There was a major upset in the Round of 16 at the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships on Thursday.

No. 21 seed Michael Loyd beat No. 2 seed Ben Johns in convincing fashion, 11-3, 11-9.

Johns gained some momentum in game two, and it looked like he might force a deciding stanza, but Loyd took a couple of strategic timeouts that definitely helped his cause. 

“Timeouts became really important to just gather my thoughts and go back to the drawing board. I was reminding myself of what I told myself to do before I came out here. To go for my serve, go for my third, come in and crash, be aggressive, play my style and see how it goes,” said Loyd. 

Loyd also shared that he was born here in Dallas, so this win feels particularly special.  

This is a monumental victory that upcoming pros like Loyd dream of, upsetting a legendary pro player in two games. 

“I just went for it. I told myself before today that I believe I can do it, and if nobody else does, that’s okay,” said Loyd.

“A bunch of people asked me this morning ‘Who are you going to play?’ And I said Ben and they winced. I just laughed and said I think he might be scared of me. You’ve got to be a little bit delusional to come out here and try to beat somebody like him. All the respect to him, he’s the G.O.A.T. for a reason,” added Loyd. 

Loyd brought a strong and confident mental game to the court today. But the friends, family, and support system courtside lead him to the victory.  

“I’m so incredibly grateful. God put me in this moment with these types of fans, and support from my mom, my grandparents, girlfriend, friends, and sponsors in the crowd. Some friends from Austin came out to support me here today and it means everything,” said Loyd. 

“You don’t do it without an army. I’m the luckiest guy,” added Loyd. 

Loyd solidified his spot in the quarterfinals on Friday where he will face JW Johnson.