In the newest episode of The James Ignatowich Show, James welcomes professional pickleball and commentator Adam Stone back to the show.
Acting as more of a co-host than a guest, the two break down James’ recent ankle injury, the up-and-coming mixed doubles teams, and how to create a more competitive women’s draw.
Ankle injury update:
During a men’s doubles match at the PPA Vegas event last weekend, James turned his ankle, forcing him to withdraw from the remainder of the men’s doubles matches, as well as his championship Sunday mixed doubles match.
James says he might be looking at a 4-6 week recovery period. He talks through how the injury occurred and the decision to not play his remaining matches.
The Pickleball House:
Adam and James revisit the conversation around the Pickleball House (first discussed with Greg Dow). Although he doesn’t fund the Pickleball House, James does lend his support through the donation of pickleball paddles, pickleballs, old clothes, and caffeine.
Mixed doubles recap:
Adam asks James for his thoughts on professional pickleball Sam Querrey following their faceoff in mixed doubles. James discusses the importance of being aggressive and “getting big” as a male player in mixed doubles.
The two also discuss the progression of Christian Alshon and Hurricane Tyra Black as mixed doubles partners in recent months. Adam and James break down what makes them a formidable team: including Tyra’s fast hands and Christian’s explosive movements.
Finally, they talk about the No. 1 mixed team Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters, and what it would take for them to get even better. James says they won’t realize their true ceiling until other teams can step up and beat them.
How to get a more competitive women’s draw:
Adam shares that in the first round of the PPA Vegas women’s draw, 11 of the 16 matches were so lopsided in skill that the final score for all matches was 242 total points scored (for the winners) to 22 total points scored (for the losers).
James states that 5.0 female players who practice pickleball seriously for six months could quickly join the professional circuit. The two say they’re excited to see new talent and where the women’s game can go.
Slight beef on the court:
At PPA Vegas, Adam shares that there was light drama between Pablo Tellez and Dayne Gingrich. The two discuss Pablo’s fiery nature and Dayne’s on-court reputation.
Adam also asks James about potential beef between his mixed doubles partner Matt Wright and Jim Kloss. While Matt and James were playing, Matt noticed that Jim was in the stands watching and some words were exchanged post-match. James breaks down how the beef began and what was said.
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