![Jaume Martinez Vich plays pickleball at PPA Tour Desert Ridge Open](https://cdn.pickleball.com/news/1706822806191/EIOAmZaK.jpg?width=1320&height=528&optimizer=image)
Martinez Vich upsets World No. 1 Johns in men’s singles
PHOENIX, AZ – Eighth-seeded Jaume Martinez Vich upset Ben Johns in the quarterfinals at the PPA Tour’s Desert Ridge Open on Thursday.
Johns dominated the opening game 11-4, but Martinez Vich battled back with matching 11-5, 11-5 triumphs in the following games to secure the victory.
This marks Martinez Vich’s first career win over Johns. The two had previously played each other five times, and as it turns out, the sixth time was the charm for the Spaniard.
“I came into the match with a little bit of pain and I had no expectations at all. I was just trying to hit as big as I can and try to finish the point earlier,” said Martinez Vich. “I should play like this instead of running, I don’t know what I’ve been doing for the last year.”
That strategy worked out in his favor this time around.
During timeouts in the action, Martinez Vich was seen courtside using a Theragun and stretching out his legs. Nevertheless, he feels confident going into the semifinals against Jay Devilliers.
“Jay is scared of me. I have his number. I live in his head,” he teased.
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