Peterborough's hopes for a national pickleball title

The dynamic duo, who were born in Sicily, picked up the sport in 2020 and immediately fell in love with its infectious and social nature, becoming respective gendered doubles national champions in 2022.

The pair will return to the court at this week’s English Nationals at Bolton Arena and Pep (42) who currently runs the family pizzeria, expressed that the community nature of the sport is similar to that of his own family values.

"It's such an infectious sport and it makes me really happy every time I play," said Pep.

"There's just something about pickleball that brings everybody together to play and smile.

"The people are what make it. It's like a family as it feels very inclusive and the best thing is you can play with anybody and have fun.

"I will be playing mixed doubles with my sister Anty at the National Championships this year.

"I know that it's always funny and tough playing with family, but it's so fulfilling.

"There's no better feeling than playing well with my sister. We have a good relationship and a special bond so it does help on court."

Pickleball, which was invented as a children's backyard game in Washington, US, in 1965, has seen a meteoric rise in the UK due to its inclusive and accessible nature, with an estimated 12,000 regular players and over 450 venues offering the sport across the country.

Pep started coaching his own pickleball club at a David Lloyd centre in 2020 and revealed that he has seen the impressive rise in participation rates over the past year first-hand.

"We started running one session a week before Covid, but it was difficult because most people didn't understand the game," he added.

"But now, we run seven sessions a week and we've moved from having just two players to 70!

"So it is growing rapidly, and you get to meet so many different people from every age and background.

"They all come together after pickleball on a Saturday or any day and have coffee afterwards. Who doesn't love that?"

Pep was recently crowned men's doubles champion at the 2023 Italian Open, feeling a heightened sense of pride of showcasing his sport in the country he was born in.

And after clinching victory alongside Freddie Powell at last year's National Championships, the pickler is looking to reach golden heights once more alongside new partner James Chaudry.

"I would love to defend the title as that is always your main objective," he said.

"But every year it gets tougher because we have new people coming in, so to get on court and defend your title is a privilege.

"I'm looking forward to playing with James and Anty this year but my goal is definitely to win another gold."

2023 English Nationals takes place at Bolton Arena from Thursday 26th October to Sunday 29th October.

This year’s English Nationals is sponsored by Skechers, Franklin, Scan and UK Pickleball Shop, Play will commence from 9am each day. Head to https://www.pickleballengland.org/ to find out more or to find your nearest place to play.