Lea Jansen has remained at the Virginia Beach Open even with a broken patella of her left leg despite that injury as a pickleball player has been trying to play. The seven-time PPA Tour gold medalist has continued to play women’s doubles with Kate Fahey even though she is injured and the injury is now an issue for her immediate future in the sport.
The 34-year-old has already withdrawn from the women’s singles and mixed doubles at the tournament. But she has continued her campaign in women’s doubles with Fahey, making the most of what could be a particularly significant appearance on the court. With a long break coming after the tournament, Jansen is focused on teaming with a partner whom she has been able to do so with the help of the team and has given her the courage.
Jansen played through the injury during the Major League Pickleball season this summer, The Dink reported. Her continued participation shows the physical struggle she has been through and the uncertainty in her playing schedule in the coming months.
Lea Jansen Explains Why She Chose to Play
Jansen opened up about her decision to participate in the Virginia Beach Open after she and Fahey won a convincing match against Daria Walczak and Alex Walker on October 15. The duo won 11-2, 11-4 and advanced in the women's doubles draw despite Jansen's injury.
When asked why she had decided to compete despite the pain, Jansen said that the opportunity to play alongside Fahey was one of the biggest reasons behind her appearance.
"Really the reason why I showed up was number one, that I’m playing with Kate,” Jansen said.
She also acknowledged that her career is still littered with unanswered questions. That this may be her last appearance for a while has made the tournament more meaningful, particularly now that she shares the court with Fahey.
“There are so many unknown things in my career right now, so I’m playing in a lot of pain by myself, but if this is the last time I go out, I’d like to do it with Kate,” she said.
Her comments have drawn attention to the uncertainty surrounding her future. She hasn't confirmed that she is retiring, but she said she is entering the competition with that in mind knowing that her next chapter in professional pickleball is uncertain.
Three-Month Layoff Expected After Virginia Beach Open
Jansen's injury is expected to keep her away from competition for a long time. She is expecting a three-month layoff after the Virginia Beach Open and has withdrawn from every event scheduled for the remainder of 2026.
The absence of the American player will be a serious blow for the American who has established herself as a successful PPA Tour competitor. She has seven gold medals and professional pickleball experience; her seven gold medals make the uncertainty over her availability valuable for fans of pickleball.
For now, Jansen's focus is on completing her Virginia Beach campaign with Fahey. She has decided not to participate in singles and mixed doubles, but she will be in women's doubles.
Recovery and how long her career will be affected remain to be seen. Although the anticipated three-month break gives an indication of her time away from tournaments, she will return to tournaments if she is in good shape and will make good decisions about recovery.
Kate Fahey Partnership Keeps Women's Doubles Campaign Alive
Jansen and Fahey, despite the injury setback, still continue to perform well in the women's doubles competition. The straight-game win against Walczak and Walker on October 15 saw them make it to the quarterfinals and their hopes of progressing further.
The pair will meet fifth seeds Alix Truong and Layne Sleeth on October 17. The match will determine which team will move to the semifinals and be a key event for Jansen.
The forthcoming contest will be watched by fans concerned about the competition and Jansen’s situation. She’s able to see that she has a desire to continue playing with Fahey to continue on with her partnership as she’s not yet ready for a sustained absence from the professional circuit.
Jansen’s performance at the Virginia Beach Open has been a reflection of an uncertain future. Her comments leave open questions about what’s next, but she just wants to make the most out of this opportunity.
As the tournament goes on, she is aiming at competing with Fahey and making sure their women's doubles campaign is the best possible finish. The result could be the start of a stop-and-go or a more defining moment in her career. And for now, she is still competing - despite the hurt - and we still have no idea what the future of this seven-time PPA Tour gold medalist will be.
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