Drama and Disappointment at the 2022 USA Pickleball National Championships
Allegations of cheating, rule-bending, and event mismanagement overshadow on-court action in Dallas
The 2023 USA Pickleball National Championships in Dallas, Texas last week were meant to showcase the fast-growing sport on one of its biggest stages yet. With over 3,500 players competing across multiple divisions and almost $300,000 in prize money up for grabs, this year Nationals had all the makings of a landmark event for professional and amateur pickleball.
But despite the fanfare leading up to Nationals, the event was plagued by organizational issues, weather delays, controversial rules decisions, and renewed allegations of cheating by top players – leaving many competitors disappointed and questioning the direction of the professional game.
Trouble From the Start
- The issues began even before the first serve, according to pro player and podcast host Jill Braverman. She said players were told that paddle testing protocols would carry over from the recent Major League Pickleball (MLP) event in Dallas, allowing the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) to identify and penalize any players using illegal, overly-modified paddles.
- (4:18) But Braverman said that promise was not kept. The PPA ended up using minimal, inconsistent testing – a stark contrast to 102 paddles that reportedly failed inspection at the MLP Dallas Open just days earlier. “It’s just favoritism, protectionism and shadiness,” said Braverman of the lack of paddle enforcement by tournament organizers.
Lingering Paddle Controversy
- The paddle issues have been bubbling since March, when pickleball stars Anna Leigh Waters and Irina Tereschenko were first accused of using illegal paddles that flex significantly more than allowed by PPA rules. Excess paddle flexibility allows players to generate extra speed and spin on their shots.
- (11:31) Waters’ paddle purportedly failed testing at multiple tournaments this season but she has faced no sanctions, leading to allegations that the PPA protects its top-ranked players. “It’s like we’re heading in that direction because it’s like people are covering for people who are not playing with legit equipment,” said Braverman’s podcast co-host Kristin Walla, comparing it to the Lance Armstrong doping scandal.
- The lack of transparency and consistency around paddle policies has rankled many pros. "If anything we said was false on the last podcast I would have received an attorney cease-and-assist," said Braverman of the PPA's non-response to their allegations. "That silence is deafening in some ways."
Progressive Format Flops
- The on-court action at Nationals was similarly frustrating for competitors. In the pro divisions, matches were played using a “progressive” format akin to tennis majors, with pros competing in singles, mixed doubles and same-gender doubles on alternating days.
- (26:30) But the innovative bracket style backfired badly. With unpredictable timing between rounds, long matches routinely stretched well past midnight under the lights. “Is this the forward thinking of Nationals and USA Pickleball of the PPA Tour?” asked an exasperated Braverman.
Problems Mount as Weather Rolls In
- As if the delayed schedule wasn’t enough, Mother Nature added to the headaches in Dallas. Rain throughout the week forced organizers to shorten matches from two wins to just one, even in the pro brackets with significant money at stake.
- 24:57-25:17 Already exhausted from late nights and long gaps between matches, amateur competitors in particular were frustrated to see their chance at a National title come down to a single 11-point game. “Imagine this,” said Braverman. “You spend hundreds of dollars on your entry fee, thousands of dollars on your Airbnb and your ticket and you show up and play one game to 11.”
Controversy Strikes the Court
- The weather and format changes left players on edge, and tensions finally boiled over into an on-court altercation during a men’s pro doubles match on Friday night. Witnesses said that A.J. Koller and opponent Federico Staksrud had to be physically separated after a dispute arose, resulting in Koller's disqualification.
- 28:27-29:09 But in a now-deleted Instagram post, the PPA later said Koller withdrew voluntarily – fueling accusations of the organization covering up the real sequence of events to protect Koller, a top pro. "No favoritism or protectionism on the PPA Tour," joked Walla.
Amateurs Bear the Brunt
- While pros like Braverman still earned valuable ranking points, amateurs left Dallas upset and empty-handed after investing significant time and money into Nationals.
- Beyond weather delays that slashed match lengths, amateur brackets were plagued by organizational issues like three-hour gaps between start times and a lack of on-site food options. Competitors reported waiting until 11 p.m. or later to play their first match of the day.
