PPA Tucson: Preview

Proton Tuscon Open

It feels like it’s been a while since the last “real” tournament — Australia Open was a blast, but definitely not as big as we’re used to seeing, and we missed many of our usuals!

Qualifiers wrapped up today for the Tucson Open, a traditional draw, with singles starting tomorrow.

Storylines that are making waves:

• Riley & Matt are BACK — perhaps the most unexpected bit of news; since their split in 2023, Riley has not had strong results, though he did get a gold at Worlds with Hayden Patriquin. Both Matt and Riley have tried out a variety of partners, but none had the consistency they once had together. Good thing Matt is the forgiving type so we can all relive the glory days.

• Ben’s new P — Yes, he’s supposed to play with Gabe Tardio most the year, but this tournament, he’s partnering with Hayden Patriquin as Gabe was already committed to play with JW.

• Fed’s first with adidas — This will be the first tournament since Fed signed with adidas; will the new paddle impact his results?

• New Aussies — newly signed Aussies Tom Evans and Helena Spiridis are playing in their first stateside tournament. They’ll play mixed together.

• Now that Collin Johns has been dropped by Ben, he’s playing with… no one. He’s not playing this event. Aw.

What to watch in each bracket:

Women’s Singles

No ALW or Catherine in singles this time — which should make this bracket actually interesting to watch.

• Kaitlyn Christian is the clear front-runner, coming off her gold medal in Australia.

• After a fairly long hiatus, Lindsey Newman is back playing singles. She doesn’t typically make it past R32, but nonetheless it’s always fun seeing fresh faces in the women’s singles bracket.

• Usual suspects Kate Fahey, Lea Jansen, and Brooke Buckner are strong contenders for a medal; with Parris Todd in the mix as well

Men’s Singles

• Ben Johns once again sits out singles; it appears he’s hyper-focused on his doubles game.

• Twins Hunter & Yates Johnson, if they each beat the qualifier in R32, will face each other in R16, which would be a really fun watch.

• Notably absent in singles: Tyson McGuffin and Gabe Tardio. Both were struggling through their gold medal match Down Under, their bodies ravaged by their grueling 5-game matches in doubles. Guess the bedroom and cardio and all those beaches really got to ‘em!

• In Mesa 1 year ago, Cason Campbell (“lucky” tattered hat guy) took down Dylan Frazier and made it to QF, where he lost to Jack Sock. Could he make a similar run this time? If he can get through R64, then beat Pablo Tellez in R32, he’ll have a chance at a re-match against Dylan in R16.

Mixed Doubles

• Tennis expats Jack Sock & Genie Bouchard are pairing up; Genie only gets stronger every tournament, and maybe she’ll be the one to carry this partnership!

• Ben & ALW, of course. They won’t have trouble getting to QF; their biggest challenge will probably be Catherine & Fed to make semis.

• Jorja isn’t playing this event, leaving brother JW Johnson behind; he partners with Maggie Brascia (their first time pair-up). Their biggest challenge en route to quarters will be Etta Wright (now Tuionetoa) & Jaume Martinez-Vich.

• It’s a very stacked bracket, and we can’t overlook Hurricane Tyra & Christian Alshon. They’ll have to defeat new partners Hayden & Rachel R to hit QF, then likely Anna & Dekel to make semis.

Women’s Doubles

• Waters & Parenteau return and should have a breezy path to semis. Can The Girlies (Anna & Rachel) take them down this time?

• Despite Andrea Koop introducing Lea Jansen to pickleball in 2019, they’ve never partnered up in a tournament. Recently, there have been some contentious moments between these two over line calls. Wonder what prompted this pair-up after all this time, and who extended the olive branch?

• Newbie from Aussie Helena Spiridis partners with Helena Jensen, which is just fun… Helena²

Men’s Doubles

It’s an incredibly stacked field, with Ben & Hayden in the crosshairs.

• CJ Klinger is coming off his stellar performance in Australia, and is teaming up with Fed Staksrud. They’ll need to get through our very own Tyler & CG to get to QF.

• Dylan Frazier, who split with JW Johnson this year to take on a dominant left-side role, pairs up with Pablo Tellez. Though Pablo hasn’t had the best results since his partner split (from Fed), could this combo be just the right fit?

• Has Jack Sock’s star fallen? Along with fellow NC crew member Erik Roddy, they have the #24 seed and take on a tough James Ignatowich & Quang Duong in the first round. If they manage to take them down, they’ll have to face Austin-based duo Dekel & Zane (which could totally be a band name, right?).

If you’re planning to attend the Tucson Open, you can secure your tickets at a discount using code KOTC.

Watch Episode 125 - Australia Open recap + Tucson Preview