It’s been almost a week since the Vietnam PWR event wrapped up, and I apologize for the delay in sharing an update. I’ve been soaking in the experience while vacationing, and honestly, I needed time to digest all that Vietnam had to offer. What an incredible journey it was!
Not only did I end my 2024 season on a high note with two gold medals, including an unforgettable final mixed doubles match against Ryler, but I also had the privilege of witnessing the passion for pickleball in Vietnam firsthand. Let me tell you—this country is all in on pickleball.
You think America loves pickleball? Vietnam might just give the U.S. a run for its money. In Ho Chi Minh City alone, over 200 pickleball courts have been built in the last 12 months within a 3-kilometer radius. The enthusiasm is palpable. Courts are packed with players of all levels and ages, though I noticed a strong presence of younger players in their 20s and 30s dominating the scene.
The level of competition was equally impressive. Phuc, who won the pro singles final against Ryler, showcased incredible athleticism and skill as a former tennis player. It’s clear that singles is a significant focus in the Asian pickleball community, and it’s thrilling to see the sport thriving and evolving in this region.
While the tournament had its challenges—thanks to some untimely rain—huge credit goes to Matt and Andy, the event organizers. They adapted seamlessly, coordinating TV coverage and organizing shuttles to indoor courts so play could continue. The finals were played outdoors under the lights, streamed live on national TV with an electric atmosphere. Kudos to the DJoy team for pulling off such a memorable event!
We wrapped up the tournament just before midnight, only to catch an early-morning flight to our next destination. While the exhaustion was real, we’re already counting down the days to return to Vietnam in 2025.
If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you know we’ve spent the past week in Phuket, Thailand. Let’s just say it’s been nothing short of amazing! Thailand deserves its own spotlight, so stay tuned for my next blog where I’ll dive into all the details.
Thanks for following along on this incredible journey. See you in the next update!
תגובות