Zimmer Biomet APP Newport Beach Open (Major) Preview: A Thrilling Pickleball Spectacle
The pickleball world is buzzing with excitement as the APP Tour makes its way to the stunning coastal city of Newport Beach, California for the seventh stop of the 2025 season. The Zimmer Biomet APP Newport Beach Open, a major event on the tour, is set to take place at The Tennis & Pickleball Club at Newport Beach, promising high-stakes competition and unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.
The Significance of a Major Event
As a major tournament on the APP Tour, the Newport Beach Open carries extra weight in terms of both prize money and ranking points. This elevated status not only attracts top-tier talent but also intensifies the competition, as players vie for larger purses and the opportunity to make significant moves in the tour standings. The increased stakes add an extra layer of excitement and pressure, often resulting in spectacular displays of skill and determination on the court.
Perfect Weather for Pickleball
Southern California’s renowned climate sets the stage for ideal playing conditions. With temperatures forecasted to range from the comfortable 60s to the pleasant low 70s, players can expect optimal conditions for peak performance. This temperate weather not only benefits the athletes but also enhances the overall experience for spectators, creating a perfect environment to enjoy world-class pickleball.
Comprehensive Viewing Options
Pickleball enthusiasts around the world will have multiple ways to catch the action. The tournament organizers have ensured extensive coverage across various platforms:
Championship Court Coverage
- Thursday, July 3: 1–7 pm ET on ESPN+
- Friday, July 4: 3–9 pm ET on ESPN+
- Saturday, July 5: 3–9 pm ET on ESPN+
- Sunday, July 6: 4–9 pm ET on ESPN+
Players Court Coverage
- Thursday, July 3: 12 pm – 5 pm ET on YouTube
- Friday, July 4: 1–7 pm ET on YouTube
- Saturday, July 5: 1–7 pm ET on YouTube
- Sunday, July 6: 12–3 pm ET on YouTube
Highlight Shows
- Monday, July 7: 9–11 pm ET on ESPN2
- Tuesday, July 22: 8–9 pm ET on CBS Sports Network
- Tuesday, July 22: 9–10 pm ET on CBS Sports Network
This comprehensive coverage ensures that fans won’t miss a moment of the intense competition, from the early rounds to the championship matches.
Women’s Singles: The Battle for Dominance
Top Seeds
- Sofia Sewing
- Yana Newell
- Amanda Hendry
- Bobbi Oshiro
Key Storylines
Sofia Sewing’s Quest for Five: The top-seeded Sewing enters the tournament as the clear favorite, aiming to secure her fifth gold medal in singles this year. Her dominant performances throughout the season have set a high bar, and all eyes will be on her as she looks to continue her impressive run.
Pei Chuan Kao: The Unseeded Threat: Despite not being among the top seeds, Kao has already proven her mettle with a gold medal victory on the APP Tour this year. Her triumph over Sewing at the APP Fort Lauderdale Open (Major) in April demonstrates her capability to upset the established order.
Bobbi Oshiro: The Versatile Contender: Seeded fourth, Oshiro’s sporadic participation in singles events makes her an intriguing wild card. Known for her versatility across different pickleball disciplines, she poses a significant threat to any opponent when she steps onto the singles court.
Prediction
In what promises to be a thrilling finale, I anticipate Sofia Sewing emerging victorious over Yana Newell in a closely contested three-game match. Sewing’s consistency and championship experience give her a slight edge, but Newell’s tenacity ensures it won’t be an easy path to gold.
Men’s Singles: A Quest for Records and Redemption
Top Seeds
- Chris Haworth
- Jack Foster
- Will Howells
- Armaan Bhatia
Key Storylines
Chris Haworth’s Record Chase: Despite maintaining his top seed status, Haworth enters the tournament looking to break a three-event winless streak on the APP Tour. Newport Beach presents an opportunity for Haworth to clinch his 11th gold medal, which would set a new APP record in men’s singles.
Armaan Bhatia’s Momentum: Fresh off his victory at the APP New York City event in May, fourth-seeded Bhatia aims to continue his winning form on the opposite coast. His recent success makes him a formidable contender and a potential threat to the higher seeds.
Ammar Wazir: The Dark Horse: Though unseeded, Wazir has shown promise with impressive performances against top-tier players. His ability to challenge the established hierarchy makes him a player to watch as the tournament unfolds.
Prediction
In a historic moment for the sport, I foresee Chris Haworth overcoming Will Howells to secure his 11th gold medal, setting a new APP Tour record. Haworth’s experience and determination to reclaim his winning form should propel him to victory in what promises to be a closely contested match.
Mixed Doubles: Partnerships Put to the Test
Top Seeds
- Bobbi Oshiro/Will Howells
- Megan Fudge/Jack Munro
- Jill Braverman/Richard Livornese, Jr.
