APP Vlasic Classic – Cincinnati Tournament Recap
The pickleball world was buzzing with excitement as the APP Tour returned to action in Cincinnati, Ohio, after a month-long hiatus. The prestigious Sawyer Park played host to this thrilling event, bringing together top APP Tour professionals and ambitious amateurs for an unforgettable showcase of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.
For those new to the pickleball scene, the APP Tour is one of the premier professional pickleball circuits, featuring some of the most talented players in the sport. These tournaments not only offer substantial prize money but also serve as a platform for players to gain recognition, improve their rankings, and inspire the next generation of pickleball enthusiasts.
As we dive into the highlights of the APP Vlasic Classic in Cincinnati, it’s worth noting that this event sets the stage for the upcoming APP Tour’s next stop – the Zimmer Biomet APP New York City (Major) starting May 20. The Cincinnati tournament provided players with a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their skills and build momentum for the highly anticipated major event in the Big Apple.
Top Storylines
Megan Fudge Becomes the Winningest Player in APP Tour History
One of the most significant milestones of the tournament was achieved by the remarkable Megan Fudge. With a gold medal in women’s doubles and a silver in mixed doubles, Fudge etched her name in the APP Tour record books. These achievements marked her 69th and 70th medals on the APP Tour, surpassing the previous record of 68 held by JW Johnson.
Fudge’s journey to this historic accomplishment was nothing short of impressive. In women’s doubles, she partnered with Jill Braverman to secure a commanding victory in the finals, with scores of 11-5 and 11-3. The mixed doubles final proved to be a nail-biter, with Fudge and partner Jack Munro narrowly missing out on gold, falling 9-11 in the third game to Bobbi Oshiro and Will Howells.
What made this record-breaking performance even more special was its timing – Mother’s Day. For Fudge, a dedicated athlete and mother, this achievement held extra significance, symbolizing the perfect blend of personal and professional triumphs.
Grayson Goldin Earns His Second Gold Medal in Singles
Grayson Goldin’s victory in Cincinnati marked a significant milestone in his career, as he clinched his second APP Tour gold medal in singles. This win was particularly meaningful as it came almost exactly a year after his first gold medal victory at the same venue.
Goldin’s path to victory was far from easy. Starting from the quarterfinals, each of his matches went the full three games, testing his endurance, mental fortitude, and adaptability. In the quarterfinals, he overcame Ryler DeHeart with scores of 15-4, 12-15, and 15-7. The semifinals saw him facing off against Eduardo Irizarry, where Goldin emerged victorious with scores of 14-16, 15-13, and 15-3.
The final match pitted Goldin against Armaan Bhatia, one of the best international pickleball players in the world. Bhatia, making his APP Tour debut, had already made waves by defeating the top-seeded Chris Haworth in the Round of 16. The final was a testament to both players’ skills, with Bhatia taking the first game 15-11. However, Goldin’s determination shone through as he rallied to win the next two games 15-11 and 15-8, securing the gold medal.
Goldin’s emotional response to his victory highlighted the challenging nature of professional pickleball. Despite being a top-tier talent on the APP Tour, this was Goldin’s first gold medal in a year, underscoring the competitive landscape of the sport and the significance of this achievement.
Howells, Munro, and Oshiro Continue to Dominate Doubles
The doubles events at the APP Vlasic Classic – Cincinnati were a showcase of dominance by Will Howells, Jack Munro, and Bobbi Oshiro. Their performances further cemented their status as forces to be reckoned with in the pickleball doubles arena.
Will Howells has been on an incredible run in 2025, winning 9 out of 10 doubles golds on the APP Tour. His only loss this year came at the APP Vlasic Classic – Daytona Beach, where he and Jill Braverman were defeated by Munro and Fudge in doubles.
In Cincinnati, Howells and Munro’s partnership proved unstoppable. Throughout their four matches, they won by a combined score of 88-44, effectively doubling their opponents’ scores without dropping a single game. Their dominance was particularly evident in the final against 10th seeds Casey Diamond and Kyle Koszuta, whom they defeated 11-7, 11-2.
