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 Quarter Finals at the Veolia Milwaukee Open, where Tyra Black and Hayden Patriquin defeated Jackie Kawamoto and Riley Newman 11-4, 9-11, 11-7. This match, part of the PPA Tour, showcases the precision, strategy, and resilience 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 detailed 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. We’ll also explore how this match reflects the sport’s evolution and what it means for the growing UK pickleball community.

The Veolia Milwaukee Open: Tournament Overview

The Veolia Milwaukee Open, held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in November 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 significant attention for its high-stakes matches and upsets, including the thrilling quarterfinal between Black/Patriquin and Kawamoto/Newman in mixed doubles. The event highlights the sport’s professional level, with substantial prizes and rankings on the line, attracting global talent and showcasing innovative plays.

For UK players, watching such tournaments via Selkirk TV or PPA streams can inspire practice sessions on local courts, helping to bridge the gap between recreational and competitive play. The final score of 11-4, 9-11, 11-7 in favour of Black and Patriquin marked an upset over the #4 seeds, demonstrating how strategy and endurance can overcome rankings. This match, with its epic three games and intense rallies, exemplifies why pickleball is gaining traction in the UK, where clubs are expanding rapidly and events like the English Championships are drawing crowds. The tournament also featured other notable moments, such as strong performances in men’s doubles by teams like Staksrud and Tardio, adding to the event’s prestige.

The PPA Tour’s structure, with its point system and seeded brackets, mirrors major tennis events, making it relatable for UK tennis converts. In Milwaukee, the cold weather conditions added an extra layer of challenge, similar to practicing on damp UK courts in winter (see our wet weather tips). This event underscores pickleball’s global appeal, with international players like Patriquin (Canadian) contributing to its diversity, which resonates with the UK’s multicultural sports scene.

Background on Riley Newman

Riley Newman, born in Wichita Falls, Texas in 1996, has been a professional pickleball player since 2018, rising to prominence with his powerful drives and consistent doubles play. At 28 years old, Newman’s background in tennis, where he played collegiately at Texas A&M, laid the foundation for his success. He has amassed over 20 PPA medals, including multiple golds in men’s doubles with partners like Matt Wright. Newman’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found pickleball ventures, and his ranking in the top 5 worldwide makes him a role model for UK players. For those in Manchester clubs, Newman’s story shows how tennis skills can translate to pickleball dominance, especially with a paddle like the Volleyer T700, which offers a similar handle for comfortable grips (see our grips guide). His practice routines, focusing on endurance and spin, encourage UK beginners to build habits through consistent practice.

Newman’s transition from tennis highlights his adaptability, having started pickleball casually before turning pro. He has featured in highlights for his aggressive net play and speed-ups, often partnering with top females in mixed doubles. In 2024, Newman medaled consistently, including silvers at events like the Milwaukee Open. His coaching efforts, mentoring young players, add to his legacy, inspiring UK tennis converts to explore pickleball’s strategic depth. Newman’s height (6’3″) and athleticism allow for dominant overheads, a technique UK players can practice to counter lobs (see our drills guide).

Background on Jackie Kawamoto

Jackie Kawamoto, from the US, is an emerging pickleball pro with a rating of 3.5 in singles and 6.082 in doubles as of 2024. At around 25 years old, Kawamoto’s background is in competitive sports, transitioning to pickleball where she has shown promise in mixed doubles with partners like Newman. Her consistency and quick reflexes have earned her spots in PPA events, though she is still building her medal count.

For UK players, Kawamoto’s story illustrates how rising talents can challenge established pros, encouraging beginners in Southampton clubs to pursue mixed doubles. A paddle with spin capabilities, such as a carbon fiber pickleball paddle, can help replicate her topspin shots (see our spin guide).

Kawamoto’s partnership with Newman in Milwaukee showcased her defensive skills, contributing to the match’s competitiveness despite the loss. Her practice focus on footwork and positioning makes her a relatable figure for UK women in pickleball, where female participation is growing.

Background on Hayden Patriquin

Hayden Patriquin, from Canada, is a rising pickleball pro since 2021, with a tennis background that reached junior national levels. At 23 years old, Patriquin is known for his speed and defensive prowess, earning multiple PPA medals, including golds in men’s doubles. His ranking in the top 10 makes him a standout.

For UK players, Patriquin’s international success inspires practice in Edinburgh clubs, where a lightweight paddle aids quick reactions. Patriquin’s upset wins, like in Milwaukee, highlight his strategic mind, often partnering with top females in mixed doubles.

Background on Tyra Black

Tyra Black, from the US, nicknamed “Hurricane Tyra,” is a pro pickleball player with a tennis background, transitioning in 2022. At 24 years old, Black has earned PPA medals, known for her power and agility, with ratings of 5.713 in singles and 6.176 in doubles. Her aggressive style has led to upsets against top pairs.

For UK players in Cardiff, Black’s journey shows how tennis enhances pickleball, encouraging beginners to pursue the sport with a spin-focused paddle (see our spin guide).

Black’s partnership with Patriquin in Milwaukee demonstrated her defensive saves and speed-ups, contributing to the upset.

Breakdown of the Riley Newman & Jackie Kawamoto vs Hayden Patriquin & Tyra Black Match

The Mixed Doubles Quarter Finals at the Veolia Milwaukee Open in November 2024 was an upset, with #7 seeds Black and Patriquin defeating #4 seeds Kawamoto and Newman 11-4, 9-11, 11-7. Black/Patriquin dominated Game 1 11-4 with strong defence. Kawamoto/Newman fought back in Game 2 11-9, but Black/Patriquin closed Game 3 11-7 with key rallies. A highlight was a long rally with insane defence and speed-ups. For UK players, this demonstrates kitchen strategy, where Black/Patriquin’s precise dinks avoided momentum faults (see our kitchen rules guide).

The match’s competitiveness, despite the seeding, shows how strategy trumps power, a lesson for UK doubles.

Lessons for UK Players from This Match

UK pickleball enthusiasts can learn from Black/Patriquin’s upset:

• Emphasise Spin and Control: Black’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; practice drills for stamina (see our drills guide).
• Strategic Dinking: Black/Patriquin’s 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 Riley Newman & Jackie Kawamoto vs Hayden Patriquin & Tyra Black at Veolia Milwaukee Open?
Tyra Black and Hayden Patriquin won 11-4, 9-11, 11-7 in the Mixed Doubles Quarter Finals.

Who is Riley Newman?
A US pro with tennis background, known for power and multiple PPA medals.

Who is Jackie Kawamoto?
An emerging US pro with consistency in mixed doubles, building her ranking.

Where can I find a quality pickleball paddle in the UK?
Explore options like the Volleyer T700 at volleyer.co.uk 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 Newman/Kawamoto vs Patriquin/Black 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!