Cleo Bond, an Australian professional who turned pro in 2025, returned to the PPA Tour at the Carvana Mesa Cup after a break of several months, where she lost in the Round of 64 in the women’s singles category.
Bond went down to Lina Padegimaite in straight games (11-3, 11-0) but the result did not define her outing, as a clip from the match went viral on social media and brought her unexpected attention.
The video, which featured moments from the match, gained traction online despite the one-sided scoreline. Bond quickly found herself in the spotlight, with a surge in followers and growing recognition among fans, many of whom began to view her as an emerging personality in the sport.
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“I have no idea why that video went viral. I only won three points,” Bond said. “But it was probably the happiest I’ve felt after a loss. It made the loss so much better.”
The attention extended beyond the pickleball circuit, with Canadian rapper Drake following her on Instagram after the clip gained popularity.
“I think it’s so cool he followed me. I’m very grateful for all the attention,” she said.
Despite the sudden rise in visibility, Bond said her approach to the sport remained unchanged. She continued to focus on her development and did not feel any added pressure because of the attention.
“I don’t feel all that different. I’m still very grounded and have the same energy. It’s just that my Instagram looks cooler now,” she said. “I feel no added pressure because I went viral and I only won three points. I’m just learning, playing and getting better.”
Bond added that the experience had reinforced her belief in her journey rather than distracting her from it. “I’m very clear on my purpose, so the attention doesn’t distract me. It just shows that I’m on the right track,” she said.
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Away from competition, Bond has also explored ventures outside sport. In 2020, she co-founded Waev, a swimwear and athletic wear brand, and said she hoped to use her platform to inspire others.
“My purpose isn’t only sports-related. I want to inspire people and share my story one day,” she said.
While her result at the Mesa Cup may not have gone her way, Bond’s growing presence on and off the court has added a new dimension to her journey, as she continues to build her career on the professional circuit.
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(Written by Evince Das)
