Jack Sock hitting a forehand flick
Jack Sock at the Veolia Sacramento Open PPA Tour

Excessive heat warning can't stop the pros at Veolia Sacramento Open

DALLAS, TX – Whew. I'm glad to be writing this in the air conditioning.

It’s singles day at the Veolia Sacramento Open, and while the pros are competing at Life Time Roseville, the National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning in Northern California with temperatures reaching triple digits.

Nevertheless, the tournament continues.

“The heat is just another challenge for these competitors, and I think that’s how they approach it,” said PPA Tour Vice President, Brian Clark.

If last week’s weather-related events at the CIBC Texas Open are any indication, including rain delays, humidity, and tornado warnings, pickleball can certainly be a battle of the elements.

“Pickleball isn't just a competitive sport, it’s a social sport, and I think you’ll see people taking care of each other and making sure that everyone is okay throughout the day,” he continued. 

Anna Bright drinking water courtside
Anna Bright at the Selkirk Red Rock Open PPA Tour

Mutual support aside, there are a variety of key resources on-site to help beat the heat.

“Companies like Select Medical who we look to, they’re here. They provide advice, they look at the players, they help take care of fans. We’ve got a great partnership with ROAR, who does electrolyte drinks and provides them free for our fans and players. We also have EMTs on-site as well,” added Clark.

Things are literally heating up in NorCal, the incredible perseverance to play through tough conditions definitely deserves a nod.