The mixed doubles event saw Howells partnering with Bobbi Oshiro, continuing their undefeated streak in 2025. Having already claimed victories at APP Sacramento and The Fort Lauderdale Open (Major), the pair added the APP Vlasic Classic – Cincinnati to their impressive list of accomplishments.
Howells and Oshiro’s path to the gold medal was marked by consistent performance, winning their first three matches with a combined score of 69-44 without dropping a game. The final against Munro and Fudge proved to be their toughest challenge. After winning the first game 11-6, they faced a setback in the second, losing 7-11. The deciding game was a nail-biter, with Howells and Oshiro initially leading 7-1 before Fudge and Munro mounted a comeback. It took five match points, but Oshiro and Howells eventually secured the win with a score of 11-9.
Sofia Sewing Earned Her Third Gold on the APP Tour in 2025
Sofia Sewing’s performance at the APP Vlasic Classic – Cincinnati was a testament to her resilience and skill, as she claimed her third gold medal on the APP Tour in 2025. Her path to victory was far from easy, culminating in a challenging final against Judit Castillo, another gold medalist on the APP Tour.
The gold medal match was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. Castillo dominated the early stages, winning the first game 15-11 and racing to a 5-0 lead in the second. However, Sewing’s mental toughness came to the fore as she called a crucial timeout. This break proved to be a turning point in the match.
Sewing fought back tenaciously, facing two match points at 14-12 in the second game. She not only saved these match points but went on to win the game in overtime, 16-14. The final game saw Sewing continue her comeback, overcoming an early 1-5 deficit to win 15-10 and claim the gold medal.
This victory solidifies Sewing’s position as the woman to beat on the APP Tour in 2025. Her combination of exceptional movement, clean groundstrokes from both wings, and unmatched competitiveness makes her a formidable opponent. As the tour progresses, it’s likely that Sewing will be seeded first or second in future tournaments, reflecting her dominant status in the women’s singles category.
Full Results
Women’s Singles
- 🥇 Sofia Sewing
- 🥈 Judit Castillo
- 🥉 Maria Klokotzky
Men’s Singles
- 🥇 Grayson Goldin
- 🥈 Armaan Bhatia
- 🥉 Ammar Wazir
Mixed Doubles
- 🥇 Bobbi Oshiro/Will Howells
- 🥈 Jack Munro/Megan Fudge
- 🥉 Jill Braverman/William Sobek
Women’s Doubles
- 🥇 Jill Braverman/Megan Fudge
- 🥈 Emily Cederquist/Yana Newell
- 🥉 Judit Castillo/Allison Harris
Men’s Doubles
- 🥇 Jack Munro/Will Howells
- 🥈 Kyle Koszuta/Casey Diamond
- 🥉 Ryler DeHeart/Richard Livornese
The APP Vlasic Classic – Cincinnati has set the stage for an exciting continuation of the 2025 APP Tour. With record-breaking performances, intense battles, and emerging talents making their mark, the pickleball community eagerly anticipates the next stop on the tour. As the players head to New York City for the upcoming major event, the momentum and lessons from Cincinnati will undoubtedly influence the strategies and performances in the Big Apple.
For pickleball enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the Cincinnati tournament provided a thrilling showcase of the sport’s evolution. From Megan Fudge’s historic achievement to Grayson Goldin’s emotional victory and Sofia Sewing’s resilient performance, the event highlighted the physical prowess, mental fortitude, and strategic depth required to excel in professional pickleball.
As the sport continues to grow in popularity and competitiveness, tournaments like the APP Vlasic Classic – Cincinnati play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of professional pickleball. They not only determine rankings and distribute prize money but also inspire the next generation of players and contribute to the sport’s rich tapestry of stories, rivalries, and unforgettable moments.
The pickleball community now turns its attention to New York City, where the Zimmer Biomet APP New York City (Major) promises to deliver another chapter of high-stakes competition, unexpected twists, and athletic excellence. As the players prepare for this major event, the lessons and momentum from Cincinnati will undoubtedly influence their approach and potentially shape the outcomes in the Big Apple.