- Amanda Hendry/Chris Haworth
Key Storylines
Fudge and Munro’s Golden Run: Coming off their second gold medal of 2025 at the APP NYC event, Fudge and Munro enter as one of the pairs to beat. Their recent success and growing partnership chemistry make them strong contenders for another podium finish.
Howells’ Return: After missing the APP NYC event, Will Howells reunites with his regular partner, Bobbi Oshiro. Their top-seeded status reflects their potential, but the question remains whether they can quickly reestablish their on-court synergy.
Hendry and Haworth’s Medal Hunt: With multiple medals already secured on the tour this year, the pairing of Amanda Hendry and Chris Haworth looks to add to their impressive collection. Their individual skills combined with their growing partnership experience make them a formidable duo.
Dark Horses to Watch
Australian Underdogs: Qualifiers Joey Wild and Danni-Elle Townsend are poised to make waves in the main draw. Their potential to reach at least the quarterfinals makes them an exciting pair to follow throughout the tournament.
Bhatia and Bates: This lower-seeded team has shown the ability to upset higher-ranked opponents. Their chemistry and individual talents could propel them deep into the tournament, potentially disrupting the expected outcomes.
Prediction
In what should be a closely contested final, I predict Oshiro and Howells will emerge victorious over Fudge and Munro in two games. The reunited top seeds’ combined skills and previous success should give them the edge in a high-stakes match.
Women’s Doubles: Redemption and Rising Stars
Top Seeds
- Jill Braverman/Megan Fudge
- Yana Newell/Emily Cederquist
- Allison Harris/Daria Walczak
- Susannah Barr/Amanda Hendry
Key Storylines
Braverman and Fudge’s Comeback: Despite holding the top seed throughout the year, Braverman and Fudge faced an early exit in the NYC event. Newport Beach offers a chance for redemption and to reassert their dominance in the women’s doubles category.
Newell and Cederquist’s Medal Collection: With an impressive tally of four medals on tour this year (one gold, two silvers, and a bronze), this pair has consistently demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level. They’ll be looking to add another gold to their collection.
Oshiro and Sewing: The New Pairing: Seeded fifth, the partnership of Bobbi Oshiro and Sofia Sewing is one to watch. Their individual skills and potential for upset victories make them an intriguing duo in the tournament landscape.
Australian Talent: Danni-Elle Townsend, partnering with Emilia Schmidt, enters through qualifications but is expected to make a significant impact in the main draw. Their progress will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike.
Prediction
In a bold prediction, I anticipate a major upset with Oshiro and Sewing defeating Newell and Cederquist in a thrilling three-game final. The new pairing’s combined talents and potential for synergy could lead to a breakthrough performance on the big stage.
Men’s Doubles: Established Partnerships and Rising Challengers
Top Seeds
- Jack Munro/Will Howells
- Erik Lange/Max Manthou
- Richard Livornese, Jr./Tanner Tomassi
- Patrick Kawka/Kyle Koszuta
Key Storylines
Munro and Howells Reunited: After Howells’ absence led to Munro’s gold medal win with Aiden Schenk in the previous event, the original partnership is back in action. Their reunion as the top seed sets high expectations for their performance.
Lange and Manthou’s Golden Pursuit: Despite their second seed status, Erik Lange and Max “Purple Jesus” Manthou are still in search of their first gold medal together this year. Newport Beach could be their breakthrough moment.
Young Guns in Qualifying: Rio Newcombe and Jonathan Truong, a pair of rising stars, enter through qualifications. Their recent successes suggest they could pose significant challenges to established teams in the main draw.
Prediction
I foresee Howells and Munro securing victory over Lange and Manthou in a competitive two-game final. The top seeds’ experience and recent individual successes should give them the edge in what promises to be a showcase of high-level men’s doubles pickleball.
Conclusion: A Tournament of Possibilities
The Zimmer Biomet APP Newport Beach Open (Major) is shaping up to be an exciting chapter in the 2025 APP Tour. With a mix of established champions seeking to maintain their dominance and rising stars looking to make their mark, the tournament promises thrilling matches across all categories. The picturesque setting of Newport Beach, combined with the high stakes of a major event, creates the perfect stage for pickleball excellence.
As the pickleball community turns its attention to Southern California, fans can expect intense competition, potential upsets, and memorable moments that will shape the landscape of professional pickleball. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, the Newport Beach Open offers something for everyone, showcasing the skill, strategy, and excitement that have made pickleball one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
Be sure to tune in across the various platforms to catch all the action, and prepare for a weekend of world-class pickleball that will undoubtedly leave its mark on the 2025 season.
