Reballution Cup – a true pickleball success story.
Reballution Cup is here and let’s pause a moment to reflect on the greatness of this tournament and the inspiration it should serve for others across Europe. Since its start in 2022, the tournament has grown not steadily, but massively, and been a frontrunner in areas such as expanding the number of tournament days & events, attracting players from all over the world and – huge prize money. While all of these three go hand in hand it would not have been possible without the strong collaboration Ernesto and the team has built with the city of Rota and the local companies, not the least the hotels. And they have made it into a clear win-win.
Because while Rota may not be the most popular tourist destination in Spain (some tough competition there!) there is not a pickleball player in Europe that doesn’t know about this small Atlantic city. It’s basically impossible to be a top player who has never been to Rota. Everybody goes there! And this year is no different.
Similar to the other European pickleball tournament behemoth English Open – this year’s tournament is attracting loads and loads of players. The tournament is really loaded and my strong track record of predictions will be seriously tested this weekend… A testament to that is that the 40+ categories alone are featuring lots of players who would be strong bets in the Open division in most other tournaments. Here we go!
Men’s Singles – Friday, June 6 (8.30am to 9.30pm)
Final prediction:
William Sobek 
vs.
Ignasi De Rueda 
I think who plays in the finals is a toss-up between five players (Bálint, Bartek and James being the others). And how much the wind changes direction of that ball being tossed up will be a big factor. So this prediction will be influenced by some wishful thinking! I mean these two players – their balance, court coverage – could create one of the best and most entertaining men’s finals we’ve ever seen in Europe with rallies covering all the inches of the court and amazing gets from left, right and center. So I’m crossing my fingers for that to happen.
Keep an eye on:
Krisztian Kazoni 
vs.
Göran Uhlin 
Easily the match of the first round that I am looking most forward to. Two very interesting players in their own right. What gives this game a bit of an extra flavor is that Göran is not just twice Krisztian’s age but thrice.. Only in pickleball ladies and gentlemen!
Women’s Singles – Friday, June 6 (8.30am to 9.30pm)
Final prediction:
Viktória Kanichová 
vs.
Karolina Owczarek 
In a loaded bracket, I see Karolina taking command of the top draw advancing to the finals. In the bottom draw, Mollie Knaggs, Viktória Kanichová and Domenika Turkovic will all be strong challengers of the other spot. Out of these three, Viki did play in Rota earlier this spring and had a really strong showing in singles. I think losing out on the gold back then will give her some extra motivation to grind out some tough matches in the Atlantic sunset.
Keep an eye on:
Domenika Turkovic – Croatian player, living in the US, playing tons of pickleball and competing on the highest level. What’s not to like about that!
Men’s Doubles – Saturday, June 7 (8.30am to 9.30pm)
Final prediction:
Marcello Jardim 
/ Pep Canyadell
vs.
Brandon Lane / Mauro García
It’s hard to bet against Mauro playing at his home courts. His preparation for this, is on a level unparalleled to any other player in Europe that I know. And it will take someone who can change the pace, direction and basically whatever else in disguising his shots and making the unexpected to challenge Mauro. Someone like Marcello Jardim. I think this final will be about these two.
Keep an eye on:
James Chaudry 
/ Théo Platel 
Two players who know each other from years back. And in 2025 they are quietly (or maybe not so quietly) having career years (so far). I am having some problems with seeing how they will find harmony in making use of their respective strengths together on court, but if/when they do – these guys will be a ton of fun to watch!
Women’s Doubles – Saturday, June 7 (8.30am to 9.30pm)
Final prediction:
María Fernandez Costantino / Sabrina Mendez
vs.
Karolina Owczarek / Mollie Knaggs
The on court swagger of Owczarek / Knaggs will take them all the way to the finals. There they will meet the classic duo of María and Sabrina who were basically winning titles before Karolina and Mollie even knew what pickleball is! As per usual, I think the pace of this game will decide the outcome.
Keep an eye on:
Glauka Carvajal Lane / Domenika Turkovic
I don’t know a lot about this team – but I know that I will want to watch them!
Mixed Doubles Sunday – Sunday, June 8 (8.30am to 5.00pm)
Final prediction:
William Sobek / Viktória Kanichová
vs.
Marcello Jardim / Sabrina Mendez
People will be lined up to view William play and see for themselves – what is really the level of a pro US player? My recommendation: watch the number of missed 3rd shot drops (and pay close attention, because they will not be very many…), the shot selection and attacking patterns. But William is not the only APP tour star present in Rota. Marcello Jardim is nowadays the top ranked senior pro in the US. Him facing off William will set us up for some very high level play, with two players who can offer shots we normally don’t see in Europe. Could be a lot of fun! By their sides Sabri and Viki – partners in Paris Open last year – and knowing a thing or two on how to get after one another. Back then Viki was the apprentice, now – who will be the master?
Keep an eye on:
Maria Pintor Rodriguez / Domini Elias
Since finishing top 4 with yours truly in Prague in April, Maria has been on a roll – racking up top 3 finishes only. She is one of the hottest players in Europe and now we get to see her in her natural habitat: outdoors. The RTA medals acquired so far might also help a little bit, to get her to play more relaxed and get the most out of her nice passing shots.