2025 Brisbane Pickleball Classic

The inaugural Brisbane Pickleball Classic lit up Pat Rafter Arena from Saturday 27 to Sunday 28 September, transforming the iconic venue into a Pickleball battlefield. Four Joola rollout courts were set up across the arena.

Players, aged 16 to 75, battled through thrilling matches in their attempt to win the gold medal and a share of the $8000 prize pool. For many, being able to compete in the same arena as some of the biggest names in tennis history was an unforgettable experience.

“We didn’t promote the set-up too much because we wanted the surprise factor when players walked in and saw the four courts on Pat Rafter Arena. The feedback has been great,” Tennis Australia Game Expansion Pathways Lead, Blake Kebblewhite said.

Players, who travelled from as far as New Zealand for the round robin event, were delighted with the set-up and facilities. A dedicated recovery zone offered athletes a chance to recharge between matches, while DJ Dave and his Rallee pop-up kept the energy high and the atmosphere buzzing throughout the weekend.

“To see legitimate courts without tape on them was awesome … it was pretty spectacular to have seating actually around a court and to get playing in an atmosphere like that,” Amanda Lowry said.

“Upon arriving I got a real sense of calmness,” said Open women’s singles gold medalist Ange Green, who travelled from Sandy Bay, Tasmania. “A lot of work had gone on in the background. It’s wonderful to see another great event on the pickleball calendar, which is incredibly professionally run. The volunteers have been fantastic and engaging, and it’s just been seamless.

Competition was fierce across singles, doubles, and mixed divisions, with players leaving it all on the court. Local Queenslanders made a strong impression. Rockhampton’s Tim Rawkins and Yeppoon’s Gordon Watson took home gold in the men’s masters doubles. Watson continued his winning streak, adding two bronze medals to his tally in the men’s singles and open mixed doubles.

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports for all ages and abilities with 52 million players worldwide. Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, it is played with paddles and a perforated ball on a smaller court.

“We’re really excited about the momentum we’re building in this space,” said Tennis Australia Head of Game Expansion, Callum Beale. “It was great to see players of all ages, abilities and aspirations today. The event is about creating a solid foundation for the future. Having access to an amazing venue like Pat Rafter Arena means we can grow comfortably in the years to come.”

“It’s always nice to come and visit Queensland, not only because of the warmer weather, but there are such great pickleball facilities here. I feel like I’m like a kid in the candy shop with the pickleball facilities that you have on offer, including the one today at Pat Rafter Arena.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity and it’s one of the few that we have access to as pickleball players … hopefully it continues to set the stage for other venues to be able to have pickleball.”

• Gold – Lindsay Baker
• Silver – Ange Green
• Bronze – Tayah Cross

• Gold – Thanh Huynh
• Silver – Dylan Infield
• Bronze – Gordon Watson

• Gold – Dylan Infield and Matt Carter
• Silver – Thanh Huynh and Lachlan Donnelly
• Bronze – Giorgio Aquino and Connor Denny

• Gold – Tayah Cross and Josh Nipperess
• Silver – Lindsay Baker and Thanh Huynh
• Bronze – Remy Maroc and Gordon Watson

• Gold – Rachel Seaniger and Kamilla Wyeth
• Silver – Kirsten Emberley and Stacey Muir
• Bronze – Elizabeth Morrissey-Tarrant and Donna Pye

• Gold – Gordon Watson and Tim Rawkins
• Silver – Matt Chapman and John Lee
• Bronze – Allan Assoni and Marcus Soo

• Gold – Jody Bergman and Naveen Gupt
• Silver – Donna Pye and Glenn Pye
• Bronze – Megan Humphreys and Gary Haack