Hey everyone!
The PPA was in Minnesota this weekend, and it reminded me way too much of Wisconsin, haha!
There's a reason why I left for Texas, and it's the -20 degree winter days!
But in all honesty, something about the Lakeville, MN tournament is super special to me. I've played tournaments there for years, all the way back to 2018, I believe. I even played some tournaments there with my dad from the pre-pro pickleball era.
So despite the cold, I really like Minnesota.
I just wish I were able to do a little better, haha!
Unfortunately, I lost in the round of 32 in both singles and mixed doubles. Carlos and I were able to reach the round of 16 before we fell to CJ Klinger and Federico Staksrud.
I have a couple of weeks off of tournaments, but I definitely don't have time off! I'm headed for a big tour of the Northeast thanks to PickleballPros.com.
9 clinics in 10 days!
I love teaching in person, so check out pickleballpros.com if you want me, or any of the roster of pros, to come to your facility!
What a wild weekend in Minnesota!
Here's everything that went down:
CHAOS AT PPA INDOOR NATIONALS
Julian's Crashout
Julian had the biggest meltdown of the weekend. My assumption is that it's going to be a healthy fine and at least a one-tournament suspension.
Watch the video above to see the replay.
Singles Lines Are Coming
The PPA announced they're testing singles alleys, adding a singles sideline 18 inches inside the doubles sideline at the Houston Challenger on February 20th. This change is going to save singles from becoming mini tennis.
14-Year-Old Camden Chaffin's Insane Run
Cam took out Donald Young in 3 games, then beat #2 seed Federico Staksrud. He even had a match point against Chris Haworth before losing 12-10 in the third – legitimately probably the closest singles match in recent history.
Will Howells Injury
Will went down with a freak injury when he stepped on his paddle and rolled his ankle. He had to pull out of both men's and mixed, and he'll be out for several weeks.
Andrei's "Medical Timeout"
After a 40-minute first game, Gabe went to the bathroom because he was apparently puking. Andrei called a medical timeout, citing knee pain, to give his partner more time to recover.
Good partner move or a step too far?
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Parris Todd's Singles "Retirement"
Parris said this could be her last singles tournament, then won gold and immediately walked back that statement in the post-match interview. You can't be that good at singles and never play again!
Championship Sunday Gold Medals:
Women's Doubles: Anna Leigh and Anna Bright
Men's Singles: Hunter Johnson (flipped the script with an 11-6, 11-0 beatdown of Chris Haworth)
Mixed Doubles: Christian and Tyra (their first gold together... in their last tournament together)
Women's Singles: Parris Todd
Men's Doubles: Andrei and Gabe (after an absolute dogfight – this match was an instant classic)
Watch the full recap video for all the details, crazy points, and everything else that happened!
There was a TON of news since my last newsletter, so rather than elaborate here, I'm just going to link to the relevant topics!
Stay Legendary,
– Zane
P.S. Do as I say, not as I do...My Minnesota weekend was rough, but I still know ball, haha! And I tell all of my secrets in the Transition Zone.
Don't believe me? Here's two weeks free to check it out for yourself!