Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open: A Thrilling Tournament Recap

The pickleball world was abuzz with excitement as the APP New York City Open, sponsored by Zimmer Biomet, took center stage over Memorial Day weekend in 2025. From May 21 to May 24, top players from around the country converged on the Big Apple for what promised to be an unforgettable event. Despite some initial weather-related challenges, the tournament delivered on its promise of high-octane action and memorable performances.

Overcoming Weather Woes

The tournament’s early days were marked by inclement weather, forcing organizers to adapt quickly. On Wednesday and Thursday, play was moved indoors to the Queens College tennis center. While this ensured the matches could continue, it unfortunately meant that fans were unable to enjoy live streaming of these initial rounds. However, the show must go on, and the players rose to the challenge, demonstrating their adaptability and commitment to the sport.

By Friday, the action shifted to the prestigious Billie Jean USTA National Training Center. Although scattered showers persisted, the outdoor venue allowed for a more authentic tournament experience. The weather finally cooperated on Championship Saturday, providing perfect conditions for the climactic matches that would determine the winners in each category.

Sofia Sewing: The Rising Star Shines Bright

One of the most compelling stories of the tournament was the continued ascendance of Sofia Sewing. Just six months prior, Sewing was fighting her way through qualifying rounds. Now, she entered the NYC Open as the APP Tour’s #1 seed, a testament to her rapid improvement and dominant performances.

Sewing’s path to victory was nothing short of impressive. She blazed through four matches, dropping only a single game out of nine played. In a nail-biting final, Sewing faced off against first-time medalist Nicole Eugenio. The match was a showcase of skill and determination, with Sewing ultimately prevailing 15-12, 16-14.

This victory marked Sewing’s fourth championship of 2025, further solidifying her position at the top of the APP Tour rankings. The tournament’s status as a major event means Sewing will receive 1.5 times the normal APP points, likely securing her #1 seed for the foreseeable future. For pickleball enthusiasts and newcomers alike, Sewing’s meteoric rise serves as an inspiring example of what dedication and talent can achieve in this rapidly growing sport.

Men’s Doubles: A New Partnership Triumphs

The men’s doubles category saw an intriguing storyline unfold. Jack Munro, who had been dominating the APP tour in 2025 with partner Will Howells, found himself in need of a new teammate for this event. Howells’ commitments to Major League Pickleball opened the door for a fresh pairing, and Munro seized the opportunity to team up with Aiden Schenk.

Schenk, a 19-year-old member of the APP U.S. National Team, proved to be an excellent complement to the 20-year-old Munro. The young duo faced a formidable challenge in the final, squaring off against qualifiers Thomas Yu and Len Yang. Yu and Yang’s journey to the final was impressive in its own right, requiring seven match wins, including three in qualifying rounds.

The final match was a testament to the unpredictable nature of pickleball. Yu and Lang started strong, taking the first game 11-4. However, Munro and Schenk showcased their resilience and adaptability, rallying to win the next two games 11-5, 11-7. This victory not only secured the gold medal for Munro and Schenk but also highlighted the exciting potential of this new partnership.

For spectators and pickleball enthusiasts, this match exemplified the dynamic nature of doubles play. It demonstrated how quickly momentum can shift and the importance of mental toughness in overcoming early setbacks. The success of this newly formed team also underscores the evolving landscape of professional pickleball, where new partnerships can quickly become formidable contenders.

Mixed Doubles: Fudge and Munro’s Golden Run Continues

The mixed doubles category saw the continuation of a successful partnership between Megan Fudge and Jack Munro. Having already claimed gold earlier in the year at APP Daytona, the pair entered the NYC Open with high expectations. Their journey to the top of the podium was far from easy, with three out of their four matches going to decisive third games.

Perhaps their most challenging encounter came in the semifinals against Richard Livornese and Riley Bohnert. In a match that showcased the razor-thin margins at the highest level of pickleball, Fudge and Munro emerged victorious with a nail-biting 12-10, 11-9 victory.

The final against Chris Haworth and Amanda Hendry proved to be another test of skill and nerves. Haworth and Hendry, a pair who had been steadily improving throughout the year, came prepared to challenge for the gold. The resulting match was a three-game thriller that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Ultimately, Fudge and Munro’s experience and chemistry prevailed, allowing them to secure the victory with a score of 11-7, 8-11, 11-8. This win not only added another gold medal to their collection but also cemented their status as one of the top mixed doubles teams on the APP Tour.

