Vietnam to stage its inaugural PPA Tour Asia Pickleball Tournament
The Vietnam Open 2025, set to take place in Ho Chi Minh City from September 4 to 7, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the growth of pickleball in Asia as the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour Asia makes its debut in Vietnam. This event will be the final leg of the 2025 PPA Tour Asia series, following tournaments in Hong Kong and Japan earlier in the season.
The decision to expand the PPA Tour Asia to Vietnam is fueled by the rapid growth of pickleball in the country, with an impressive player base growth of 152% in 2024, boasting over 16 million frequent players. One of the key drivers behind this expansion is the outstanding performance of Vietnamese player Trịnh Linh Giang, who recently won the gold medal in the Pro men's singles at the Panas Malaysia Open 2025.
Linh Giang, a former national tennis player, has become a beacon of inspiration for local pickleball enthusiasts with his energetic playing style and emotional engagement, captivating audiences globally. His victory at the Panas Malaysia Open, a convincing 2-0, was a testament to his skill and determination, further fueling interest in the sport in Vietnam.
Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a new hotspot for pickleball in Asia, benefiting from the presence of talented athletes transitioning from tennis, such as Linh Giang and Ly Hoàng Nam, who contribute to the sport's growth and professional development in the country.
The Vietnam Open will feature professional-level competition consistent with PPA Tour standards, likely including men's and women's singles, doubles, and possibly mixed doubles events, although specific details about the format and event categories have not been confirmed. As the final stop on the Asia tour, it will attract top regional players competing for titles and ranking points, building off momentum from previous events in Hong Kong and Fukuoka (Japan).
The tournament will showcase high-level matches broadcast or streamed for global audiences, capitalizing on the rising popularity of pickleball and Vietnam’s emerging talents to boost visibility for the sport in the region. The PPA Tour representative has expressed excitement about Linh Giang competing in front of a supportive home crowd, acknowledging that all eyes are on Vietnam following his breakthrough performance in Malaysia.
In summary, the Vietnam Open 2025 is a landmark event for pickleball in Vietnam, reflecting the sport's rapid expansion and featuring top-class professional competition anchored by local stars such as Trịnh Linh Giang. This tournament is a testament to the growing popularity of pickleball in Asia and Vietnam's emergence as a key player in the region's pickleball scene.
In light of his impressive winning streak, Trịnh Linh Giang, a former national tennis player, is expected to bring his exceptional skills to the tennis court for the Vietnam Open 2025, leveraging his expertise in sports to potentially cross over and dominate in pickleball as well. To entice AI developers, the integration of AI technology could enhance the spectator experience by providing real-time analysis and engaging commentary during the tournament, adding another layer of excitement to this groundbreaking event in the pickleball world.
