IPBL 2025: Megan Fudge – The Story Behind Hyderabad Royals’ No. 1 Pickleball Star

One's selfless faithfulness to a responsibility is sustained in youth and made vivid by courage, meeting the challenges. Megan is a world cadet taking pickleball by the collar, playing with her contemporaries through the APP Tour rankings and earning the right to be a royal pick for the Hyderabad Royals, making her working IPBL-2025 above everyone else.

From Germany to Global Stardom

Excellence has never been accidental for Fudge—it’s a lifelong habit. Raised in Germany in a culture defined by punctuality, discipline, and hard work, she was primed for elite sport from an early age. At 15, she moved to the United Kingdom to attend Millfield School, one of the world’s premier sporting academies. “It was like Harry Potter’s Hogwarts,” she recalls, describing a high-performance environment that strengthened her tennis foundation and introduced her to competitive sport at the highest level.

Fudge later moved to the United States, playing collegiate tennis at the University of Illinois while majoring in Sports Management and Communications. This combination of academic insight and athletic talent laid the foundation for her adaptability and strategic approach on the pickleball court.

Balancing Life and Sport

Married to fellow professional athlete Ryler DeHeart and a mother of two, Megan Fudge epitomizes the modern professional athlete. She skillfully balances parenthood, travel, fitness, and elite-level competition. Her personal philosophy—mirrored in her favorite book, David Goggins’ Stay Hard—emphasizes mental toughness above all else, a mindset that has defined her sporting journey.

Career Highlights

Fudge’s career achievements speak volumes:

• Professional tournaments played: 59
• Career matches: 628
• Win rate: 69%
• Recent form: 8–2 in last 10 outings

Medals won:

• Gold: 55
• Silver: 46
• Bronze: 27

She dominated the US Open Championships with golds in Pro Split Age, Pro Singles, and Pro Mixed Doubles, along with a silver in Pro Doubles. In 2024 alone, Fudge medaled in all 10 APP events she entered, securing 22 podium finishes, including 10 golds, across India, the USA, Vietnam, and England.

Hyderabad Royals’ Franchise Prospect

For the Hyderabad Royals, Megan Fudge is more than a player—she is a statement. Her experience, tactical intelligence, and mental resilience make her a potential title-defining presence. Fans can expect Fudge to set the standard, dictate the tone, and deliver match-winning performances throughout IPBL 2025.

Player Profile:

• Team: Hyderabad Royals
• Category: Super Star Female International
• Country: USA
• DUPR (Singles): 5.949
• DUPR (Doubles): 6.021

About the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL)

The Indian Pickleball League, introduced by The Times Group, is India's official national league for pickleball, endorsed by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) under the Phobyotpnder of the Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports. The inaugural edition, to be held from December 1-7, 2025, will be played at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Delhi, and will envisage top Indian and international talent, as well as city-based franchises and fans in their millions on live TV and digital platforms.

Indian Pickleball Association (IPA): is the National Governing Body for the development of the sport in India with recognition from Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and Global Pickleball Federation (GPF).

Pickleball World Ranking (PWR): PWR is India’s official national ranking system, covering all ages, skill levels, and formats—including singles, doubles, and mixed events. It forms the foundation for player selection across school, district, state, and national competitions.