Ben Johns competing on Semifinal Saturday at the Arizona Athletic Grounds.
Ben Johns competing on Semifinal Saturday at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. PPA Tour

Johns seeking to snap Triple Crown drought in Mesa

Ben Johns hasn't earned a Triple Crown since the Fanatics Sportsbook North Carolina Cup in April 2024.

That dry spell might come to an end on Championship Sunday at the Carvana Mesa Cup after earning spots in the men's singles final (against Chris Haworth), men's doubles final (against Christian Alshon and Hayden Patriquin), and mixed doubles final (against Anna Bright and Patriquin).

"How prepared are you going for three?" Pickleballtv sideline reporter, Ireland Horvat, asked Johns following his last match on Saturday on Humana Championship Court.


"I guess we'll find out. I don't know," he replied with a smile. "It's been a while since I played singles. I think the last time I had all three on one day was like Atlanta of last year. It was a lot hotter there, so I think I'll be able to pace myself a little more here. My legs are feeling it, but I'm feeling pretty good going into Sunday."

And with good reason, especially after showcasing resilience in a semifinal battle with Alshon where he dropped the opening stanza before roaring back to come out on top.


"I'm playing better than I thought I would," said Johns, referencing his singles performance. "I haven't played singles in a while."

Johns has 21 career Triple Crowns on his resume.