Zimmer Biomet APP Newport Beach Open (Major) Preview: A Pickleball Spectacle in Southern California
The pickleball world is buzzing with excitement as the APP Tour makes its way to the beautiful 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, promises to deliver thrilling matches, intense competition, and unforgettable moments for players and spectators alike.
Understanding the Significance of a Major Tournament
For those new to the world of professional pickleball, it’s important to understand what sets a major tournament apart from regular tour stops. Major events, like the Newport Beach Open, offer increased prize money and ranking points, attracting top talent and raising the stakes for all competitors. This elevated status ensures that players bring their A-game, resulting in higher-quality matches and more intense rivalries.
The Tennis & Pickleball Club at Newport Beach, the venue for this prestigious event, provides a picturesque backdrop for the competition. Its state-of-the-art facilities and proximity to the Pacific Ocean create an ideal setting for both players and spectators to enjoy world-class pickleball.
Perfect Weather for Pickleball
One of the many advantages of hosting a major tournament in Southern California during early July is the near-perfect weather conditions. With temperatures expected to range from the low 60s to the low 70s Fahrenheit throughout the event, players can look forward to comfortable playing conditions that allow for peak performance.
These mild temperatures, combined with the region’s typically low humidity, create an environment where athletes can focus on their game without battling extreme heat or cold. For spectators, the pleasant weather offers an opportunity to enjoy outdoor pickleball at its finest, whether watching from the stands or exploring the tournament grounds.
How to Catch All the Action
The Zimmer Biomet APP Newport Beach Open offers multiple ways for fans to follow the tournament, ensuring that pickleball enthusiasts worldwide can stay connected to the action. Here’s a comprehensive guide to watching the event:
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 Streaming
- 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 extensive coverage ensures that fans can follow their favorite players and catch the most exciting matches, whether watching live or catching up on highlights. The variety of platforms also caters to different viewing preferences, from streaming on mobile devices to enjoying the action on traditional television broadcasts.
Women’s Singles: A Battle of Skill and Strategy
Top Seeds
- Sofia Sewing
- Yana Newell
- Amanda Hendry
- Bobbi Oshiro
Key Storylines
Sofia Sewing enters the tournament as the clear favorite, aiming for her fifth gold medal in singles this year. Her dominance on the tour has been impressive, but the competition is fierce, and every match presents a new challenge.
While not among the top seeds, Pei Chuan Kao is a player to watch. Having already secured a gold on the APP Tour this year, including a victory over Sewing at the APP Fort Lauderdale Open (Major) in April, Kao has proven she has what it takes to upset the established order.
Bobbi Oshiro, seeded fourth, adds an element of unpredictability to the tournament. Known for her versatility, Oshiro doesn’t always compete in singles events, but when she does, her skill and determination make her a formidable opponent for any player in the draw.
Prediction
In a tournament filled with talent, I anticipate a thrilling final match between Sofia Sewing and Yana Newell. Both players have shown exceptional form leading up to this event, but Sewing’s experience and recent success give her a slight edge. Expect a closely contested three-game match, with Sewing ultimately emerging victorious.
Men’s Singles: Records on the Line
Top Seeds
- Chris Haworth
- Jack Foster
- Will Howells
- Armaan Bhatia
Key Storylines
All eyes are on Chris Haworth as he seeks to reaffirm his dominance in men’s singles. Despite maintaining his top seed status, Haworth has faced challenges in recent tournaments, failing to secure victory in the last three APP Tour events. Newport Beach presents an opportunity for Haworth to not only return to winning form but also to make history by clinching his 11th gold medal, which would set a new APP record in men’s singles.
Armaan Bhatia, seeded fourth, enters the tournament with momentum on his side. Fresh off a victory at the APP New York City event in May, Bhatia aims to prove that his success on the East Coast can translate to the West, potentially challenging the established hierarchy in men’s singles.
A dark horse to watch in this tournament is Ammar Wazir. Though unseeded, Wazir has demonstrated the ability to compete at the highest level, securing impressive results against top-tier players. His presence in the draw adds an element of unpredictability and the potential for upsets.
Prediction
In what promises to be a tournament filled with intense competition and potential upsets, I believe Chris Haworth will rise to the occasion and secure his record-setting 11th gold medal. Facing Will Howells in the final, Haworth’s experience and determination to reclaim his position at the top of men’s singles will likely prove decisive.
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
The mixed doubles competition at Newport Beach showcases some of the most dynamic partnerships in pickleball. Megan Fudge and Jack Munro enter the tournament with significant momentum, having secured their second gold of the 2025 season at the recent APP NYC event. Their chemistry and recent success make them strong contenders for the title.
The return of Will Howells to partner with Bobbi Oshiro adds another layer of intrigue to the competition. Howells, who missed the APP NYC event, reunites with Oshiro as the top-seeded team. Their previous successes together make them favorites, but the question remains whether they can quickly reestablish their on-court synergy.
