2023 MLP Atlanta: The PicklePod Podcast - Rachel Rohrabacher

Major League Pickleball Champions Reflect on Historic Win

Rachel Rohrabacher and Zane Navratil Discuss Upset Victory and Bright Future of Professional Pickleball

New York, NY - In a dramatic Major League Pickleball (MLP) final, underdogs Rachel Rohrabacher and Zane Navratil led the Orlando Squeeze to victory over tournament favorites the DC Pickleball Team. Rohrabacher, an MLP rookie, proved clutch under pressure, winning multiple dream breaker points to seal Orlando's comeback.

PicklePod Podcast co-hosts Thomas Shields and Zane Navratil sat down with Rohrabacher to discuss the Orlando Squeeze teams champion chemistry, the future of pickleball, and life in the spotlight.

1. Rachel's journey into pickleball (6:12) Rohrabacher outlines her professional tennis career, including an impressive run at the University of South Carolina. After some time off, she was introduced to pickleball by a former coach. Though hesitant at first, she slowly got more involved, playing her first pro tournaments in 2020. Navratil notes Rohrabacher's uncommon poise and composure for an MLP rookie, attributing it to her experience competing at a high level in college tennis. 3. Was there animosity between players? (12:53) Entering the tournament, there was speculation of lingering tension given the player discord in the PPA vs MLP TourWars. However, both Rohrabacher and Navratil say they did not notice any animosity on court. Rohrabacher suggests her newcomer status may have shielded her from any behind-the-scenes drama. Navratil adds that the universal player participation gave this MLP extra weight and meaning. 4. An unbelievable comeback victory (14:49) Down 0-2 in the championship match, Orlando mounted an incredible rally. Rohrabacher describes the heightening pressure but maintaining belief in her teammates. Navratil highlights the value of drafting flexibility for the dream breaker format. Rohrabacher won back-to-back dream breakers with aggressive play at net. She reflects on the thrill of those final points and celebrating with her parents in attendance. 5. The story of Rachel's draft position (21:50) As an unknown rookie, Rohrabacher recounts pitching herself to teams pre-draft. Despite strong showings, she assumed a late pick was likely. A surprise 4th overall selection by Orlando proved controversial. Navratil details the team's draft strategy - with poor early results, take a risk on high upside. He suggests the safety net of relegation removal enabled the gamble on Rohrabacher's talent. 6. Comparing SEC tennis and MLP (26:52) For Rohrabacher, the MLP environment felt similar to competing in the high stakes SEC tennis conference. She says the crowd energy and pressure in both championships was unmatched. Navratil notes college tennis ingrains habits like cheering teammates, benefiting Orlando's team chemistry edge. Rohrabacher credits the Squeeze's visible support on-court throughout the event. 7. Where does the MLP win rank in your career? Thoughts on Dreambreaker (31:40) Rohrabacher puts the team win up with her SEC title, emphasizing her love for team events. Navratil compares it to his first MLP victory for the heightened achievement of winning with the full player pool present. Both defend the dream breaker format - requiring condensed points and aggressive play. Navratil highlights how it forces teams to balance singles and doubles skillsets in drafting. 8. Dealing with pickleball fame and team chemistry (38:34) Rohrabacher describes the sudden influx of attention on social media. She remains unsure if she'll follow the trend of separate "pro" accounts. Navratil attributes their team chemistry edge to all four members having college tennis experience. He adds that supportive ownership and staff like coach Geoffrey Forbes further unified the Squeeze. 9. Andrei's philosophical quotes (45:01) The pair joked about Andrei Daescu's unique motivational tweet style. But Navratil notes there is a nugget of wisdom to be found in Agassi's words, even if the delivery is peculiar. Rohrabacher recalls Agassi's effusive on-court celebrations, though Navratil clarifies the rest of the team was simply trying to share his enthusiasm. 10. Questions for Rachel (47:39) Rohrabacher fields rapid fire questions on topics like her partnership with Navratil, fostering Rafa Hewitt as a child, and being called "daddy" by current MLP foes. She takes the ribbing in stride throughout. One fan asks if Riley Newman will adjust his grip due to their match-up; Rohrabacher jokes she may have inflicted irreparable damage. On swagger and confidence, she says big stages bring out her best. 11. The Bryan Bros expected to make a run in pro pickleball (54:50) The Bryan Brothers announcing a serious foray into pro pickleball introduces a new wrinkle, given the rarity of successful tennis crossovers. Rohrabacher and Navratil weigh in on their chances. While their pedigree and hands are unquestioned, both emphasize that transitioning sports is difficult. The process requires embracing the grind of training and sparring against elite competition. 12. Back to Major League pickleball (56:39) We shift back to dissecting Julian Arnold's eyebrow-raising decision to sit out the MLP tournament. Navratil analyzes the language of Arnold's statement, suggesting the semantics were questionable. Rohrabacher outlines her busy upcoming pickleball schedule. She remains in high demand after her breakout showing. Navratil and Shields thank her for joining amidst her newfound fame. 13. Summary Rachel Rohrabacher and Zane Navratil provided unique insight into Major League Pickleball's thrilling finals event. Rohrabacher reflected on her meteoric rise from unknown rookie to clutch MVP. Both she and veteran Navratil praised the competitive format and looked ahead to pickleball's promising future. Despite looming challenges like established tennis crossovers, the champions are confident the sport's popularity will only continue flourishing.

