Pickleball is captivating sports enthusiasts across the UK, from bustling courts in London to community clubs in Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow. With the sport growing at a 15% annual rate and over 10,000 UK players, highlights from pro matches provide valuable insights for beginners (40% of the market) and advanced players alike. One standout moment from 2024’s top plays is the intense rally in the Mixed Doubles Final at the Veolia Houston Open, where Etta Wright and Ben Johns defeated Dekel Bar and Tina Pisnik 11-4, 11-6, 11-5. This match, part of the PPA Tour, showcases the precision and strategy that make pickleball so engaging.

For UK players in Leeds or Southampton, analysing this encounter can help refine your game, especially with a quality paddle like the Volleyer T700 carbon fiber pickleball paddle. As one of the best pickleball paddles in the UK, it offers spin and control for similar shots. In this guide, we’ll break down the match, provide backgrounds on the players, and share lessons for UK players to incorporate pro techniques in 2025, from Cardiff to Edinburgh. For more on pickleball basics, see our what is pickleball guide.

The Veolia Houston Open: Tournament Overview

The Veolia Houston Open, held in Atascocita, Texas in April 2024 as part of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, is a premier event featuring top pros in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. This tournament drew attention for its high-stakes matches and innovative plays, including the intense rally between Bar/Pisnik and Wright/Johns in mixed doubles. The event highlights the sport’s professional level, with prizes and rankings on the line.

For UK players, watching such tournaments via Selkirk TV or PPA streams can inspire practice sessions on local courts. The final score of 11-4, 11-6, 11-5 in favour of Wright and Johns marked a dominant performance by the #2 seeds against the #11 seeds. This match, with its long rallies and defensive saves, exemplifies why pickleball is gaining traction in the UK, where clubs are expanding rapidly.

Background on Dekel Bar

Dekel Bar, from Israel, has been a professional pickleball player since 2018, transitioning from a successful tennis career where he reached ATP rankings. At 36 years old, Bar is known for his powerful drives and aggressive style, earning multiple PPA medals, including silvers in mixed doubles. His athleticism and speed make him a formidable partner in doubles.

For UK players, Bar’s story shows how tennis skills can translate to pickleball success, especially with a paddle like the Volleyer T700, which offers a similar handle for comfortable grips (see our grips guide). His practice routines, balancing competitive play with coaching, encourage UK beginners to build habits through consistent practice.

Bar’s international background, representing Israel in events, adds diversity to the sport, inspiring UK players in multicultural clubs like those in London.

Background on Tina Pisnik

Tina Pisnik, from Slovenia, is a former WTA tennis player who peaked at #29 in the world rankings in 2001, with wins over top players like Venus Williams. At 43 years old, she transitioned to pickleball in 2022, quickly rising in doubles with her consistency and court awareness. Pisnik has earned PPA medals, including silvers in mixed doubles with Bar. Her defensive skills and strategic play make her a strong partner.

For UK players, Pisnik’s journey highlights how tennis experience enhances pickleball, encouraging beginners in Southampton clubs. A paddle with spin capabilities, such as a carbon fiber pickleball paddle, can help replicate her topspin shots (see our spin guide).

Pisnik’s coaching background in tennis translates to pickleball, where she emphasizes fundamentals for long-term success.

Background on Etta Wright

Etta Wright, from the US, is a PPA pro known for her consistency in mixed and women’s doubles. Starting pickleball in 2019, she has medaled in multiple PPA events, partnering with top players like Ben Johns. Her defensive prowess and steady play have earned her a reputation as a reliable teammate.

For UK players, Wright’s story shows how dedication leads to pro success, inspiring practice in Edinburgh clubs, where a lightweight paddle aids quick reactions.

Background on Ben Johns

Ben Johns, from Maryland, is pickleball’s #1 male player, starting in 2016 and amassing multiple championships and triple crowns. At 26, his background in table tennis and chess contributes to his strategic dominance. Johns has won over 100 PPA titles, making him a legend. For UK players, Johns’s precision inspires practice in Cardiff clubs, where a USAPA approved paddle ensures compliance.

Breakdown of the Dekel Bar & Tina Pisnik vs Etta Wright & Ben Johns Match

The Mixed Doubles Final at the Veolia Houston Open in April 2024 was a dominant performance by Wright and Johns. The #2 seeds steamrolled the #11 seeds Bar and Pisnik 11-4, 11-6, 11-5, with intense rallies and defensive saves. A highlight was a long rally featuring insane defense from both sides, showcasing speed-ups and blocks. For UK players, this demonstrates kitchen strategy, where Wright/Johns’ precise dinks avoided momentum faults (see our kitchen rules guide).

Lessons for UK Players from This Match

UK pickleball enthusiasts can learn from Wright/Johns’ victory:

• Emphasise Spin and Control: Wright’s topspin countered power; practice with a textured paddle (see our spin guide).
• Master Momentum: Avoid kitchen faults by practicing balanced footwork (see our kitchen momentum guide).
• Adapt Grips: Use Semi-Western for spin-heavy shots (see our grips guide).
• Build Endurance: The match’s intensity highlights fitness; practise drills for stamina (see our drills guide).
• Strategic Dinking: Wright/Johns’ kitchen play won points; practice dinks to counter aggression (see our kitchen rules guide).

For wet UK weather, use a durable paddle (see our wet weather tips) and clean it regularly (see our cleaning guide).

Choosing the Right Paddle for UK Players

A good paddle aids pro-like play. Look for lightweight designs with textured surfaces for spin, like carbon fiber pickleball paddles. The Volleyer T700 (£64.79, down from £107.98) is a great option, offering a large sweet spot and spin for beginners and advanced players, making it one of the best pickleball paddles in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of Dekel Bar & Tina Pisnik vs Etta Wright & Ben Johns at Veolia Houston Open?
Etta Wright and Ben Johns won 11-4, 11-6, 11-5 in the Mixed Doubles Final.

Who is Dekel Bar?
An Israeli pro with a tennis background, known for power and multiple PPA medals.

Who is Tina Pisnik?
A Slovenian former WTA player (top 30), transitioned to pickleball in 2022, strong in doubles.

Where can I find a quality pickleball paddle in the UK?
Explore options like the Volleyer T700 at volleyer.co.uk for £64.79 with fast UK shipping.

Join the Volleyer Community

Pickleball is a community sport, and we’re thrilled to support UK players from Edinburgh to Brighton. Share your match highlights or practice tips with #VolleyerUK on social media. Whether you’re practicing in a Bristol club or competing in a London tournament, pro matches like Bar/Pisnik vs Wright/Johns offer inspiration. Visit volleyer.co.uk to discover paddles and resources for UK players in 2025.

Ready to improve your game? Shop Volleyer Now and explore the best pickleball paddles in the UK!