
Johns bros clinical in men’s doubles final
PHOENIX, AZ - Sometimes when you’re on, you’re on.
That was the case for Ben and Collin Johns in their match against Tyson McGuffin and Dekel Bar in the men’s doubles championship match.
It’s usually the younger brother Ben who impresses the most in their matches—and he definitely did, too—but today it was Collin.
The right-side specialist found ways to be aggressive no matter which one of his opponents lined up in front of him at the kitchen line, executing numerous ernes and backhand counters when attacked.
To earn opportunities to win points at the kitchen, though, the brothers had to first figure out how to deal with the big serves and drives from their opponents who hit some of the hardest shots in the sport.
The key to dealing with the drives? Returning well.
“You really have to hit a high-quality return,” said C. Johns. “It all really starts with the feet and making sure you get the body weight behind the return. That way, you’re not dealing with the drive when you’re a little late coming in.”
Emphasizing depth on the return helped the No. 1 seeds capture their second title of 2024 with an 11-3, 11-3, 11-9 victory.
In the bronze medal match, Zane Navratil and Erik Lange bested Christian Alshon and Julian Arnold 11-1, 13-11.
Related articles

McGuffin reflects on career at Hong Kong Slam: ‘I never thought I’d be in the position that I am now’
After ten years in pickleball, there are still moments that compel Tyson McGuffin to pause and reflect on just how far the sport has come.
8 hours ago
-Will Daughton

Zane Navratil talks pro pickleball’s taunting debate: ‘Players should be allowed to scream’
He argues that letting pros express themselves freely can make pickleball more entertaining for fans.
2 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy

From behind the camera to the court: Christian Alshon’s social media manager replaces Federico Staksrud
Talk about an unlikely pairing in Australia.
6 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy

Everything you missed in pickleball in September
It was another busy month in the picklesphere.
20 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy