable.

Why pop-ups are killing your game

A popped-up drive is basically a free point for your opponent.

You hit the ball, it floats… they crush it. Point over.

The goal of a great drive isn’t maximum power, it’s keeping the ball low enough that your opponent can’t attack it.

Mistake #1: Swinging up instead of through

This is the biggest reason drives float.

Many players drop their paddle and “scoop” the ball upward. It feels powerful, but it sends the ball high and attackable.

Fix it:
Think forward, not up.

Imagine there’s a wall behind the ball and you’re trying to drive it straight through that wall. Your swing should be flat and driving forward, not lifting.

Mistake #2: Leaning back on contact

Leaning back opens your paddle face, and that sends the ball up automatically.

This often happens when players feel rushed or off-balance.

Fix it:
Shift your weight forward.

- Step into the ball
- Lean your chest slightly forward
- Keep your momentum moving toward the net

A simple cue: “Nose over toes”

Even exaggerating this at first will instantly lower your drives.

Mistake #3: Paddle face too open

Even a slightly open paddle face can cause pop-ups.

Fix it:
Close the paddle face just a bit.

- Tilt it slightly downward
- Aim closer to the net tape—not over it

Pretend the net is 6 inches higher than it actually is. Your brain will naturally keep your shots lower.

Bonus tip: Stop swinging at 100%

This one surprises most players.

Swinging harder doesn’t make your drive better, it makes it less controlled.

Fix it:
Dial it back to 70–80% power.

Focus on smooth, controlled swings. In pickleball, precision beats power every time.

The only two things you need to remember

If everything else goes out the window, keep this:

- Step forward and shift your weight into the court
- Swing through the ball, not up

That alone will dramatically improve your drives.

Quick drill to fix your drive today

Next time you play, try this:

- Hit 10 drives
- Try to skim the net tape (not hit it)
- Keep every ball low

If the ball pops up:

- Slow your swing
- Lean forward more
- Flatten your swing path

Do this for just 5 minutes, and your brain will start recalibrating automatically.

You don’t need more strength. 

You need better positioning, cleaner mechanics, and controlled swings.

Fix those and your drives will go from attackable to dangerous almost instantly.

A notable guest made an appearance at MLP Orlando, as UFC fighter Charles Johnson was spotted courtside cheering on his hometown team, the St. Louis Shock.

“I’m a huge fan of this team. I love our team,” said Johnson. “They always seem like the underdogs, even though they’re great. I love watching them.”

The event marked Johnson’s second time attending an MLP event and watching the Shock in action.

“It’s just a fun sport. It’s all the good things about tennis, you know? Tennis gets a little boring sometimes. At the highest level, pickleball is amazing. It’s amazing watching the best players play, and it’s so fun to watch. It’s intense,” he said. “I love the intensity of our players, too. The competitiveness on our women’s and men’s side is amazing. They always find a way.”

Johnson had a front-row seat to one of the most electrifying matchups of the season, as the Shock faced off against the New Jersey 5s. The opening mixed doubles game delivered exactly what fans hoped for—a high-intensity showdown featuring Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin against Anna Leigh Waters and Noe Khlif.

One of the defining moments came from Patriquin, whose celebrations and undeniable court swagger elevated the energy and spectacle of the match.

Johnson soaked it all in, and loved every second.

“I think Hayden was feeding off my energy a little bit. When he started talking, he started playing with a different swagger and a different rhythm. I think when he changes up the pace after he’s been playing for a little bit, it goes a long way,” noted Johnson. “I fight for a living, so when you get in a fight and you get a flow going, I see Hayden get a flow going and he dictates his shots a little differently. It’s fun to watch.”

Despite the loss, the Shock walked away with perspective—and encouragement—from Johnson as they turn their focus toward the playoffs.

“In all sports, it’s like a mental thing. I was telling the team that, you know, you guys kicked their a** last time, so they had a little bit of mental fortitude to come into this one and beat you, but you now get to take this and let this fuel you. So go into the playoffs with a good mindset,” he shared. “I think they have a very good chance to win the whole thing. They have a great team, great players, and they have a good staff of people that care about them, so they’ll do well.”

While Johnson clearly enjoys watching pickleball at its elite level, he admitted he hasn’t stepped onto the court himself yet.

“I don’t play now because I worry about rolling my ankles, but I’m going to start when I have more time,” he confirmed. “I’m probably going to pull up on the team and get some professional cues.”

Johnson thoroughly enjoyed taking in the play from the game’s top athletes.

“I brought my family with me. I had my son on the bench and he behaved and enjoyed it,” concluded Johnson. “He loves watching the action, so it was a great time and an awesome family event.”

To keep up to date on all things pickleball, follow us on Instagram.

The New Jersey 5s are just 2-2 against the St. Louis Shock this season, but their second win against their rivals came in their highest-stakes meeting of the campaign on Zipfizz Super Sunday at Amway MLP Orlando, the final event before the postseason.

With the regular season title on the line and top seed in the playoffs up for grabs, the 5s secured a 3-1 victory over a Shock squad that had swept them 3-0 just three weeks earlier in the final of the Mid-Season Tournament.

After that loss, New Jersey made a blockbuster trade with the Orlando Squeeze to bring in Federico Staksrud and Milly Rane, a transaction in which they paid Orlando $400K.

