Entertaining Headlines Vrom The PPA North Carolina Open

 

Pickleball Chaos and Glory: Upsets, Withdrawals, and New Rivalries Shake Up the PPA Tour

Zane Navratil Recaps a Wild Week of Pickleball Drama, Emerging Stars, and Surprising Championship Moments

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Introduction:
In his trademark energetic and insightful style, Zane Navratil takes us through a whirlwind week on the PPA Tour, where favorites fell, rivalries flared, and new champions emerged. With Anna Leigh Waters, Ben Johns, and Catherine Parenteau withdrawing from singles, the field opened up—and chaos ensued. From unexpected upsets and spicy team drama to historic wins and a brand-new MLP sponsorship, this was a week that redefined the pickleball landscape.

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Key Topics Covered:

• High-Profile Withdrawals:

  • Anna Leigh Waters, Ben Johns, and Catherine Parenteau all pulled out of singles due to the Rolex court conditions.

• Major Upsets and New Matchups:

  • Hunter Johnson upset by Roscoe Bellamy.

  • Jack Sock falls to Max Freeman.

  • Unexpected semifinalists in both men’s and women’s brackets.

• Women’s Singles Shake-Up:

  • With Anna Leigh out, Lea Jansen, Parris Todd, Kate Fahey, and Salome Devidze battled in a newly wide-open field.

• Mixed Doubles Drama:

  • Anna Bright partners with Federico Staksrud in a thrilling quarterfinal.

  • Sets up a high-stakes clash with Anna Leigh and Ben Johns.

• MLP's Big Move:

  • Major League Pickleball rebranded as “Presented by DoorDash.”

  • New sponsor momentum and viral marketing through the Dude Perfect group.

  • Introduction of “pickles with delivery” promotion.

• Eric Oncins vs. Christian Alshon:

  • A fiery new rivalry born after a comeback win and an epic celebration.

  • Future drama expected at the upcoming MLP event.

• Championship Sunday Highlights:

  • Ben and Gabe win men's doubles gold.

  • Jorja Johnson earns her first women’s doubles title alongside Tyra Black after a comeback win.

  • Gabe Tardio takes the men’s singles crown over Roscoe Bellamy.

  • The Johnson siblings shock Ben and Anna Leigh in a five-game mixed final.

  • Kate Fahey claims women's singles title in a gritty battle with Paris Todd.

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Summary:
Zane Navratil’s recap of the PPA’s latest stop is part play-by-play, part pickleball gossip, and entirely entertaining. From Anna Leigh’s strategic withdrawal to a breakout week for Roscoe Bellamy and Gabe Tardio, the tournament was filled with unexpected turns. The emergence of a new rivalry between Eric Oncins and Christian Alshon adds a spicy subplot to an already loaded MLP season. And with fresh champions, surprising partnerships, and sponsor momentum from DoorDash, the sport of pickleball continues to evolve—fast, dramatic, and wildly fun.