Pickle This: Fray Does Miami Spring Break

As Miami welcomes the spring break season, it also opens its doors to an exciting new event that’s all set to captivate racquet sports enthusiasts nationwide. The inaugural America’s Racquet Week was attended by our very own William Dennis, senior operations manager + Martin Espinoza, president, the event is spearheaded by RacquetX, launched yesterday, marking a significant moment for racquet sports lovers. Here’s a look at the buzzing activities and notable moments from day one of this unique festival.

DAY ONE

Stage Highlights: The event commenced with a burst of energy and enthusiasm as RacquetX co-founder Robyn Duda took the stage at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Addressing a passionate crowd of racquet sports aficionados, Duda emphasized the event’s core ethos of collective growth and unity across all racquet sports disciplines. The day was further elevated by a fireside chat with Amanda Sobhi, an Olympic squash hopeful, offering attendees a dose of inspiration and insight into the world of professional racquet sports.

Heard on the Expo Floor: The expo floor was abuzz with excitement and collaborative spirit. Industry professionals like Joshua Elliot of Engage Pickleball and Carlos Arocha of The Lob Padel shared their positive experiences and the value of forming new relationships and exchanging ideas at RacquetX. The event served as a fertile ground for networking, showcasing products, and fostering a sense of community among racquet sports enthusiasts.

Who and What We Spotted: The presence of professional pickleball players such as Anabel Polan and Jessie Irvine, along with the latest tech innovations like OWL Paddle’s quiet paddles, drew considerable attention. The event also featured an eye-catching American Flag-themed padel court, indicating the festival’s vibrant and diverse appeal.

Media and Social Buzz: With over 25 multimedia journalists in attendance and coverage by outlets like CBS Miami, the event received significant media spotlight. Social media influencers and content creators actively engaged with the festival, amplifying its reach and impact.

Merchandise and Engagement: The RacquetX store emerged as a hit among attendees, offering exclusive merchandise that fans could take home as a memento of their experience. The engagement was further enriched by podcasts like Dirty Tennis, which featured interviews with various brands and athletes.

As Miami’s Racquet Week continues, it promises more exciting moments, showcasing the unity and dynamic energy within the world of racquet sports. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, this festival offers a unique opportunity to dive into the racquet sports community, learn from the best, and celebrate the spirit of competition and camaraderie.

Photo Credit: RacquetX

DAY TWO

Day two of the event showcased a flurry of enthusiasm and insightful discussions on the future of sports, particularly focusing on padel, technology, and fan engagement.

Marcos Del Pilar, a luminary in the U.S. padel scene, captivated a packed audience with his talk “Business Strategies to Grow Padel,” declaring the sport’s definitive arrival in the U.S. Similarly, Matthew Jafarian of the Miami Heat emphasized the critical role of technology in enhancing fan experiences, stating that it’s now an expected standard across all life facets.

The panel also featured Tiago Pinto of the Miami Marlins, who highlighted the value of collaboration in driving innovation within his team. A unique Marlins-themed pickleball paddle giveaway was announced, stirring excitement among fans.

On the Expo floor, Michele Krause introduced the synergy between Cardio Tennis and RacquetX, emphasizing inclusivity across racquet sports. Ben Porter from Master Athletics and Andrea Tabor from Lucky in Love shared their enthusiasm for the event’s unprecedented gathering of the racquet sports community. Nacho Daroz of Matchi saw it as an ideal setting for forging new industry partnerships.

Attendee Scott Grote praised the networking opportunities, while Robyn Duda, in conversation with Jesper Hougaard, echoed the sentiment of coexistence within the North American racquet sports.

An intriguing “Beat the Kitchen” event allowed attendees to challenge The Kitchen representatives, infusing a fun competitive spirit. The RacquetX store also saw a rush, with hoodies selling out, indicating the event’s popularity and the attendees’ eagerness to take a piece of the experience home.

Photo Credit: Racquetx

FIINAL DAY

The final day of RacquetX not only marked the end of an inaugural event but also set the tone for the future of racquet sports. Katrina Adams, the former President of the USTA, encapsulated this sentiment with her powerful message, “It’s time to love all!” This statement resonated throughout the day, echoing a call for unity, diversity, and collaboration in the racquet sports industry.

The day kicked off with Robyn Duda, alongside executives Jeff Fromm and Nick Dan-Bergman from Lane Terralever, presenting “Who’s on the Court?” a comprehensive report offering fresh insights into the racquet sports market, a sector bursting with a $100 billion consumer/brand opportunity.

Katrina Adams further inspired attendees with her talk, “Love All: Broadening Racquet Sports’ Appeal for a Diversity-Driven Age,” emphasizing the need for public access and collaboration within the sports community to promote a diverse, healthy, and active lifestyle.

Innovation was a central theme, with Pranav Kohli discussing the integration of AI in sports, showcasing it as a companion in athletes’ development journey. His insights previewed the potential impact of his upcoming Pickleball AI technology on the sport.

Rowena Samarasinhe’s session, “The 94% Club,” highlighted the necessity for sports to embrace innovation, the benefits of diversity in racquet sports, and the new opportunities for squash in North America, especially with its inclusion in the 2028 Olympics.

On the expo floor, enthusiasm was palpable. Ricardo Badari of Shark Beach Tennis shared his aspirations to expand the sport beyond its current strongholds, while Lauren Pedersen of SportAI outlined how AI technology could revolutionize player performance and create new opportunities for clubs.

Innovative applications of technology and space were showcased, from Modo Yoga’s integration of yoga with padel courts to Marek Czerwinski’s demonstration of advanced ball machine technology that adapts to players’ skills across various racquet sports.

The festival concluded on a high note with LVBL’s unique tennis clinics, IV therapy for athletes by IV Concierge, and the popular demand for RacquetX merchandise, highlighting the community’s engagement and enthusiasm.

As RacquetX closes its chapter for the year, the anticipation for RacquetX 2025 grows. The event has not only left an indelible mark on attendees but has also sparked a movement towards a more inclusive, innovative, and interconnected future for racquet sports.

Photo Credit: Racquetx

Fray Writer