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.”
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
Loyd upsets Johns in Round of 16 at Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships
Michael Loyd secured a meaningful victory on Thursday.
2 hours ago
-Victoria Radnothy
2024 Pickleball Business Forum recap: “The best is yet to come”
Viewership is everything - and the sport is only growing.
a day ago
-Victoria Radnothy
Day in the life of a pickleball pro: Roscoe Bellamy
Follow around pro Roscoe Bellamy to get the inside scoop of this pro's packed tournament day experience.
a day ago
-Victoria Radnothy
Wheelchair doubles marks first adaptive pickleball event for UPA
Making history.
3 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy