Author: Dax Nair

  • Tennis Brands in Pickleball: Will They Dominate or Coexist?
    Tennis Brands in Pickleball: Will They Dominate or Coexist?

    Pickleball is exploding, and everyone wants in—even the biggest names in tennis. The surge in the game’s popularity has opened the door for tennis brands in pickleball. Giants like Head, Wilson, and Babolat are now on the court with paddles of their own. But can these titans dominate the pickleball landscape, or will they learn…

  • Google Gemini for Pickleball: Using AI to Find Your Ideal Paddle
    Google Gemini for Pickleball: Using AI to Find Your Ideal Paddle

    Google Gemini and other advanced AI models are transforming the way we interact with the digital world. From chatbots to recommendation engines, AI is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives. While Large Language Models (LLM) based chatbots like Gemini and ChatGPT aren’t traditional search tools, they can significantly enhance our shopping experience, especially for…

  • A Close Call on the Tennis Court
    A Close Call on the Tennis Court

    It was a tennis match that became a matter of life and death. Had I known what I know now, I might not have been nonchalant during the ordeal. As for this post, I had my doubts. Sharing information about personal health events can have negative consequences — future employers, insurance companies, and the like…

  • Free Pickleball Images to Elevate Your Blog
    Free Pickleball Images to Elevate Your Blog

    Anyone who’s tried to find good quality, free pickleball images for their blog posts, social media, or other digital projects knows it is slim pickings! As a racquet sports blogger, I can attest to that. While I mostly use photos captured by me, sometimes I need to turn to external sources for those perfect pickleball…

  • San Francisco Redux: Tech, Trails, and Tapas
    San Francisco Redux: Tech, Trails, and Tapas

    San Francisco, a city I frequent, never ceases to amaze me with its unique blend of tech innovation, natural beauty, and culinary creativity. While challenges like homelessness persist, the city’s true essence remains vibrant and ever-evolving. In my San Francisco redux, I decided to ditch the usual tourist spots and try something different. I wanted…

  • CoachLife: Learn from the Coaches of Tennis Champions
    CoachLife: Learn from the Coaches of Tennis Champions

    Imagine having 24/7 access to the coaches who’ve trained tennis champions, for less than the cost of two or three private lessons at your club. CoachLife, the brainchild of former ATP pro and Ireland’s number-one player Peter Clarke, makes this possible.  Coachlife’s online tennis training platform brings together 22 of the world’s top tennis minds,…

  • Are Hot Paddles Pickleball’s Dirty Little Secret?
    Are Hot Paddles Pickleball’s Dirty Little Secret?

    This May, USAP (USA Pickleball Association) de-certified Joola’s high-profile Gen 3 paddles from its approved list. As the manufacturer countered with statements of “administrative error,” pickleball’s hot paddle controversies continued to simmer beneath the surface. Pickleball’s rapid rise from a casual backyard game to a professional sport has been nothing short of spectacular. As the…

  • Pickleball Everywhere: Discover Places to Play Wherever You Are
    Pickleball Everywhere: Discover Places to Play Wherever You Are

    Pickleball’s explosive popularity is evident, with an estimated 36 million Americans playing in 2023 – that’s over 10% of the population! Its ease of play and social nature make it a perfect fit for all ages and skill levels, seamlessly integrating into active lifestyles and travel plans. From hotels and resorts to cruises and local…

  • Remembering Ashutosh Ojha…
    Remembering Ashutosh Ojha…

    The message from my friend Pillai was cryptic. The subject line read: Ashutosh Ojha 8.2.1956 – 20.4.2024 ? ?. Attached was an unflattering picture of our mutual friend, Ashutosh Ojha. There was no message body. I checked the time, it was nearly midnight. I was sure it was spam. Pillai and I had not been…

  • Here’s Why You Need Protective Pickleball Eyewear
    Here’s Why You Need Protective Pickleball Eyewear

    ✏️ Updated: October 26, 2024 Wearing protective eyewear in a fast-paced, confined space, such as a squash court, is second nature to me. However, there was a time when I thought it was unnecessary. Then, I met a player who’d lost an eye to a stray squash ball. His advice completely changed my perspective  –…