Tournament brings hundreds of amateurs and pros in a showcase of America’s fastest-growing sport.
Professional pickleball players Julie Johnson, from left, J.W. Johnson and Dekel Bar play around on the court as the APP Chicago Open kicks off Aug. 31, 2022, at Danny Cunniff Park in Highland Park.
“The pickleball community is a lot more welcoming than the tennis community,” he said. “Playing professional tennis is pretty lonely. Playing professional pickleball is a lot better. The community is great; you get to meet a lot of new people. I think that’s why everyone is loving pickleball.”Amateurs compete in pickleball matches as the APP Chicago Open kicks off Aug. 31, 2022, at Danny Cunniff Park in Highland Park.
“It’s been crazy,” she said. “I started playing last summer and you could go out and get on a court. Now it’s really hard. Even our secret courts are getting really crowded.” A player picks up a racket and ball while amateurs play pickleball matches as the APP Chicago Open kicks off.“They’re so steady, so consistent,” he said. “The game has evolved, even in the last 18 months, with so many top tennis players leaving tour and joining the pickleball tour. The paddle technology has improved so the ball’s traveling so much faster. There’s more spin, more heaviness to the ball.
As the pros got ready for their turn, the Highland Park courts, including many repurposed tennis courts, teemed with amateurs whaling away at pickleballs. The sunny vibe among the competitors matched the lovely weather: Kim Evans, 61, from Barrington, was all smiles after losing a doubles match to her friend Claudine Cuchran, 53, of Downers Grove.Afternoon BriefingKen Sponseller, 57, of Aurora, was less ebullient after getting bounced from the tournament with two losses.
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