2023 APP Chicago Open Former Illinois tennis stars turned pickleball pros

 

Pickleball Power Couple: Megan Fudge DeHeart and Riley DeHeart Share Their Winning Recipe

Champions on the Court and in Love, the DeHearts Talk Pickleball and Partnership

Chicago, IL — In the world of Pickleball, one dynamic duo stands out, both for their remarkable skills on the court and their inspiring love story. Megan Fudge DeHeart and Ryler DeHeart, known affectionately as the "Pickleball Power Couple," have been making waves in the sport, amassing titles and trophies while nurturing their partnership both personally and professionally.

Pickleball, the sport that blends elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, has been capturing hearts across the country. Yet, it's the DeHearts' love for each other and their passion for Pickleball that has us captivated.

Megan Fudge DeHeart, a top Pickleball pro, shared her journey into the sport: "I fell in love with Pickleball almost instantly. The combination of strategy and skill required to excel drew me in. And when Riley joined in, it just added a whole new dimension to our relationship."

Ryler DeHeart, a former professional tennis player, transitioned seamlessly into Pickleball. He explained how the sport's unique characteristics appealed to him: "Coming from tennis, the speed and agility in Pickleball are similar, but it's a completely different game. The teamwork and communication required in doubles play really suit Megan and me. We make a great team both on and off the court."

Their partnership has yielded remarkable results. Megan and Ryler have claimed numerous titles and championships, solidifying their reputation as one of the most formidable pairs in the Pickleball world. Their secret to success? Megan shared, "Communication and trust are key. We know each other's strengths and weaknesses, and we complement each other well. On the court, we're a united front."

Ryler concurred, saying, "We keep the competition on the court. Off the court, we're a team in life. Megan has been my biggest supporter, and I couldn't have asked for a better partner in Pickleball or in love."

Their chemistry, both in sport and life, has become a source of inspiration for the Pickleball community. Fans and fellow players look up to the DeHearts not only for their outstanding athletic achievements but also for their unwavering support of one another.

As they prepare for the highly anticipated 2023 Chicago Open, Megan and Ryler have their sights set on adding another championship to their collection. Megan shared her excitement, saying, "This tournament is special to us because it's in our hometown, Chicago. We have a lot of friends and family here, and the support means the world to us. We're going to give it our all and hope to make Chicago proud."

The Pickleball world eagerly awaits their performance, not only for their exceptional skills but also to witness the enduring love and partnership that defines Megan and Riyer DeHeart — a true Pickleball power couple.

2023 APP Chicago Open is being held in Highland Park

Pickleball Fever Sweeps Chicago: Alix Truong Talks Strategy and Success

Chicago's Largest Pickleball Tournament Showcases Rising Star

Chicago, IL — In the heart of Highland Park, Chicago, a sporting phenomenon has taken hold, and it's not what you might expect. The Pickleball craze has swept through the Windy City, culminating in the grand spectacle of the 2023 Chicago Open. With over 800 participants, this tournament is the largest in Chicago's history, and at the center of this whirlwind is an 18-year-old sensation, Alix Truong.

Pickleball, a sport often described as a hybrid between tennis and ping pong, has been gaining immense popularity due to its accessibility and inclusivity. Alix Truong, a young athlete with a bright future, graciously shared her journey into Pickleball during a recent interview on Fox 32 News Chicago.

"I started playing Pickleball around 15 or 16," Alix recounted. "I first started playing when the pandemic first hit in 2020. I signed up for my first tournament just after learning how to play at a local tennis court with my family, and from there, I really got into playing on the APP tour."

What sets Alix apart is her versatility. Before Pickleball, she dabbled in other sports, including tennis, soccer, and volleyball during her high school years. This diverse athletic background has undoubtedly contributed to her impressive skills on the Pickleball court.

With fierce competition at the Chicago Open, Alix is no stranger to the pressure. She revealed some of the formidable opponents she'll be facing: "This week, I have amazing partners. I'm playing with Vivian Glozman in women's doubles and Richard Livornese Jr. in mixed doubles. Here in our hometown, Chicago, Vivian and I need to knock off Megan Fudge DeHeart and Susannah Barr (Fudge Barr). They're going to be the number one seed this weekend, so they're going to be a tough team to beat, as well as Mari Hamberg and Allison Harris who took silver last week in Philadelphia. So, we're really looking out for everybody. It should be a really fun weekend."

As the tournament unfolds under the scorching Chicago sun, the weather becomes a factor. Alix mentioned, "The sun is always nice to have out. During our practices, it was a bit windy, so those are probably the adjustments everybody will have to make throughout the weekend. Nothing to complain about since we're all in the same environment."

When asked about advice for newcomers to Pickleball, Alix enthusiastically encouraged them: "Just get into the sport, pick up a paddle, and start playing at your local parks. It's an amazing community that we are all surrounded by. You can play at the 3.0 level to the 5.0 level, and you'll pick up a partner. Honestly, you'll be attached."

Alix's journey in Pickleball serves as an inspiring testament to the sport's growth and appeal. Her determination and passion are emblematic of the vibrant Pickleball community that has taken root in Chicago. With her eyes on the prize and unwavering enthusiasm, Alix Truong is undoubtedly a name we'll continue to hear in the world of Pickleball.

The James Ignatowich ☄️ Who Will Come Out on TOP❔

Pickleball Tour Wars: James Ignatowich's Insights on MLP vs. PPA

In the world of pickleball, a fierce battle is brewing between two major leagues: Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Pickleball Players Association (PPA). With players and fans divided, James Ignatowich shared his thoughts on this tour war on his current podcast episode.

