The 1st Austrian Pickleball Championships, held on September 22nd and 23rd, 2023, at the Racket Sport Center Graz in Ragnitz, marked a significant milestone for the relatively young sport of Pickleball in Austria. The tournament brought together Pickleball players from across the country, providing an opportunity for athletes from Styria, Lower Austria, Tyrol, and Vienna to compete against each other.
Photo gallery: Facebook
The 1st Austrian Pickleball Championships, organized by the Pickleball Federation Austria (PFA), received a total of 40 entries and received support from partners such as the Racket Sport Center Graz, Zcebra – Wild Pickleball, On Your Marks, and BLVB-blub KG. “I am very proud that we were able to host the Austrian Pickleball Championships for the first time this year. Thanks to the support of our sponsors, especially Wolfgang Denk from the Racket Sport Center Graz and the Spanish Pickleball brand Zcebra, we had excellent conditions for this event,” said Peter Robič, Vice President of the Pickleball Federation Austria.
In four competitions: Open Singles, Junior Doubles u18, Open Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, athletes had the opportunity to showcase their skills. The matches were characterized by high intensity, and the players demonstrated impressive performances. Players primarily from Styria, who have been training Pickleball at the Graz-Ragnitz facility for almost a year, remained victorious. Andreas Weichsler claimed the Singles title, and Daniel Csuk/Lukas Laipold secured the Doubles title. Leon Steiner from Tyrol, who partnered with Styrian Sebastian Janser in the Youth Doubles u18, also stood atop the podium. The Mixed Doubles event was won by Thomas Knapp from Vienna and Sigrid Preissler, a Styrian residing in the USA.
Winners of the 1st Austrian Pickleball Championships at a Glance:
- Open Singles: Andreas Weichsler
- Youth Doubles u18: Leon Steiner/Sebastian Janser
- Mixed Doubles: Sigrid Preissler/Thomas Knapp
- Open Doubles: Daniel Csuk/Lukas Laipold
Pickleball Activities in Austria
The event not only demonstrated the growing interest in Pickleball in Austria but also showcased the dedication and passion of the players for this captivating sport. Participants of different skill levels and age groups came together, highlighting the diversity and accessibility of Pickleball.
The Pickleball community in Austria is eagerly looking forward to the future, with more PFA events planned. In the winter of 2023/2024, tournaments organized by PFA member clubs are going to be organized, and an Austrian ranking list is planned for 2024.
The 1st Austrian Pickleball Championships were supported through a collaboration with the Racketlon Federation Austria, which simultaneously hosted an international Racketlon tournament. A livestream by Streamster.TV allowed viewers to follow the exciting championship matches in real time. The matches are also available for on-demand viewing. Day 1 | Day 2
Milestone for Pickleball in Austria
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of table tennis, badminton, and tennis, has gained popularity worldwide in recent years. The 1st Austrian Pickleball Championships marked another milestone in the development of the sport in the country, contributing to the growth and enthusiasm for Pickleball in Austria.
The Pickleball Federation Austria extends its gratitude to all participants, supporters, and partners for the success of these championships and looks forward to future events and the ongoing development of Pickleball in Austria.
About the Pickleball Federation Austria (PFA)
The Pickleball Federation Austria (PFA) is the national governing body for Pickleball in Austria. Its mission is to promote and expand the sport of Pickleball in Austria. The PFA currently has four member clubs from three federal states and collaborates closely with local clubs and organizations to make Pickleball accessible to all age groups and skill levels.
Press Release 2/2023, Sept. 25th
Press Contact: Peter Robic, peter@playpickleball.at, 069911334885
