PPA North Carolina Open Tournament Recap: Upsets, Surprises, and New Champions
The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour recently hosted an electrifying tournament at the Cary Tennis Park in Cary, North Carolina. This event marked the final PPA competition before a pause in action for the upcoming Major League Pickleball (MLP) season. The North Carolina Open delivered thrilling matches, unexpected upsets, and performances that will be remembered for years to come.
Understanding the PPA Tour and Its Significance
For those new to the world of professional pickleball, the PPA Tour is one of the premier circuits in the sport. It attracts top players from around the globe, offering substantial prize money and prestige. The North Carolina Open, being the last event before the MLP season, held particular importance as players aimed to build momentum and confidence heading into the team-based competition.
Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. The PPA Tour plays a crucial role in showcasing the highest level of play and helping to elevate the sport’s profile.
Top Storylines from the Veolia North Carolina Open
Jorja Johnson’s Remarkable Double Gold Performance
One of the most compelling narratives of the tournament was the exceptional performance of Jorja Johnson. The young player managed to upset Anna Leigh Waters, widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, in two separate events.
In women’s doubles, Johnson partnered with Hurricane Tyra Black to defeat the top-seeded pair of Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters. Despite a challenging start, losing the first game 1-11, Johnson and Black rallied to win the next three games with scores of 11-6, 11-4, and 11-7. Their aggressive play and strategic targeting of Parenteau proved to be a winning formula.
Johnson’s success continued in mixed doubles, where she teamed up with JW Johnson to overcome the formidable duo of Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns. This victory was particularly significant as it broke a 16-match losing streak against Waters and Johns. The final scoreline of 8-11, 11-7, 11-6, 3-11, 11-8 reflects the intensity and back-and-forth nature of the match.
These victories not only showcased Johnson’s skill and mental toughness but also hinted at a potential shift in the competitive landscape of professional pickleball. As noted by the PPA Tour’s Instagram, Johnson’s performance was nothing short of spectacular.
Gabe Tardio’s Double Gold Triumph
Another standout performer at the North Carolina Open was Gabe Tardio, who secured gold medals in both men’s doubles and singles events. In doubles, Tardio partnered with Ben Johns to defeat the team of Hayden Patriquin and Federico Staksrud in a closely contested final.
Tardio’s singles run was particularly impressive, given his entry as the 13th seed. He navigated a challenging draw, defeating higher-ranked opponents en route to the gold medal. His victory over top-seeded Federico Staksrud in the semifinals (4-11, 13-11, 11-7) was a testament to his resilience and skill.
The PPA Tour highlighted Tardio’s achievement, noting the rarity of winning both singles and doubles titles in a single tournament. This performance cements Tardio’s status as a rising star in the sport and one to watch in future competitions.
Kate Fahey’s Breakthrough Gold Medal
Kate Fahey’s journey to her first gold medal of 2025 in women’s singles was another compelling storyline. Fahey, who began competing in PPA Tour singles events in August 2024, has quickly established herself as the second-ranked women’s singles player on the tour.
Her path to gold in North Carolina was far from easy, facing tough competition throughout the tournament. In the final, Fahey showed tremendous grit, coming back from a one-game deficit to defeat Parris Todd 4-11, 11-9, 11-6. This victory was particularly sweet as it avenged a previous loss to Todd in December 2024.
Fahey’s consistent performances and rapid rise in the rankings demonstrate the dynamic nature of professional pickleball and the emergence of new talent at the highest levels of the sport.
Historic Upsets and Shifting Dynamics
The North Carolina Open made history as the first PPA tournament where none of the top seeds in any category won gold. This unprecedented occurrence highlights the increasing parity and competitiveness in professional pickleball.
Notable upsets included:
- In men’s singles, 20th-seeded Aanik Lohani defeating 9th-seeded JW Johnson in the round of 32.
- 34th-seeded Max Freeman overcoming 8th-seeded Jack Sock, also in the round of 32.
- In mixed doubles, the 49th-seeded team of Parker and Yates Johnson beating the 15th-seeded duo of HTB and Max Freeman in the round of 64.
These results suggest that the gap between top-ranked players and those further down the rankings is narrowing, leading to more unpredictable and exciting tournaments.
Looking Ahead: Implications for the Sport
The North Carolina Open’s results could have far-reaching implications for the future of professional pickleball. The emergence of new champions and the ability of lower-seeded players to compete with and defeat top-ranked opponents indicate a deepening talent pool and evolving competitive landscape.
As the sport continues to grow in popularity and attract more athletes, we can expect to see further shifts in the balance of power. This increased parity could lead to more engaging tournaments, with a wider range of players capable of making deep runs and challenging for titles.
Moreover, the success of younger players like Jorja Johnson suggests that a new generation of pickleball stars is emerging, potentially bringing fresh energy and playing styles to the professional circuit.
Conclusion: A Tournament to Remember
The PPA North Carolina Open will be remembered as a tournament of upsets, breakthroughs, and historic firsts. From Jorja Johnson’s double gold performance to Gabe Tardio’s dominant showing and Kate Fahey’s hard-fought singles title, the event showcased the best of what professional pickleball has to offer.
As the sport continues to evolve and grow, tournaments like this serve as important milestones, highlighting the increasing competitiveness and unpredictability of professional pickleball. For fans and players alike, the North Carolina Open has set the stage for an exciting future, with new stars rising and established champions being challenged like never before.
With the Major League Pickleball season on the horizon, the momentum and confidence gained by players at this tournament could play a crucial role in shaping the upcoming team-based competition. As the pickleball world turns its attention to MLP, the echoes of the North Carolina Open’s thrilling matches and surprising outcomes will undoubtedly resonate, fueling anticipation for what’s to come in this rapidly growing sport.