For those new to pickleball, the mixed doubles category offers a unique blend of strategy and dynamics. The combination of male and female players on each team creates interesting matchups and requires careful tactical considerations. Fudge and Munro’s success demonstrates the importance of communication, complementary skills, and the ability to perform under pressure in this exciting format.

Women’s Doubles: A New Partnership Emerges Victorious

The women’s doubles category provided one of the tournament’s biggest surprises. The top-seeded team of Braverman and Fudge, expected by many to reach the final, was upset in the semifinals by the newly formed partnership of Bobbi Oshiro and Allison Harris. The underdogs put on a commanding performance, winning 11-8, 11-6, and earning their spot in the final.

On the other side of the bracket, the second-seeded team of Yana Newell and Emily Cederquist faced a grueling path to the final. Their quarter-final match against Sofia Sewing and Shelby Bates went to a decisive third game, with Newell and Cederquist narrowly prevailing 11-9. The semifinals proved equally challenging, as they battled past Simone Jardim and Christine Maddox in another three-game thriller, winning the final game 11-6.

The final match showcased the unpredictable nature of pickleball partnerships. Despite this being their first tournament together, Oshiro and Harris displayed remarkable chemistry and composure. They dominated the first game 11-2 and held off a strong challenge from Newell and Cederquist in the second to win 11-9, securing the gold medal.

This victory by a first-time pairing demonstrates the fluid and dynamic nature of professional pickleball. It highlights how players must be adaptable, able to quickly form effective partnerships and strategies. For newcomers to the sport, it’s an encouraging reminder that with the right combination of skills and teamwork, even new teams can achieve success at the highest levels.

Men’s Singles: Armaan Bhatia Triumphs in Epic Final

The men’s singles category provided some of the most dramatic moments of the entire tournament, culminating in a final match that will be remembered for years to come. The path to the final was marked by several significant upsets:

In the quarterfinals, Ronan Camron upset the second-seeded Grayson Goldin, who unfortunately had to retire due to injury.
Armaan Bhatia then defeated Camron in the semifinals with a score of 16-14, 15-11.
On the other side of the bracket, Alex Crum pulled off a major upset by defeating the top-seeded Chris Haworth in a tight match, 15-13, 18-16.

The final between Bhatia and Crum proved to be an instant classic. Bhatia took the first game convincingly, 15-10. However, the second game would go down in pickleball history as one of the most extraordinary ever played. In a display of endurance, skill, and mental fortitude, the two players battled through an incredible 22 extra points before Bhatia finally secured the victory with a score of 27-25.

This marathon game showcased the unique scoring system used in APP singles matches, where games are played to 15 points with rally scoring, and a win by two points is required. The back-and-forth nature of the game, with neither player able to secure the crucial two-point lead for so long, created an atmosphere of unparalleled tension and excitement.

For Bhatia, this victory marked his third medal on the APP Tour in 2025 and his first gold. It represented a significant milestone in his career, building on his silver in singles in Cincinnati and bronze in men’s doubles in New York City with partner Ronan Camron.

This thrilling conclusion to the men’s singles category serves as a perfect example of why pickleball has captured the imagination of so many sports fans. The combination of endurance, strategy, and sheer willpower required to prevail in such a closely contested match illustrates the physical and mental demands of the sport at its highest level.

Reflecting on a Memorable Tournament

The Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open will be remembered as a tournament that overcame early adversity to deliver spectacular performances across all categories. From Sofia Sewing’s continued dominance in women’s singles to the epic men’s singles final, the event showcased the very best of what professional pickleball has to offer.

For those new to the sport, this tournament provided a perfect introduction to the excitement, skill, and unpredictability that make pickleball so captivating. The success of new partnerships, the emergence of young talents, and the thrilling comebacks all contribute to the growing appeal of pickleball as both a participatory and spectator sport.

As the pickleball community looks ahead to future events, the NYC Open has set a high bar for competition and drama. It has also reinforced the sport’s reputation for inclusivity and excitement, appealing to players and fans of all ages and skill levels.

Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball enthusiast or someone curious about this rapidly growing sport, the stories and performances from this tournament offer plenty of inspiration. From the dedication required to reach the top of the rankings to the thrill of competitive matches, pickleball continues to prove why it’s capturing hearts and minds across the country.