PPA pros Ava Ignatowich and Camila Zilveti explore the messy, complicated, and surprisingly human side of locking down a doubles partner event after event
Finding a doubles partner in professional pickleball isn't exactly a formal process.
There's no official matchmaking system, no algorithm, no LinkedIn for the pro tour. Instead, it's Instagram DMs, text messages, and the occasional awkward conversation at a tournament.
That's the reality Ava Ignatowich and Camila Zilveti unpacked in the latest episode of their new podcast, "Balls Deep ," where they explored the messy, complicated, and surprisingly human side of how pro players coordinate partnerships.
"It's not really as intricate or professional as you would think," says Ava. Love pickleball? Then you'll love our free newsletter . We send the latest news, tips, and highlights for free each week.
The Informal Reality of Finding a Partner Here's the thing: when Camila first joined the pro tour, she didn't know the unwritten rules. She was out here emailing potential partners like she was applying for a job. Spoiler alert: nobody replied.
"I was like, 'Hello, I saw you were missing a partner. Would you like to play?'" she recalled.
"No one replied because who is emailing to get partners? No one." The actual process is far more casual.
Players typically reach out through Instagram DMs or text, asking if someone wants to team up for a specific tournament. Sometimes they ask around for a player's number first. It's in... FULL ARTICLE FOUND ON: https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/pickleball-partnership-etiquette-how-pro-players-find-and-keep-their-perfect-match/