That move paid off handsomely on Sunday in the Sunshine State.

Anna Leigh Waters/Jorja Johnson started off the revenge tour with an 11-5 victory over Anna Bright/Kate Fahey, who handed the pairing their first loss as a partnership in their previous meeting.

The Shock’s men’s doubles pairing of Hayden Patriquin/Gabe Tardio evened the contest with an 11-5 win over Federico Staksrud/Will Howells, improving their 2026 record a league-best 28-4 mark.

In the first mixed doubles game, Bright/Patriquin took the court against Waters and Noe Khlif, who did not play men’s doubles on Sunday with Staksrud in the lineup.

Bright/Patriquin won their previous meeting 11-8 and got out to a 7-1 lead on Sunday, but Waters/Khlif clawed all the way back—saving several game points along the way—to win a feisty, chirp-filled affair by a 15-13 score line.

That win closed out an undefeated weekend for Waters/Khlif and brought their season record to a league-best 29-3, but it’s how they’ve won their most recent contests that deserves more attention.

Here are the scorelines from Waters/Khlif’s last 3 games in Orlando:

•          Def. Tina Pisnik/Dekel Bar (PBR) 13-11
•          Def. Jade Kawamoto/Ben Johns (LA) 12-10
•          Def. Anna Bright/Hayden Patriquin (STL) 15-13

Those wins—all coming after being down game point(s)—speak to the clutch play of both players and should serve the pairing well as they look forward to more high-pressure moments in the postseason.

Up 2-1 and energized after their teammates’ triumph, Jorja Johnson/Federico Staksrud returned to the court and dominated Kate Fahey/Gabe Tardio 11-2 to seal the win for New Jersey and earn the 5s the top seed going into the postseason.

Staksrud, who faced considerable pressure to come in and make an immediate impact for the 5s, spoke about the challenges he faced throughout this event and gave a touching breakdown of the perspective with which he competes at the highest levels of professional pickleball.

“This means a lot. It was a constant battle with myself mentally. It wasn’t easy to play for a new team, especially the New Jersey 5s, where winning is the only option, but today I woke up and just told myself to have fun because in 5-10 years, if you don’t have fun in these moments, you’re going to regret it,” he mentioned. “I just wanted to have fun and enjoy every moment and remember this for my whole life.”

5s co-owner and GM Ryan Harwood applauded his team for meshing so well so quickly ahead of the final regular season event.

“We have six very high-quality starting players, and they have made personal sacrifices and have come together as a unit in a very short period of time. We did not have a lot of time to prepare for this, and everyone came together and did exactly what was asked of them with no shenanigans,” he said. “I couldn’t be more proud of them for being a team because they play an individual sport usually [on the PPA Tour], and it is very difficult for three months to come together and put aside them playing each other all year long and actually be a team, and that’s what’s required to win MLP.”

Despite the excitement surrounding Sunday’s triumph, Harwood knows that the tests are just beginning for New Jersey.

“We are far from satisfied,” he affirmed. “This is one minor step along the way. We’ve got a long playoff journey ahead of us right now, but we are going to celebrate today.”

With the top postseason seed secured, the New Jersey will get to choose their opponents for each round of the playoffs and will be the designated ‘Home’ team in each matchup, which means that they will be able to react to their opponents’ mixed doubles pairings and DreamBreaker lineups.

New Jersey will get to enjoy those privileges when they return to action in the postseason quarterfinals, which begin August 14 in Newport Beach, CA, after next week’s opening playoff round in Dallas, TX.

Here’s a look at the final standings from Orlando:

1. 1. New Jersey 5s: 25 points
2. 2. St. Louis Shock: 18 points
3. 3. Los Angeles Mad Drops: 15 points
4. 4. Brooklyn Pickleball Team: 12 points
5. 5. Palm Beach Royals: 10 points
6. 6. Las Vegas Night Owls: 8 points
7. 7. Chicago Slice: 6 points
8. 8. Miami Pickleball Club: 4 points
9. 9. California Black Bears: 1 point
10. 10. Orlando Squeeze: 1 point
11. 11. Phoenix Flames: 0 points
12. 12. Carolina Hogs: 0 points

And here is a look at the 12 teams who made the postseason. Special credit to the Chicago Slice, who reeled off back-to-back DreamBreaker wins on Saturday and Sunday to clinch the 12th and final qualifying spot:

• 1. New Jersey 5s: 118 points
• 2. St. Louis Shock: 111 points
• 3. Los Angeles Mad Drops: 86 points
• 4. Columbus Sliders: 83 points
• 5. Brooklyn Pickleball Team: 78 points
• 6. Dallas Flash: 72 points
• 7. Palm Beach Royals: 54 points
• 8. Texas Ranchers: 48 points
• 9. Atlanta Bouncers: 36 points
• 10. SoCal Hard Eights: 34 points (42% match win rate)
• 11. Las Vegas Night Owls: 34 points (39% win rate)
• 12. Chicago Slice: 33 points

The first round of the playoffs featuring seeds 5-12 begins August 7 with the MLP Dallas Playoffs presented by Eisneramper.

Buy tickets here, and catch all the action on Pickleballtv.