Hayden Patriquin hits a pickleball forehand.
Hayden Patriquin competing at the Veolia LA Open presented by Deep Eddy Vodka. PPA Tour

Patriquin notches signature win over Ben Johns

LOS ANGELES, CA - The upsets continue to pile up on the west coast, with the latest coming from Hayden Patriquin’s 11-6, 11-6 victory over top-seeded Ben Johns.

The 18-year-old found success by being aggressive in the transition zone, opting to take his fifth shots out of the air and drive them at his opponent.

“I just wanted to rip backhands up Ben’s backhand line and try to come in and crash to stay out of the cat-and-mouse with him because he’ll destroy me in that,” Patriquin revealed.

That strategy had the desired effect, and Patriquin earned the win two games for the biggest singles result of his career.

He’ll face No. 11 seed Aanik Lohani in the quarterfinals.

Related articles

Anna Leigh Waters and Jorja Johnson celebrating a point for the New Jersey 5s at MLP Columbus.

MLP Columbus: Group standings after Day 2

Anna Leigh Waters and Jorja Johnson delivered two 11-0 score lines in women's doubles for the New Jersey 5s on Friday.

1 day ago

-
Yuta Funemizu and Nico Acevedo celebrating a point for the Miami Pickleball Club at MLP Columbus.

3 things to watch for on Friday at MLP Columbus 

The Miami Pickleball Club will play two matches on Friday after pushing the Columbus Sliders to a Dreambreaker in their first match of the season on Thursday.

1 day ago

-
Elsie Hendershot playing pro pickleball.

From Junior PPA standout to St. Louis Shock rookie, Elsie Hendershot is making her mark

The rising pickleball talent reflects on her journey through the sport.

1 day ago

-
Tina Pisnik and Dekel Bar competing for the Palm Beach Royals at MLP Columbus.

MLP Columbus: Group standings after Day 1

The Palm Beach Royals are tied for first place in Group B after winning their first match in franchise history on Thursday.

2 days ago

-