Rec leaguers aren't the only ones limping around after a long summer of pickleball. As the 2024 season reaches its final few months, even the pros are feeling the toll of non-stop tournaments, travel, and high-level competition.
With injuries mounting across the circuit, Pro rosters will start looking a bit different for the final events of 2024.
Let's discuss a few of the high-profile injuries that have occurred recently.
Jay Devilliers
The flying Frenchman announced today on Instagram that he's out for the season due to a knee injury.
Earlier this year, Jay also suffered an injury when he rolled his ankle during a singles match against Dylan Frazier. Let's hope for a speedy recovery for him and a strong, charismatic replacement for his spot on MLP's Columbus Sliders.
Since Columbus is unlikely to make the playoffs, they aren't likely going to sign a high-profile player (that they have to pay for). Our pro insider, Erik Tice, speculates they'll choose from a pool of unsigned players, such as:
Jason Flamm
- Michael Loyd (currently subbing for an injured John Cincola on the Frisco Pandas)
- Greg Dow
- Patrick Kawka
- Roscoe Bellamy
- Robert Slutsky
Thomas Wilson
The exact reason for Thomas Wilson's absence remains unclear, but fans have felt his void. If you've followed pro pickleball in recent years, you'll recall Wilson's scary health incident on the court in 2023.
We certainly hope it's nothing that serious and that we get to see Wilson on the court again soon because (along with Vivienne David) he was having a helluva season.
John Cincola
John Cincola's injury is also unknown at this time, and we do not have a timeline for his return. This week, Michael Loyd is his sub for the Frisco Pandas (of MLP Challenger Level).
Ben Johns
There seem to be no lingering effects from the best player in the game rolling his ankle (while apparently "soccer juggling" a ball between matches) a few weeks ago.
He withdrew from Singles during that tournament but finished out the week taking home Gold in Mixed and Men's Doubles.
Erik Tice
If only all of us could roll our ankles and still make it to the podium.
Christian Alshon
Christian has had to withdraw from two straight singles tournaments, though he's played in Mixed and Men's. He originally had some stomach issues (a carryover from a recent surgery), and lately, he's been nursing a knee injury.
Though, it sounds like he expects a full recovery soon.
Unfortunately due to a lingering knee injury, I will once again not be playing Singles here at the PPA Atlanta Slam. I’m thankful I am able to compete in doubles and look forward to returning to singles ASAP
— Christian Alshon (@TweenerKing) September 11, 2024
Of course, these aren't all the injured pros. The pro pickleball season is long, and many of these players grind it out week after week without much of a break in between.
To anyone sidelined by injury, whether you're a pro or an amateur, we wish you a speedy recovery. After all, being forced to take a break from pickleball for a few months could add years to your game—and your life!
