In His First MLP Event Ever, Casey Diamond Makes SportsCenter Top 10... Twice
Pro Tour

In His First MLP Event Ever, Casey Diamond Makes SportsCenter Top 10... Twice

The Dink June 22, 2026 Today
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His unfathomable behind-the-back winner is an instant favorite for pro pickleball shot of the year

Casey Diamond, a talented pickleball player, made a remarkable debut in his first MLP event, catching the attention of the sports world with not one, but two appearances on SportsCenter's Top 10 plays. His impressive performance at the MLP St. Petersburg event has put him on the map, and he's likely to become a familiar face in Major League Pickleball.

Diamond's rise to fame began when he was called up to play for the Palm Beach Royals, replacing injured players Dekel Bar and Grayson Goldin. He was paired with Sofia Sewing, his partner from the APP Tour, in mixed doubles, and with Tyson McGuffin, a veteran player, in men's doubles. Despite being the new guy on the court, Diamond handled the pressure with ease, helping his team secure a commendable fourth-place finish.

His notable plays include:

  1. Behind-the-back winner: an unfathomable shot that's already a favorite for pro pickleball shot of the year, showcasing Diamond's exceptional skill and agility on the court.
  2. Backhand bending ATP: a wild shot that demonstrated Diamond's ability to perform under pressure and make incredible plays, further solidifying his position as a player to watch in the sport.

These impressive plays, which were featured on SportsCenter's Top 10 list on back-to-back days, have generated significant buzz around Diamond, and it's likely that he'll be seen more frequently in Major League Pickleball events. With his talent and experience playing alongside top players like Sofia Sewing and Tyson McGuffin, Diamond is poised to make a lasting impact on the sport.

What's Next for Casey Diamond?

As the pickleball community continues to grow, with hundreds of thousands of players reading newsletters and following the latest developments, it's clear that Diamond's star is on the rise. With his impressive debut and memorable plays, he's sure to be a fan favorite, and his partnership with experienced players will only continue to improve his game. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how Diamond and other talented players like him shape the future of pickleball.

For those looking to stay up-to-date on the latest pickleball news, strategies, and product innovations, subscribing to a newsletter like The Dink can provide valuable insights and analysis from experts in the field. With the sport's popularity on the rise, it's an exciting time to be a part of the pickleball community, and players like Casey Diamond are sure to be at the forefront of the action.

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The Dink https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/in-his-first-mlp-event-ever-casey-diamond-makes-sportscenter-top-10-twice/

This article was originally published by The Dink. The summary above was generated for informational purposes. For the full story, visit the original source.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the major professional pickleball tours?
The three major professional circuits are the PPA Tour (Professional Pickleball Association), the APP Tour (Association of Pickleball Professionals), and MLP (Major League Pickleball). Each offers substantial prize money, ranking points, and media coverage for top professional players.
How much do professional pickleball players earn?
Top professional pickleball players can earn $500,000 to over $1 million annually through prize money, sponsorships, and exhibition appearances. The PPA Tour alone offers a $15 million total prize pool for the 2026 season, and MLP team contracts provide additional guaranteed income.
Who are the top-ranked pickleball players?
Rankings change frequently, but consistently top-ranked players include Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, Tyson McGuffin, and Catherine Parenteau. The professional field is deepening rapidly with international talent and former tennis professionals crossing over to pickleball.

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