Team Australia Impresses at the 2025 Pickleball World Cup in Florida

Team Australia has returned from the 2025 Pickleball World Cup with its head held high after a week of exceptional performances, breakthrough victories and resilient team culture on the world stage. Held at The Fort in Florida, USA, the event featured 68 countries, making it the largest gathering of countries in a Pickleball World Cup to date.

Australia competed in both the Open and Senior divisions, captained by National Champions Sarah Burr and Martin Clark.

Australia’s Opens squad had an incredible start to the tournament, going undefeated in the group stage and topping Pool G.

Pool Results

• Australia 5–1 Slovakia

• Australia 4–2 India

• Australia 4–2 Costa Rica

Finishing first in the pool set up a Round of 32 showdown with Croatia. In one of the matches of the tournament, Australia edged out the Europeans in an nail-biting 21–17 teambreaker, in a match that is sure not to be forgotten.

In the Round of 16, Australia faced tournament favourites USA, a powerhouse nation with depth unlike no other team. Despite a determined Australian effort, the USA proved too strong and went on to win the match, and eventually progressing to win the World Cup title. It was an incredible effort from the Open's squad, with lots of positives to be proud of.

In one of the toughest pools of the entire tournament, Australia’s Seniors team faced USA, Italy and Costa Rica - two of which ultimately reached the World Cup final.

The highlight of Australia’s Seniors campaign came in dramatic fashion when they upset the USA in a thrilling teambreaker. Inspirational wins from both gender doubles pairs pulled Australia through, giving the Australian Seniors team the status of the only team to beat the United States throughout the entire PWC.

In the second match, Australia met a strong Italian side. Despite the momentum from their historic win, the Australians fell 3–1 in a hard-fought encounter.

They responded emphatically in their final pool match, dominating Costa Rica 4–0.

With USA defeating Italy, the pool ended in a three-way tie at the top of the table. On a razor-thin countback, Australia narrowly missed progressing to the knockout stage - a heartbreaking outcome given their world-class performances. USA and Italy went on to contest the final, highlighting how strong the opposition was in the group stages. 

Executive Officer Brendan Lee praised the athletes’ impact and professionalism.

“Our Opens and Seniors teams showed the world what Australian pickleball stands for—discipline, unity and fearless competition. To top our Opens pool and defeat the USA in Seniors is extraordinary. We couldn’t be prouder of how our athletes represented the green and gold.”

Captains Sarah Burr and Martin Clark reflected on a tournament filled with belief and breakthrough moments, while Head Coach Mike Newell praised their preparation and unity throughout the campaign.

Pickleball Australia would again like to acknowledge the crucial support of JCP Growth, the Official Team Sponsor for 2025.

Team Australia – 2025 Pickleball World Cup

Opens Team
Sarah Burr (QLD) – Captain
Andrew Horridge (WA)
Talia Saunders (SA)
Josh Nipperess (QLD)
Tayah Cross (QLD)
Oliver Gray (QLD)

Seniors Team
Martin Clark (QLD) – Captain
Naomi Amakawa (NSW)
Ivan Stride (NSW)
Terrie Robson (ACT)
Tek Tea (NSW)
Angela Green (TAS)

Coach: Mike Newell
Team Manager: Jen Ramamurthy

The 2025 campaign marks a major step forward for Australian pickleball on the global stage, highlighting the depth of talent rising across the nation. The performances in Florida will undoubtedly inspire athletes and fans as Australia builds towards future international success.