Final Events of the 2025-2026 PPA Tour Season Set to Determine Finals Qualification
PPA Tour Season Approaches Conclusion
The 2025–2026 PPA Tour season is nearing its conclusion, with only two significant events left on the circuit. The upcoming tournaments in Sacramento and Atlanta are crucial for players aiming to secure their spots in the PPA Tour Finals, which will take place from May 4 to 10 in San Clemente, California. This exclusive event will showcase the season's top performers and will utilize a pool-play format instead of the usual knockout system.
Qualification for the finals is based on the Race rankings, which reflect the total points accumulated since the 2025 Atlanta Pickleball Championships. To qualify, players must rank within the top eight in singles and mixed doubles or the top 16 in gender doubles. Unlike the standard PPA rankings that follow a rolling 52-week system, the Race emphasizes consistent performance throughout the season, rewarding players who compete more frequently with better opportunities to earn points.
There are 3,000 points available across the last two events, with 1,000 points up for grabs at the Sacramento Open and 2,000 at the Atlanta Championships. Given the competitive nature of the rankings, every match could significantly influence qualification outcomes.
Women’s Singles: A Chance for Change
Currently, Genie Bouchard occupies the eighth and final qualifying position with 4,400 points, but her absence from the Sacramento event opens the door for others. Judit Castillo, trailing by just 550 points, has a prime opportunity to close the gap as the No. 5 seed in a draw that lacks top competitors like Anna Leigh Waters and Brooke Buckner. With Parris Todd focusing more on doubles, the race for the last spot may depend heavily on performances in Sacramento.
Women’s Doubles: A Competitive Landscape
The most competitive race is in women’s doubles, where only 100 points separate Jessie Irvine in 15th place from Etta Tuionetoa in 18th. Kate Fahey and Alix Truong are tied for the 16th and final qualifying position at 4,600 points. However, with Truong not participating in Sacramento, Fahey has a significant chance to advance as she teams up with Lacy Schneemann. Callie Smith and Lea Jansen, just outside the qualification zone, will also compete in Sacramento, aiming for a strong performance to break into the top 16. Mari Humberg, who is tied with Jansen, will partner with Milan Rane to maintain her competitive edge.
With top seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright not competing, this tournament presents a unique opportunity for teams to gain valuable points and momentum heading into the final event in Atlanta.
Women’s Mixed Doubles: A Tight Contest
In the mixed doubles category, Parris Todd currently holds the last qualifying spot with 4,150 points, just 50 points ahead of Rachel Rohrabacher. Todd will partner with Andrei Daescu in Sacramento, while Rohrabacher teams up with Gabe Tardio, setting the stage for a direct competition for qualification. Further down the rankings, Kate Fahey and Alix Truong are tied at 4,000 points. With Truong absent from the Sacramento draw, Fahey has another opportunity to gain ground, this time alongside Federico Staksrud.
With limited points remaining and several players within striking distance, the Race to the Finals promises an exciting conclusion. Sacramento could significantly alter the standings, but with double points available in Atlanta, the final event may ultimately determine who advances to San Clemente.