🏓 Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10
🏓 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15
Rick is back after an incredible two-week stint in New York City supporting his nephew, Ben Shelton, during his epic US Open run! Rick and Fabian unpack the entire experience—from playing pickleball in the middle of Times Square to the high-stakes, late-night drama on Arthur Ashe Stadium. They dive into the controversy surrounding late-night scheduling, serve clock violations, and how the mental grit required at the top levels of tennis translates directly to the pickleball court.
Plus, the guys talk pro pickleball updates, including the PPA signing its youngest pro ever (Maverick!), Rick’s ongoing journey with Championship Series Pickleball (CSP), and a game-changing mental tip to help intermediate players push past the 4.0 threshold.
Key Takeaways:
The Youth Surge in Pickleball: Maverick was recently signed to the PPA Tour, overtaking Cam Chafian as the youngest signed PPA pro.
US Open Rule Adjustments Needed: Late-night match scheduling and inconsistent serve clock enforcement severely affect player recovery and rhythm—lessons pro tennis could learn from pickleball's pace of play.
Mental Toughness Over Outcome: Transitioning from an outcome-based mindset to a process-driven mindset ("Pressure is a privilege") is the key to breaking past plateaus like 4.0.
The Witsken Legacy: Ben Shelton’s journey carries deep spiritual and family roots tied to his late uncle Todd Witsken's historic US Open win over Jimmy Connors 40 years ago.
Bold Prediction: Rick predicts Ben Shelton will win multiple Grand Slams and eventually reach the #1 world ranking.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome Back Rick & Cam Chafian Recap
00:40 – Maverick Signs to PPA: Youngest Signed Pro
02:19 – Times Square Pickleball & Merging Paddle & Racket Sports
05:16 – US Open Atmosphere & The Todd Witsken Legacy
08:37 – Ben Shelton's Match Run & Late-Night Practice Routine
09:21 – The Late-Night Match Controversy & Sleep Impact
13:09 – Ben Shelton’s Celebrity & Tiafoe Match Gamesmanship
16:17 – Tennis Serve Clock vs. Pickleball Timeouts
22:09 – Ben Shelton’s Role Model Mindset & 9/11 Tribute
25:34 – Why Rick Wears Pink Shirts
27:50 – Family Celebration & Trinity Support
31:00 – Rick’s Grand Slam & #1 World Ranking Prediction
36:21 – Pickleball Tip of the Week: Pressure is a Privilege
38:56 – CSP Columbus Announcement & Third Shot Pickleball