The APP Vlasic Classic – Daytona Beach: A Thrilling Tournament Recap
The pickleball world was abuzz with excitement as the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour made its second stop of the 2025 season at the picturesque Pictona at Holly Hill for the APP Vlasic Classic in Daytona Beach. This action-packed event showcased the sport’s top talents and rising stars, delivering intense competition and unforgettable moments that left fans on the edge of their seats.
For those new to the world of professional pickleball, the APP Tour is one of the premier competitive circuits in the sport. It brings together elite players from around the globe to compete in various events throughout the year. The Daytona Beach stop is particularly significant as it sets the tone for the early part of the season and gives players a chance to establish themselves as contenders for the year ahead.
Top Storylines: Breakthrough Performances and Dominant Displays
Sofia Sewing Claims Her First Singles Gold
One of the most compelling narratives of the tournament was the breakthrough performance of Sofia Sewing in the women’s singles event. The former professional tennis player, who has been making waves in the pickleball world, finally secured her first gold medal after coming tantalizingly close just two weeks prior at the Fort Lauderdale Open.
Sewing’s journey to the top of the podium was nothing short of spectacular. She began her campaign with a dominant victory over Shannon Pretorius in the Round of 16, showcasing her powerful groundstrokes and strategic acumen. The quarterfinals presented a more significant challenge in the form of Katerina Stewart, but Sewing’s determination shone through as she emerged victorious in a grueling three-game match.
The semifinals brought a chance for redemption against Megan Fudge, who had bested Sewing in the Fort Lauderdale Open finals. This time, Sewing turned the tables with a commanding performance, winning 15-13, 15-6. Her precise passing shots and unwavering focus were on full display, leaving spectators in awe of her skill and mental fortitude.
In the finals, Sewing faced off against Daria Walczak in what proved to be a closely contested match. Sewing’s superior movement and ball-striking ability ultimately propelled her to a 15-12, 15-10 victory, cementing her status as a force to be reckoned with in the singles division. This triumph is likely just the beginning for Sewing, who has the potential to finish in the top 5 on the APP Tour in singles if she maintains this level of play throughout the 2025 season.
Megan Fudge and Jack Munro: The Dynamic Duo
While Sewing’s singles victory was impressive, the tournament’s standout performers were undoubtedly Megan Fudge and Jack Munro, who each secured double gold medals in the doubles events. Their partnership in mixed doubles proved to be an unstoppable force, as they exacted revenge on the team of Braverman and Howells, who had bested them at the Fort Lauderdale Open.
The mixed doubles final was a masterclass in teamwork and strategy, with Fudge and Munro dominating their opponents 11-2, 11-9. Their chemistry on the court was evident, with each player’s strengths complementing the other’s perfectly.
However, it was in the gender-specific doubles events where Fudge and Munro truly showcased their individual brilliance. Fudge, partnering with Jill Braverman in women’s doubles, put on a display of dominance rarely seen in professional pickleball. Their performance was nothing short of historic, with some truly staggering statistics:
- In 10 games played, they achieved a “pickle” (winning a game 11-0) three times
- The most points conceded in a single game was a mere three
- Their combined score across five matches was an astounding 110-12, averaging 11-1.2 per game
This level of dominance is unprecedented in doubles competition, setting a new benchmark for excellence in the sport.
Munro, not to be outdone, partnered with Will Howells to claim gold in men’s doubles. Their path to victory was equally impressive, solidifying their status as one of the top men’s doubles teams on the tour.
Will Howells: A Triple Threat
Will Howells entered Championship Sunday with a rare opportunity to achieve a triple crown, competing in the finals of men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles. While he fell short of this lofty goal, his performance across all three events was nothing short of remarkable.
In singles, Howells demonstrated his versatility by reaching the finals despite not being known primarily for his singles play. He overcame tough competition, including Ammar Wazir, John Lucian Goins, Max Green, and Alex Crum, before ultimately falling to Chris Haworth in the final.
Howells’ partnership with Jack Munro in men’s doubles proved to be a winning combination. After a minor setback in the semifinals, where they lost their first game of the tournament to Mark Dancuart and Patrick Kawka, the duo rallied to secure their place in the finals. There, they faced a formidable challenge from Erik Lange and Max “Purple Jesus” Manthou, emerging victorious in two nail-biting games, 12-10, 11-9.
