Ben Johns hitting a pickleball backhand.
Ben Johns competing at the Veolia Bristol Open. PPA Tour

Johns withdraws from singles in Cincinnati with illness

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Johns—the No. 5 seed in the draw—was set to play No. 57 seed Chris Haworth in what would have been the most highly anticipated Round of 64 matchup of all time and a rematch of the 2024 Texas Open final.

 

Haworth will instead face Jay Evans, a lucky loser from Monday’s qualifying rounds.

Despite withdrawing from singles, Johns is still expected to compete in mixed doubles with Anna Leigh Waters and men’s doubles with Gabe Tardio.

Live broadcast coverage from Lindner Family Tennis Center begins Tuesday at 10am ET on Pickleballtv.

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