Pickleball, a sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has rapidly gained popularity over the past few decades. With its fast-paced action and easy-to-learn gameplay, it’s no surprise that the sport has captured the hearts of people of all ages. While it’s fun to play, there’s something special about watching top-level pickleball games—matches that keep you on the edge of your seat, filled with thrilling rallies, intense competition, and surprising upsets. Here are some of the most exciting pickleball matches of all time, showcasing incredible skills and unforgettable moments that have shaped the sport.
1. 2019 US Open Pickleball Championships: Kyle Yates vs. Ben Johns
The 2019 US Open Pickleball Championships featured one of the most electrifying men’s singles finals in recent history. Ben Johns, a rising star in the sport, faced off against Kyle Yates, a veteran player known for his impeccable strategy and sharp reflexes.
From the start, the match was a display of relentless intensity, with both players showcasing incredible agility, powerful serves, and quick reactions. Yates, with his tactical finesse, tried to outmaneuver Johns, but Johns’ explosive shots and ability to stay calm under pressure made him a formidable opponent. The match went back and forth, with both players refusing to give an inch.
Ultimately, Ben Johns triumphed in a gripping three-set match, winning the championship with a scoreline that highlighted just how evenly matched the two were. It was a perfect representation of how competitive and exciting pickleball can be at the highest level.
2. 2021 Pickleball Nationals: Simone Jardim vs. Catherine Parenteau
The 2021 Pickleball Nationals in Indian Wells, California, hosted one of the most thrilling women’s doubles finals between Simone Jardim and Catherine Parenteau. Jardim, a seasoned champion with multiple titles to her name, faced off against the talented up-and-comer Parenteau in a matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The first set was a nail-biter, with both teams exchanging fast volleys and strategic dinks at the net. Parenteau’s aggressive style contrasted with Jardim’s controlled precision, making for a fascinating contrast of playing styles. The match went into a tiebreaker, with the crowd cheering every point as if it were the last. Jardim’s experience and cool-headedness eventually won the day, but Parenteau’s determination showed the immense potential of the sport’s rising stars.
This game was a testament to how women’s pickleball continues to rise in prominence, offering some of the most exciting and competitive matches.
3. 2018 World Pickleball Championships: The Battle of the Titans
The 2018 World Pickleball Championships was a showdown for the ages, bringing together two of the sport’s most legendary figures—Pat Smith and Scott Moore. The rivalry between these two players has always been intense, but the 2018 championship match was something else entirely.
The match was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. Pat Smith, known for his aggressive style and hard-hitting shots, went up against Scott Moore, who is revered for his calm demeanor and consistent play. Both players exchanged blistering rallies, diving to the court to keep the ball in play, and battling it out in long, drawn-out points that had fans roaring with excitement.
In the end, it was Scott Moore who emerged victorious, but not before enduring a fierce battle that had the crowd on their feet throughout. This match proved that pickleball is more than just a fun sport—it’s a mental and physical test that can push even the most seasoned players to their limits.
4. 2020 PPA Tour: The Clash Between the Johnson Brothers
In one of the most memorable doubles matches of the 2020 Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, the Johnson brothers—Jordon and Riley—faced off against two of the sport’s top doubles teams. The tension was palpable, as both Riley and Jordon were fierce competitors, known for their lightning-fast reflexes and unmatched coordination. Their opponents, Matt Wright and Riley Newman, brought a different kind of intensity, with lightning serves and precise net play.
The match was nothing short of spectacular, with every game point being contested at the highest level. The brothers’ synchronized play and deep understanding of each other’s movements were on full display as they fought for every point. The game went into multiple overtime rounds, and just when it seemed like one team would pull ahead, the momentum shifted, keeping fans captivated until the very last point.
In the final moments, the Johnson brothers narrowly won the match, solidifying their place as one of pickleball’s most formidable teams. It was a thrilling example of how doubles play in pickleball requires a mix of strategy, teamwork, and quick thinking.
5. 2022 APP Tour: Leigh and Sarah vs. Anna and Kelley
The 2022 APP Tour saw a thrilling women’s doubles match between Leigh Waters and Sarah Ansboury and Anna Leigh Waters and Kelley Johnson. This matchup was particularly exciting because it featured some of the sport’s top women players, including a showdown between Anna Leigh Waters, one of the brightest young stars in the game, and the experienced Sarah Ansboury.
The match was filled with twists and turns, showcasing both power and finesse as the players battled it out with speed and skill. What made this match so special was the dynamic between the teams—the younger players relying on their athleticism and quick reflexes, while the more experienced duo used strategic placement and calculated shots to outplay their opponents. The crowd was treated to extended rallies, expertly executed drop shots, and breathtaking net play, all of which ended in a tense tiebreaker. Ultimately, it was Anna Leigh Waters and Kelley Johnson who triumphed in a match that had pickleball fans talking for weeks.
In Conclusion
Pickleball’s rise in popularity has brought with it some incredible matches that have captivated both players and fans. Whether it’s a battle between seasoned veterans or a showdown between rising stars, each match has its own story, full of drama, intensity, and excitement. These thrilling pickleball games are not just about the players’ skill—it’s about the passion, energy, and camaraderie that make the sport so exhilarating to watch. The best matches will always leave us on the edge of our seats, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this remarkable sport.
