Johns delivers in singles action, downs Arnold in Arizona
MESA, AZ – World No. 1 Ben Johns made his presence felt at PPA Mesa on Thursday with an 11-7, 6-11, 11-0 victory over No. 8 seed Julian Arnold in the Round of 16.
“You know, it could’ve been cleaner,” admitted Johns. “But, it also could’ve been a lot worse.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Arnold certainly gave Johns a run for his money in the first couple of games, but the Maryland native was absolutely perfect in the deciding stanza.
It was a notable triumph for Johns after failing to advance out of the Round of 16 in singles at the PPA Masters and PPA Desert Ridge to begin the 2024 campaign.
“Two tournaments is not a lot of tournaments. I’ve gone two tournaments before without winning Triple Crowns. This wasn’t the first time, but it’s also not the last,” he admitted.
Johns will face No. 6 seed JW Johnson in the quarterfinals.
Related articles
.jpg?width=592&height=237&optimizer=image)
Waters, Tardio headline list of top pros moving paddle sponsors in 2026
The debate over who Anna Leigh Waters' next paddle sponsor will be has dominated pro pickleball discourse early this year.
12 hours ago
-Pickleball.com Staff
Everything you missed in pickleball pop culture in December 2025
From global travels to contract terminations, it was a busy month in the picklesphere.
1 day ago
-Victoria Radnothy
Pickleball pros share New Year’s resolutions
Chris Haworth, Jay Devilliers, and the Brascia sisters have some fun goals for 2026.
2 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy
UPA hands Parris Todd two-event suspension, $50,000 fine
The $50,000 fine matches the highest amount that the UPA has ever fined a player for a single infraction.
3 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff
