OPEN began in 2019, just 305 players took part. By 2025, participation had reached 2,350 players and 4,321 event registrations. This year’ s field of 3,400 players represented another dramatic increase and reinforced the tournament’ s status as a major international event.
Each compartment of the tournament had a story. Referees from all over the world were there working match after match. David Hughes presented medals in addition to his work with the handicapped players. One hundred volunteers in red shirts, led by Lou Stephens, assisted the 3,509 registered players. The number of medals awarded was close to 600. As for pickleball itself, it was apparent that the fad has morphed into serious play. The Brits have retained the sportsmanship and friendship aspects of pickleball while also advancing the quality of play. Courts are being built and tennis clubs are attracting pickleball players.
If you want to play a big tournament that has character and personality, plan on next year’ s English OPEN. You will play lots of pickleball and meet players from all parts of Europe.
It will be wonderful when there is an established European circuit so that players can participate in several tournaments in succession. The English OPEN highlighted the potential of international pickleball. •
OPEN MEN’ S DOUBLES: RICHARD LIVORNESE AND JACK MUNRO, GOLD; TRISTAN DUSSAULT AND RONAN CAMRON, SILVER; RANDY BLANCO AND BRANDON LANE( NOT PICTURED), BRONZE.
A TOURNAMENT ON THE RISE
For Pickleball England, the tournament represented another significant milestone in a remarkable rise.
305 2,350
PLAYERS PLAYERS
2019 2025
3,400
PLAYERS 2026
Alice Tym was ranked 13th in the world for tennis in the’ 60s. She’ s been named USPTA Coach of the Year and is a USPTA Master Professional. As a 4.5 pickleball player, she won gold at the 2026 English OPEN and has also won gold in Huntsman, NSGA Nationals, US Open, and USA Pickleball events around the country. Alice is an IPTPA member, SSIPA founding board member, Bainbridge Cup Originator and gold medalist in Spain, Italy and Germany.
OPEN MEN’ S + SINGLES 50 +: MARCELLO PAIVA JARDIM, GOLD; STEFANO CUCUZZA, SILVER; AND RICHARD LOVE, BRONZE.
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