After Drama and Upsets, Cincinnati Open Crowns New Singles Champion
CINCINNATI - The 2023 Cincinnati Open pickleball tournament concluded on Sunday after an eventful week full of drama, upsets and shocking moments on and off the court.
In the premier men's singles final, Argentina's Federico Staksrud finally toppled dominant defending champion Ben Johns, winning a thrilling match 11-9, 3-11, 11-9. It was the first time Staksrud, 29, has ever defeated Johns on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tour after losing to him in all four previous finals matchups.
"This is so special," an emotional Staksrud said afterwards. "Ben is such a champion."
The men's doubles title went to the Johns brothers, Ben and Colin, who defeated Dylan Frazier and J.W. Johnson in the gold medal match. But their path there was disrupted by bizarre incidents, including a rogue ball mysteriously rolling onto the court during a quarterfinal and an unidentified streaker in a speedo interrupting their semifinal match.
In mixed doubles, Ben Johns paired with Anna Leigh Waters to win his 101st gold medal, defeating Thomas Wilson and Vivienne David in three games.
On the women's side, the singles and doubles fields were marred by a wave of last-minute withdrawals before the start of play on Thursday. Anna Leigh Waters ultimately prevailed over Catherine Parenteau in yet another lopsided women's singles final between the two dominant players.
The tournament also featured fireworks off the court, with a heated exchange between two of the sport's biggest stars. After winning in the round of 16 on Friday, Tyson McGuffin angrily accosted opponent Tyler Loong with expletives. Loong later claimed he was "taken by surprise" and unaware of any previous bad blood between the two.
With nonstop drama and new champions crowned, the Cincinnati Open once again showcased the ballooning popularity and fiery competition of professional pickleball.
1:52 Women's Doubles
- Kawamoto twins take on Parento/Waters in the final. Kawamotos dominate the semis but lose in the final.
6:36 Men's Doubles
- Drama in multiple matches, including a random ball rolling on the court and a streaker interrupting play.
- Johns brothers defeat Fraser/Johnson for gold.
20:26 Mixed Doubles
- Black/Hewitt pull off big upset before losing controversially to Johns/Waters in semis.
- Johns/Waters defeat Wilson/David for gold.
27:41 Women's Singles
- Many last minute withdrawals lead to lopsided semis and finals.
- Waters defeats Parento for gold.
29:50 Men's Singles
- McGuffin angrily confronts Loom after a match.
- Staksrud upsets Johns for gold.
38:04 APP Coverage Men's Singles
- Hunter Johnson wins messy men's singles final.
39:35 Women's Singles
- Devidze wins easily with Megan Fudge withdrawal.
39:51 Mixed Doubles
- Rain disrupts, Barr/Diascu win gold.
40:45 Women's/Men's Doubles
- Harris/Jardim and Nunnery/Diascu take golds.
41:08 Men's Doubles Winners Bracket Final Fun Moment
- Nunnery does strange ducking distraction tactic.
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