APP Tour AARP Open Tournament Preview: Complete Guide and Analysis
Introduction to the AARP Open
The professional pickleball circuit continues its exciting 2025 season as the APP Tour returns to action following the successful conclusion of the APP Women’s Open presented by The James. This prestigious tournament marks a crucial point in the season, being the penultimate event before the highly anticipated APP Tour Championships in December.
Venue and Location Details
The tournament returns to its spiritual home at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, marking the third visit of the year to this world-class facility. The venue has established itself as a premier destination for professional pickleball, featuring state-of-the-art courts and a specially designed Championship Court with bowl-style seating that creates an electrifying atmosphere for both players and spectators.
Tournament Schedule and Broadcast Information
The AARP Open runs from October 9-12, with a comprehensive broadcast schedule across multiple platforms:
Day-by-Day Coverage
- Thursday (Singles): ESPN+ (10am-5pm ET), APPTV YouTube (8am-2pm ET)
- Friday (Men’s/Women’s Doubles): ESPN+ (Noon-6pm ET), APPTV YouTube (10am-4pm ET)
- Saturday (Mixed Doubles): ESPN+ (Noon-6pm ET), APPTV YouTube (10am-4pm ET)
- Sunday (Gold Medal Matches): ESPN+ (11:30am-6pm ET), APPTV YouTube (8am-1pm ET)
Weather Considerations and Contingency Plans
Weather could play a significant role in this tournament, with forecasts predicting thunderstorms for the first three days. Tournament organizers are preparing contingency plans, and participants and spectators are advised to follow the official APP Tour Instagram and social media channels for real-time updates.
Tournament Draw Analysis
Women’s Singles Competition
The women’s singles draw features an impressive lineup led by Sofia Sewing, who enters the tournament with six gold medals already secured on the APP Tour. Other top contenders include Katerina Stewart, Bobbi Oshiro, and Domenika Turkovic. Rising star Shannon Pretorius, seeded sixth, could be a dark horse following her silver medal performance at the recent APP Women’s Open.
Men’s Singles Division
Ammar Wazir leads the men’s singles draw, riding high on consecutive victories in Chicago and Great Lakes. Jack Foster, despite consistent quarter-final appearances, is still pursuing his first 2025 medal. Patrick Kawka and Ronan Camron round out a competitive top four, while fifth-seeded Will Howells could make a significant impact.
Doubles Competitions
The doubles events feature several intriguing new partnerships and established teams:
Women’s Doubles: The new pairing of Megan Fudge and Amanda Hendry leads the field, while the experienced duo of Yana Newell and Rianna Valdes looks to recapture their previous success.
Men’s Doubles: Jack Munro and Will Howells enter as favorites with five gold medals this year, followed by the in-form partnership of Tanner Tomassi and Richard Livornese Jr.
Mixed Doubles: The formidable pairing of Megan Fudge and Jack Munro headlines the event, with multiple gold medalists Bobbi Oshiro and Will Howells among the top challengers.
Tournament Significance and Points Race
With the APP Tour Championships approaching in December, this tournament carries additional weight for players looking to secure their positions and accumulate crucial ranking points. The remaining 2025 schedule includes:
- AARP Open (October 9-12)
- APP Mesa Open (November 5-9)
- APP Tour Championships (December 10-14)
Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Tournament
For those new to professional pickleball, the AARP Open represents one of the sport’s premier events. The tournament features multiple disciplines (singles, doubles, and mixed doubles), with each category showcasing the sport’s top talents. Matches are played in a bracket format, with players/teams progressing through rounds until reaching the medal matches. The unique venue at The Fort provides an intimate setting where spectators can witness the intensity and skill of professional pickleball up close.