- 24:34-25:03 "Biggest losers the players," declared Braverman. She cited senior pros being scheduled to play four days in a row and amateurs having to rely on Uber Eats deliveries due to the absence of concessions.
Testing Players' Patience
- Braverman aimed to challenge Waters' paddle in the tournament but was informed that only paddles used in the quarterfinals onward would be inspected – rendering the policy ineffective. "It's nonsensical to be doing [testing] in the quarterfinals, semis and finals," she argued.
- The pattern of lax enforcement left Braverman feeling fatigued but resolute. "Keep pushing," she urged. "Otherwise they are getting exactly what they want."
Silver Linings Emerge
- Yet despite the competitive letdowns, there were some positives to take away from Nationals. The growth of pickleball translated to the event's biggest crowds and payouts to date. Sponsors like Discover and Verizon helped raise the sport's profile.
- 36:01-37:45 On a personal level, Braverman’s confidence in Kristin as an on-court coach grew significantly. And she took pride in leading important conversations around integrity and transparency within professional pickleball.
- Up-and-coming young stars like Hayden Patriquin and Jorja Johnson also impressed Braverman with their athleticism, shot-making creativity and positivity on court. She sees them as the future of the sport.
Testing Players' Faith
- But pros like Braverman remain concerned about the inconsistent enforcement of rules, especially regarding paddles. They want to see consistent testing across all major events, not just when it's convenient.
- (54:27) “It’s just the favoritism and the protectionism that we’re seeing right now,” said Walla. “I don’t know why this is not very simply like ‘Hey Anna Leigh, your time for playing this crazy paddle has ended.’”
- Until then, Braverman plans to continue speaking out when she sees unfairness. “We never have and never will change our content or jeopardize our truth for anyone under any circumstances,” she said proudly of her independent podcast and platform.
Signs of Progress
- The drama in Dallas threatened to cast a pall over pickleball heading into 2024. But there are reasons for optimism. The PPA and MLP are finalizing a unified partnership that will eliminate conflicting schedules and rules.
- The unified circuit is expected to adopt paddle testing protocols from MLP that provide consistency, transparency and protection against cheating. Players are also pushing the PPA for direct input into decision-making.
- While disappointed by Nationals, Braverman remains devoted to growing the sport she loves. In her words: “Pickleball is joy – don’t let anyone tell you differently.” If organizers can embrace that spirit and address players’ concerns, the future of professional and amateur pickleball remains bright.
Conclusion
The 2023 National Championships presented ample growing pains for USA Pickleball and the PPA as the spotlight on their marquee event widened. But top pros like Jill Braverman have not given up hope that needed improvements will come – and that the incredible growth of pickleball will continue on an upswing, not be derailed by drama and dysfunction at the highest levels. If organizers can learn from this year's headaches to create a fairer, more streamlined event, perhaps the 2024 National Championships can offer the true celebration of the sport that players desire.
YouTube Time Code List
- 0:00 Teaser Intro
- 1:20 Back in Desert Heaven
- 2:30 Special Thanks
- 4:18 If it weren’t true, we would be getting sued
- 11:31 Lance Armstrong Moment
- 15:40 Rotten Stars?
- 19:12 Winners and Losers of Dallas
- 26:30 Progressive Draws is a Regression
- 31:00 Abuse of PPA Staff
- 34:44 Tyra gets sick
- 37:47 Positives on Dallas
- 39:54 By the Numbers
- 42:50 NY Hustlers Update/Ads
- 42:50 NY Hustlers Update/Ads
- 45:22 Dear JILLYB:Fix My Returns
- 49:12 Nationals Recap: Who is the Fastest Man In Pickleball?
- 54:27 Final Thoughts on Paddle Testing
- 1:03:40 GRÜVN Winner!
51:30 It is always fun to see someone smile on the court
"Pickleball is Joy don't let anyone tell you differently."
1:04:50 Jill Braverman: "...as we all know pickleball is joy and I do want to mention we talked about PB Gods earlier in this episode but I did just release an entire Joy Collection."
1:05:29 Jill Braverman: "Pickleball is Joy don't let anyone tell you differently."
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