The 2025 Australian Open wasn’t just a record-breaking event with 1.2 million fans, making it the biggest Grand Slam in history—it was also a turning point for pickleball’s global recognition.
For the first time ever, pickleball was officially integrated into a Grand Slam tournament, and JOOLA was at the forefront of making it happen. The AO Pickleball Slam wasn’t just an exhibition—it was a fully sanctioned professional event, held on Showcourt Court 3, next to Rod Laver Arena, with a $100,000 AUD prize pool.
And the best part? Every fan with an Australian Open General Admission pass could step onto the courts and experience pickleball firsthand, using JOOLA equipment.
This was pickleball’s moment, and it did not disappoint.
A Championship for the Ages – Drama, High Stakes, and a Five-Point Final
The AO Pickleball Slam finals delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in Australian pickleball history.
Guildford’s Strong Start
Guildford (Green) came out swinging, winning the first two matches of the finals. With powerhouse players like:
- George Wall (15W - 5L, 434-343 points)
- Zach Taylor (13W - 7L, 418-327 points)
- Roos Van Reek (12W - 8L, 387-358 points)
- Caroline Dhenin (6W-14L, 324-422 points)
They looked like they were in complete control. One more match and the title was theirs.
Team Hosier’s Unbelievable Comeback
Hosier (Pink) was backed into a corner. They needed to win the final two mixed doubles matches to force a five-point shootout—and that’s exactly what they did. Harrison Brown and Michaela Haet delivered a clutch win in the first doubles match. Joseph Wild and Nicola Schoeman held their nerve to level the finals at 2-2.
Everything came down to the chosen mixed pair from each team. Roos and Zach vs Harrison and Micky (first to 5)—the first in tournament history.
The Five-Point Challenge– Pickleball at Its Absolute Best
By this point, the stadium was packed with 500-600 AO spectators, the energy was electric, and every point was met with roars from the crowd. With the score locked at 4-4, it came down to one final point. In a breathtaking exchange of fast hands, Hosier sealed the championship, completing one of the greatest comebacks ever seen on an Australian pickleball court.
This wasn’t just a win—it was a moment that will be talked about for years to come.
The Bigger Picture – Pickleball Steps onto the World Stage
This wasn’t just a tournament—it was pickleball’s global breakthrough.
- Held at the Australian Open, the biggest Grand Slam in history
- A professional event with a $100,000 AUD prize pool
- Held on Showcourt Court 3, next to Rod Laver Arena
- Integrated into the fan experience with JOOLA Patron Playcourts
This event was pickleball’s largest showcase outside of the US. For the first time, the sport was featured at one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious sporting events, introducing it to millions of fans and spectators.
And JOOLA played a foundational role in making it happen.
JOOLA’s Impact – Bringing Pickleball to the Fans
The exposure at AO was unlike anything pickleball has experienced outside of the US.
Not only was there a high-stakes professional competition, but fans were also able to get involved firsthand. Over the AO Finals weekend, anyone with a General Admission pass had access to Pickleball Patron Play, using JOOLA equipment to experience the game for themselves—right next to the main AO warm-up courts.
And if that wasn’t enough, fans also had the chance to step onto the court and challenge the best, taking on Collin Johns and Tyson McGuffin in exhibition matches while scoring exclusive Tennis Australia merch.
A Defining Moment for Pickleball’s Future
The AO Pickleball Slam wasn’t just a tournament—it was a statement.
- Pickleball isn’t emerging—it’s arrived.
- The sport has officially entered the global mainstream.
- Professional pickleball is only getting bigger from here.
JOOLA was there to make it happen.
This event proved that pickleball belongs on the world’s biggest stages, and with major tournaments, elite competition, and packed crowds, it’s clear that this is just the beginning. If you thought this was big, just wait. Pickleball’s future has never looked brighter.
Missed the Action?
Stay tuned for highlights, player interviews, and full match recaps—because this was a tournament we won’t forget anytime soon.