Ignatowich, known for his candid and often humorous takes on the game, provided a unique perspective on the ongoing rivalry. He began by addressing the age-old debate of playing against the best players in the world. "The PPA is interesting because I do think that there is that argument about being able to play the best player in the world," he noted.

However, he didn't stop there. Ignatowich acknowledged the MLP's approach, saying, "But I also see the MLP side of it. It's like, 'I'll play the next 35, you know?'"

The discussion then turned to the chatter and possible defections from both sides. Ignatowich expressed the concerns some players are facing: "People got signed under duress, and so they were rushed to sign. Now, they're having second thoughts and they're not sure what to do."

The topic of consequences for defection was also touched upon. "I was told by MLP that if anybody defects, they will never play an MLP again," Ignatowich revealed, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

One of the significant moments in the interview was the mention of Jimmy Miller. Ignatowich praised Miller's contribution to the sport, calling him "probably one of the most famous people in the sport now."

The interview continued with Ignatowich sharing insights on the strategies of both leagues. He observed, "Major League Pickleball was like, 'Hey, we want better competition; we want to go with quality players but a little more maybe quantity.'"

As for the current state of the tour war, Ignatowich gave a slight edge to Major League Pickleball, citing their impressive depth. He noted that while PPA has its star players in Ben Johhs and Anna Leigh Waters, MLP dominates in terms of depth.

However, Ignatowich didn't shy away from discussing the challenges ahead. He raised questions about the financial sustainability of these leagues and the impact of recent developments on the game's future. "It's going to be tougher to make a profit because PPA is claiming that their money is coming from Pickleball Central," he mentioned.

As the interview continued, Ignatowich explored the player dynamics and rivalries within the leagues. He humorously remarked on his personal rivalry with Christian Alshon, who recently made a move to PPA. "I told him, 'You're my favorite player to play against, don't take this from me,'" he quipped.

In conclusion, James Ignatowich's insights shed light on the complexities of the MLP vs. PPA tour war. The competition between these two leagues not only impacts the players but also raises questions about the future of pickleball. As fans and players eagerly await the outcomes, one thing is clear: the sport is experiencing a significant shift, and James Ignatowich's commentary adds a unique perspective to the ongoing pickleball saga.

1. 0:00 - The James Ignatowich Show Episode 32 Trailer 🎬
2. 0:44 - Jimmy Miller introduction 👏
3. 1:42 - MLP vs. PPA... Who's winning? 🤔
4. 5:18 - Is the MLP's depth better than the PPA's❓
5. 7:36 - High player price tags 💲
6. 9:16 - James' favorite player to face 🤣
7. 13:16 - Are these contracts all guaranteed? 👀
8. 17:40 - MLP's individual tourney's 1️⃣
9. 23:18 - Will there be player defections? 🧐
10. 24:52 - Will there always be an asterisk winning in MLP with no Ben Johns? 🤷‍♀️

Claude Time Code List

0:00 - Intro 0:44 - Jimmy Miller introduction 0:53 - Nothing going on in pickleball currently 1:44 - Have to address MLP vs PPA battle 2:00 - Jimmy signed with MLP, most premier players did 2:14 - 30 of 48 premier players signed with MLP 2:23 - MLP has edge in quantity and depth 2:45 - But PPA has Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters 3:17 - Slight edge to MLP due to depth 3:24 - Previously knock on PPA was Ben/Anna Leigh dominance 3:59 - Even with gambling deal, betting on Ben as huge favorite not appealing 4:20 - Always had good time on PPA tour 5:13 - Comments about Connor Pardo cut 5:19 - Connor good basketball player apparently 5:58 - Christian Alshon as James' favorite player to face 6:07 - James 12-0 against Christian Alshon, who then went to PPA 6:35 - James watches his wins against Christian repeatedly 7:04 - Will miss beating Christian with him now in PPA 7:38 - Needs new player to beat on in MLP 8:16 - Contract values getting very high 8:27 - Many companies operate at losses initially 8:55 - PPA paying from pickleball business, not event revenue 9:26 - Jimmy jokingly floats his name for a deal 9:56 - Weaker players now directly into main draws 10:13 - Women's singles could just be exhibition with Anna Leigh on Sundays 10:49 - Depth diminished on PPA side in various events 11:41 - MLP will have exciting individual tournaments without Ben/Anna Leigh 12:03 - People kind of over Ben/Anna Leigh's dominance 12:55 - Being so much better than everyone would get boring 13:52 - Ben will get even more bored if JW leaves 14:20 - JW/Dylan not even pushing Ben that much currently 15:02 - Excited for Tyler Loong's deal and development 15:45 - Tyler's game has leveled up recently 16:51 - Weaker early matches will help Tyler on PPA tour 17:21 - PPA went for Ben/Anna Leigh over depth 18:23 - Chatter about possible player defections from both tours 18:59 - MLP said defectors can't play MLP ever again 19:24 - Understands MLP wanting to set boundaries 20:08 - Asterisk always for winning MLP event without Ben present 20:56 - If player emerges to dominate MLP, it would create needed debate 21:49 - Would need to be a breakout young player probably 22:26 - Would also face tougher competition in MLP 23:02 - Hopes a rivalry debate emerges 23:27 - Players need to stop taking calls, focus on their decision 24:07 - MLP should start announcing plans to engage players

24:34 - Players need to find partners, focus on 2024

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