Amanda Hendry and Chris Haworth, both accomplished singles players, bring their individual talents to the mixed doubles arena. Having already secured medals on the tour this year, they’re looking to continue their upward trajectory and challenge for gold in Newport Beach.
Dark Horses
Keep an eye on Australian qualifiers Joey Wild and Danni-Elle Townsend. Despite entering through qualification, their skill and international experience make them capable of a deep run, potentially reaching at least the quarterfinals of the main draw.
Another partnership with upset potential is Armaan Bhatia and his partner Bates. As a lower-seeded team, they have the talent and unpredictability to surprise higher-ranked opponents and make a significant impact on the tournament.
Prediction
In what promises to be a closely contested final, I anticipate Bobbi Oshiro and Will Howells will emerge victorious over Megan Fudge and Jack Munro. The top seeds’ experience playing together and their individual strengths should give them the edge in a two-game victory.
Women’s Doubles: Shifting Dynamics and Rising Challengers
Top Seeds
- Jill Braverman/Megan Fudge
- Yana Newell/Emily Cederquist
- Allison Harris/Daria Walczak
- Susannah Barr/Amanda Hendry
Key Storylines
The women’s doubles event at Newport Beach presents a fascinating mix of established partnerships and emerging challengers. Jill Braverman and Megan Fudge, the top seeds, enter the tournament with a point to prove after an early exit in the NYC event. Their ability to bounce back from that disappointment will be crucial to their success in Newport Beach.
Yana Newell and Emily Cederquist have been one of the most consistent teams on the tour this year, amassing an impressive collection of four medals, including one gold, two silvers, and a bronze. Their steady performance and chemistry make them strong contenders for the title.
A partnership to watch closely is the fifth-seeded team of Bobbi Oshiro and Sofia Sewing. Despite their lower seeding, both players bring exceptional individual skills to the doubles court. Their potential for upset victories adds an exciting element of unpredictability to the tournament.
The Australian duo of Danni-Elle Townsend and Emilia Schmidt, entering the main draw through qualification, could be the surprise package of the women’s doubles event. Townsend’s strong performances in mixed doubles suggest that this team has the potential to make a deep run in the tournament.
Prediction
In a bold prediction that reflects the dynamic nature of women’s doubles pickleball, I foresee a major upset in the final. The partnership of Bobbi Oshiro and Sofia Sewing, leveraging their individual strengths and the element of surprise, will overcome the second-seeded team of Yana Newell and Emily Cederquist in a thrilling three-game match.
Men’s Doubles: Reunions and Rising Stars
Top Seeds
- Jack Munro/Will Howells
- Erik Lange/Max Manthou
- Richard Livornese, Jr./Tanner Tomassi
- Patrick Kawka/Kyle Koszuta
Key Storylines
The men’s doubles competition at Newport Beach features the reunion of Jack Munro and Will Howells as the top-seeded team. Their partnership, temporarily disrupted when Howells missed the previous APP event, is back in full force. The question on everyone’s mind is whether they can seamlessly rekindle their on-court chemistry and live up to their top billing.
Erik Lange and Max Manthou, affectionately known as “Purple Jesus,” enter the tournament as the second seed, hungry for their first gold medal of the year. Their consistent performances have kept them near the top of the rankings, but breaking through for a win in Newport Beach would be a significant milestone for the pair.
A fascinating subplot in the men’s doubles draw is the presence of young talents Rio Newcombe and Jonathan Truong. Although they start in the qualification rounds, their recent successes suggest they have the potential to not only make it to the main draw but also cause problems for established teams once there.
Prediction
In what promises to be a showcase of top-tier men’s doubles pickleball, I anticipate Jack Munro and Will Howells will demonstrate why they’re the top-seeded team. Facing Erik Lange and Max Manthou in the final, Munro and Howells’ reunited partnership will prove too strong, resulting in a victory in straight games.
Conclusion: A Tournament of Opportunity and Excellence
The Zimmer Biomet APP Newport Beach Open stands as a pivotal event in the 2025 APP Tour calendar. With its major status, increased prize money, and ranking points at stake, the tournament promises to deliver high-stakes pickleball action across all categories. From established champions defending their positions to rising stars seeking breakthrough performances, Newport Beach offers a stage for pickleball excellence in one of California’s most beautiful coastal settings.
As the pickleball world turns its attention to Southern California, fans can expect fierce competition, potential upsets, and memorable moments that will shape the narrative of the 2025 season. Whether you’re a die-hard pickleball enthusiast or new to the sport, the Newport Beach Open provides an excellent opportunity to witness the skill, strategy, and excitement that define professional pickleball at its highest level.
With comprehensive coverage available across multiple platforms, pickleball fans worldwide can follow every serve, dink, and smash as the drama unfolds. As the tournament progresses, keep an eye out for emerging storylines, unexpected heroes, and the crowning of new champions in this picturesque setting by the Pacific.