In mixed doubles, Howells and partner Jill Braverman fought their way to Championship Sunday but ultimately fell to the powerhouse team of Munro and Fudge. Despite this setback, Howells’ overall performance at the tournament was exceptional, with medals in five out of six divisions across the first two events of 2025, including three golds.
Daria Walczak’s Breakthrough Performance
Another player who made significant strides at the APP Vlasic Classic was Daria Walczak. Building on her bronze medal performance in women’s doubles at the Fort Lauderdale Open, Walczak stepped up her game in Daytona Beach, securing two silver medals.
In singles, Walczak reached her first Championship Sunday appearance after impressive victories over Judit Castillo and Amanda Hendry in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. Although she fell to Sofia Sewing in the finals, her run to the championship match marked a significant milestone in her singles career.
Walczak’s success continued in women’s doubles, where she partnered with Susannah Barr. The newly formed duo proved to be a formidable team, dominating their opponents with a combined score of 88-38 in the four matches leading up to the finals. While they ultimately succumbed to the unstoppable force of Fudge and Braverman in the championship match, their silver medal performance suggests that this partnership has a bright future on the APP Tour.
Chris Haworth: The Singles Specialist
Chris Haworth continued to assert his dominance in men’s singles, claiming his eighth consecutive gold medal in the event. His victory at the APP Vlasic Classic marked his second gold of the 2025 season, further solidifying his position as the top singles player on the APP Tour.
Haworth’s path to victory was nothing short of dominant. Across his four matches, including the finals, he outscored his opponents by a combined 122-76. His average game score of 15.25-9.5 in rally scoring format is a testament to his consistency and ability to close out games efficiently.
In addition to his singles success, Haworth also claimed his first medal in doubles, partnering with Amanda Hendry to secure bronze in mixed doubles. This achievement demonstrates Haworth’s versatility and potential to excel across multiple disciplines in the sport.
Full Results: A Showcase of Pickleball Excellence
The APP Vlasic Classic – Daytona Beach delivered thrilling matches across all divisions. Here’s a breakdown of the medal winners in each category:
Women’s Singles
- 🥇 Sofia Sewing
- 🥈 Daria Walczak
- 🥉 Amanda Hendry
Men’s Singles
- 🥇 Chris Haworth
- 🥈 Will Howells
- 🥉 Alex Crum
Mixed Doubles
- 🥇 Jack Munro/Megan Fudge
- 🥈 Jill Braverman/Will Howells
- 🥉 Amanda Hendry/Chris Haworth
Women’s Doubles
- 🥇 Megan Fudge/Jill Braverman
- 🥈 Susannah Barr/Daria Walczak
- 🥉 Kelsey Grambeau/Allison Harris
Men’s Doubles
- 🥇 Jack Munro/Will Howells
- 🥈 Erik Lange/Max “Purple Jesus” Manthou
- 🥉 Mark Dancuart/Patrick Kawka
Looking Ahead: The Impact of the APP Vlasic Classic
The APP Vlasic Classic – Daytona Beach has set the stage for an exciting 2025 season in professional pickleball. The emergence of new stars like Sofia Sewing, the continued dominance of players like Chris Haworth, and the formation of powerful doubles partnerships all point to a year filled with intense competition and thrilling matches.
For newcomers to the sport, this tournament showcased the high level of skill, strategy, and athleticism required to compete at the professional level. The various playing styles and tactics employed by the top players provide valuable lessons for amateurs looking to improve their own game.
As the APP Tour continues its 2025 season, all eyes will be on these top performers to see if they can maintain their momentum. Will Sofia Sewing continue her ascent in singles? Can the Fudge/Braverman women’s doubles team sustain their historic level of dominance? And will Chris Haworth’s singles reign face new challengers?
The next stop on the APP Tour is scheduled for late February in Sacramento, where these questions and more will begin to be answered. As the pickleball community eagerly anticipates the next chapter in this thrilling season, one thing is certain: the sport’s rapid growth and the increasing level of competition ensure that every tournament will be must-watch event for fans and players alike.
The APP Vlasic Classic – Daytona Beach has not only provided a thrilling spectacle for pickleball enthusiasts but has also served as a powerful advertisement for the sport’s excitement and accessibility. As more athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds, like Sofia Sewing from tennis, continue to make their mark in pickleball, the sport’s future looks brighter than ever.
For those inspired by the incredible performances at this tournament, remember that every professional player started as a beginner. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to take your game to the next level, the APP Vlasic Classic has shown that with dedication, practice, and passion, the sky’s the limit in the world of pickleball.
