This year ’ s trends were visible in the tournament operations , the players on the court , and the vendors . Tournament Operations used an app for check-in and texted players their court assignments . There were no announcements except for absent players and no monitors . Tyson McGuffin says , “ Most of the young players keep their phones in their pockets or close by so that ’ s convenient for them .” The QR system located on signs posted around the venue provided information . Evon explains , “ Because of COVID we don ’ t want to draw a big crowd to any one court , and we want to train players to use a new system .”
The format previewed a potential trend because there is a rumor that one of the pro tours may use it . Because the US Open uses a consolation bracket rather than the traditional double-elimination bracket , players cannot come back and win gold if they lose in an earlier round . They can only win bronze by winning the consolation bracket . This makes scheduling much easier , takes less time for brackets to play out , and avoids the long waits of the double-elimination format . But it is unpopular with many players because they cannot go for gold once they have lost .
One player said , “ I have never seen so many defaults in a tournament .” Players save themselves for other events , but they disrupt the consolation draw because it leaves one player rested while another continues to play and play . There is no penalty in pickleball for this poor sportsmanship . Pros should realize that when people pay to see them play , they need to perform . Defaulters also disadvantage fellow players . These are not injury defaults ; these are selfish defaults .
There are several exciting trends in tournament play . The apparel , for example , at this year ’ s tournament trended toward tennis apparel , still bright colors but usually having a paddle company logo or quick-dry tournament shirt . You seldom saw the old t-shirts or camo pants . Players carry brand-name bags , hats and visors with pickleball logos . Players are supporting the vendors .
A major trend is the presence of younger players who have had lessons and training , play well , dress well , and are players rather than participants . Anna Leigh Waters and William Sobek demonstrated a high level of
Mike DeLazzer , Franz Kuehnrich , and Roddy Cantey manned the Sportbox booth and demonstrated the automated retail of pickleball equipment . Photo by Alice Tym .
play and sportsmanship for any age level . This year the Open had more younger players with Junior Boys and Girls divisions ages 1-14 and a Junior Mixed 1-15 . Sobek and C . J . Klinger won the Junior Boys Doubles 15-18 , and Sobek also won Junior Mixed 16-18 with Payton Pemberton . The AAU Junior Olympic Games will be held Aug . 3-6 in Houston , Texas — pickleball ’ s presence there demonstrates another step in the growth of the sport .
Another trend at the Open was the increased height of the competitors . Deb Harrison pointed out what an advantage height is in the sport . Irina Tereschenko ’ s court coverage earned her the gold medal , winning Women ’ s Pro Singles over an exciting new player , Lea Jansen . Former NBA player Rick Barry won gold in Mixed skill / age 4.0 70 + with Linda Bruder and silver with Gregg Brents in Men ’ s skill / age 5.0 70-75 . Jim Hackenberg and Dan McLaughlin beat them for gold , and they have height too ! Brents , a former platform tennis star , and Ted Meyer won Men ’ s Doubles 70 over Hackenberg and McLaughlin . Tall newcomers Norm Riek and Tim Connor took silver in Men ’ s Doubles 60 . Hilary Marold won gold in Women ’ s Singles 70 over Michelle Foster . Height is apparent in the pros and the senior players , whether they come from the NBA , platform tennis , racquetball , or tennis .
Overall play was better than ever . There were few easy matches at any level . Players are taking lessons , attending clinics , and watching livestreaming and CBS Sports , which broadcast the finals . Play itself is faster and stronger . Professional Katie Dwyer thought that the
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MAY / JUNE 2021 | MAGAZINE 47