0:00 Intro 6:12 Rachel’s journey into pickleball 12:53 Was there animosity between players? 14:49 An unbelievable comeback victory 21:50 The story of Rachel’s draft position 26:52 Comparing SEC tennis and MLP 31:40 Where does the MLP win rank in your career? Thoughts on Dreambreaker 38:34 Dealing with pickleball fame and team chemistry 45:01 Andrei’s philosophical quotes 47:39 Questions for Rachel 54:50 The Bryan Bros expected to make a run in pro pickleball 1:00:10 The story of Swimply 1:13:10 Pickleball will outweigh the pool category

Underdog Triumph: Rachel Rohrabacher and Zane Navratil's Major League Pickleball Atlanta Finals Comeback

Introduction:

In the high-stakes world of professional pickleball, unexpected twists and incredible comebacks can redefine the narrative of a tournament. The Major League Pickleball Atlanta finals witnessed one such remarkable turn of events as Rachel Rohrabacher and Zane Navratil orchestrated an astonishing comeback. In this Q&A interview clip from the PicklePod Podcast, we delve into their journey, emotions, and strategy, as they share insights from their unforgettable finals match.

Interviewer (1): Rachel, had you played with any of your team previously?

Rachel Rohrabacher: Yes, I played with Andrei at the Utah tournament. We teamed up together and did pretty well. We beat Anna and James in the first or second round, but then we lost to Zane in the round of 16. That was the only time I'd ever played with Andrei. After that, I went down to Orlando during the Joola Clinic and spent about four or five days drilling and playing a lot with Anna.

Interviewer (2): In the championship match, you guys went down zero games to two. What was the energy like on the team bench in that moment?

Zane Navratil : When we were down 0-2, it definitely felt like the mountain was getting taller. We knew it wasn't looking good, but we were saying, "Stay hot." Rachel and Anna had lost for the first time all weekend, and Andrei and I got down big. I switched over to the left, and I was feeling really good towards the end of that match. We lost, but we were putting our lineup out first, and I kept saying, "Guys, I want a mix match." I knew Rachel and I were underdogs on paper, but we wanted to play our hearts out.

Interviewer (3): What was going through your mind during that 0-2 moment in your match?

Rachel Rohrabacher: It did feel like the mountain was getting taller, but when they put Jackie and Christian on the other side, I thought Anna and Andrei could get one on the board. I was feeling really fired up and excited to play against Riley and Jade. I knew I was a bit of a wildcard, and if I went crazy, it might catch them off guard.

Interviewer (4): Do you think there was an advantage for you, not knowing Riley's game, in that moment when Rachel went up against him?

Zane Navratil: I think not knowing Riley's game might have been an advantage for Rachel. Tennis players have certain patterns, and it can be easier to read where they're going. In a matchup between two players who haven't faced each other before, I'd say Riley had the advantage because his game is unconventional.

Interviewer (5): Let's talk about this "daddy" talk. What's the story behind that?

Zane Navratil : Well, after we won the match, Rachel decided to have some fun with Rafa. She started hitting him with shots and talking some smack. So when we did the interview, I responded to Rafa's comments and said that Rachel is his daddy. It's all in good fun, and we even made some t-shirts with that slogan.

Interviewer (6): What exactly did Rafa say that prompted this "daddy" talk?

Zane Navratil: The "daddy" talk actually began when Rafa Hewett decided to talk a bit of trash after they beat us in men's doubles. Rachel, being the fierce competitor she is, didn't hold back and gave it right back to him during the mixed match. It was all in good fun, and we have a lot of respect for each other. In the end, it added some spice to the tournament and even became a running joke.

Interviewer (13): You've played with Rafa before. What's your relationship like with him?

Rachel Rohrabacher (14): We've played together in two tournaments so far, and we get along well. We have a good rapport, and we're actually teaming up again in Vegas next weekend.

Summary:
Rachel Rohrabacher and Zane Navratil discuss their path to the Major League Pickleball Atlanta finals, their comeback from a 0-2 deficit, and their unique experiences in facing opponents. The interview sheds light on the dynamics of the finals, the mindset of the players, and the unexpected "daddy" talk that became a highlight of the tournament. Furthermore, they provide a glimpse into their future matchups and the camaraderie that defines professional pickleball.