Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Hot Fudge Sunday - Double Dip Gold Medals


500 Word Article

Fudge Dominates in Double Gold Victory at Atlanta Metro Open


Megan Fudge emerged as a double gold medalist at the 2023 Atlanta Metro Open, conquering both the women's singles and doubles events in dramatic fashion.


In the singles final, Fudge faced off against Chilean pro Judit Castillo. This was a rematch from their tight three-setter in the winner's bracket semi-finals, where Castillo had prevailed.


But this time, a focused Fudge was eager for revenge. She came out firing with aggressive groundstrokes, forcing Castillo into errors. After splitting the first two games, Fudge found her rhythm and took control, winning the final two games 11-1 and 15-13 to capture the singles gold.


"I couldn't make the same mistakes twice against Judit," said Fudge afterwards. "My team and I really studied the tape to improve my shot selection and strategy for the rematch."

The singles gold marked the first of Fudge's career and a huge milestone. But her day wasn't over yet.


Immediately after her thrilling singles victory, she had to regroup and get ready for the women's doubles final alongside partner Susannah Barr. This promised to be an even tougher test, with the duo facing off against the formidable team of Parris Todd and Simone Jardim.


Early on, it looked grim for Fudge and Barr. Todd/Jardim raced out to a commanding 10-3 lead in the second game, putting them one game away from the gold.


But Fudge and Barr dug deep, chipping away point-by-point before pulling off a miraculous 12-10 victory to force a tiebreaker. They carried that momentum into the 15-point decider, upsetting Todd/Jardim 15-11 to complete their comeback.


"Susannah and I just kept fighting and found a way to come back," said an elated Fudge after their match. "To win two intense battles on the same day is really gratifying."


Not only did Fudge and Barr score the upset, they did it in comeback fashion after losing to Todd/Jardim earlier in the winner's bracket. Their mental toughness and resolve were on full display.


With her two gold medals, Fudge etched her name in the record books, becoming one of only a handful of women to ever win two events at an APP Tour stop in one weekend. Now, Fudge has secured the highest number of medals among all female professional athletes in the APP, totaling 21.


"This has been a tournament I've had circled on my calendar for a long time," said Fudge. "To be able to put it all together and win two golds in front of my mom, who flew in from Germany, makes it extra special."


Fudge's memorable day symbolized her emergence as one of pickleball's top competitors. Her singles gold and doubles comeback underscored her athleticism, shot-making skills, and unwavering will to win.


After her statement performance in Atlanta, the German-born Fudge has marked herself as a rising star to watch heading into 2023 and beyond.

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1000 Word Article


Fudge Dominates in Double Gold Victory at Atlanta Metro Open


ATLANTA - In a commanding performance on Sunday, October 1st, professional pickleball player Megan Fudge emerged as a double gold champion at the 2023 Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Atlanta Metro Open, conquering the women's singles and women's doubles events on a thrilling championship day.


The German-born Fudge, 35, displayed her full repertoire of skills throughout the tournament, showcasing powerful ground-strokes, deft touch at the net, punishing serves, and mental fortitude under pressure. Her victories mark a career milestone, as Fudge captured her first-ever singles gold on the APP Tour.


"This has been a tournament I've had circled on my calendar for a long time," said Fudge. "To be able to put it all together and win two golds in front of my mom, who flew in from Germany, makes it extra special."


Fudge's success comes after only a year of steady improvement on the pro tour. Once a promising junior tennis player in Germany, she eventually transitioned to pickleball in her 30s after meeting her now-husband, fellow pro Ryler DeHeart, in the United States.


After giving birth to two kids, Fudge was drawn to pickleball as a way to get the family active together. She quickly displayed pro-level talent, turning pro in 2021. Now, just two years into her pro career, Fudge sits comfortably among the APP Tour's elite competitors.


The Road to Double Gold in Atlanta

Fudge's first major test came in the singles bracket, where she faced off against Chilean pro Judit Castillo in the gold medal match. After losing a tight three-setter to Castillo earlier in the winner's bracket semi-finals (11-6, 11-4), Fudge was eager for revenge.


"I remember thinking that I can't make the same mistakes twice," she recalled. "My team and I studied the tape and worked on improving my shot selection for the rematch."


Fudge's path to gold included a resounding victory over Jessica Warren (15-1), a hard-fought battle against Salome Devidze, where she triumphed in three intense games (10-12, 12-10, 11-4), and a sweet revenge match against Judit Castillo in the gold medal showdown (11-3, 8-11, 11-1, and 15-13). Conquering Castillo, who had bested her just the day before, was a remarkable feat, given Castillo's ever-improving singles game.


"Winning that singles gold was emotional because it was a real mental battle," she explained. "But I had little time to celebrate, because I had to get ready for the doubles final right after."


What's even more impressive is the story of Susannah Barr and Megan Fudge, who conquered the seemingly insurmountable Parris Todd/Simone Jardim peak. Their journey was far from straightforward, with a tense three-game loss to Vivian Glozman/Alix Truong in the winner's bracket semi-final. However, Fudge and Barr showed their mettle by clawing their way back through the ranks, including a decisive rematch victory against Glozman/Truong (11-7, 11-4).


Their finest moment came when they faced Todd/Jardim in the second game of the Championship match on center court. They were down 3-10 and overcame the odds to win the nailbiter 12-10. In the 15 point tiebreaker, the duo beat the #1 ranked team 15-11. In their a double dip comeback, they didn't drop a single game winning the match (11-8, 12-10, 15-11).


"That was such a thriller of a match," said Fudge. "Susannah and I just kept fighting and found a way to come back. Winning two intense battles on the same day is really gratifying."


By triumphing at the Atlanta Metro Open, Fudge joins an exclusive club of just a handful of women who have won two medals at an APP Tour stop in the same weekend. Her points haul from the wins will also propel her upward in the APP Singles Rankings. Now, she holds the top position among all female professionals in APP women's events with a remarkable total of 21 medals.


But despite her personal achievements, Fudge was quick to credit her team, supporters and family for the victories. "Days like this are only possible with an amazing support system behind you," she said. "I'm just grateful to be on this journey."


In essence, the entire weekend encapsulated the spirit of Megan Fudge as a competitor, a testament to her indomitable will and unyielding determination in the world of pickleball.


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6,200 Word article


Fudge Dominates in Double Gold Victory at Atlanta Metro Open


ATLANTA - In a commanding performance on Sunday, October 1st, professional pickleball player Megan Fudge emerged as a double gold champion at the 2023 Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Atlanta Metro Open, conquering the women's singles and women's doubles events on a thrilling championship day.


The German-born Fudge, 35, displayed her full repertoire of skills throughout the tournament, showcasing powerful ground-strokes, deft touch at the net, punishing serves, and mental fortitude under pressure. Her victories mark a career milestone, as Fudge captured her first-ever singles gold on the APP Tour.


"This has been a tournament I've had circled on my calendar for a long time," said Fudge. "To be able to put it all together and win two golds in front of my mom, who flew in from Germany, makes it extra special."


Fudge's success comes after only a year of steady improvement on the pro tour. Once a promising junior tennis player in Germany, she eventually transitioned to pickleball in her 30s after meeting her now-husband, fellow pro Ryler DeHeart, in the United States.


After giving birth to two kids, Fudge was drawn to pickleball as a way to get the family active together. She quickly displayed pro-level talent, turning pro in 2021. Now, just two years into her pro career, Fudge sits comfortably among the APP Tour's elite competitors.


The Road to Double Gold in Atlanta

Fudge's first major test came in the singles bracket, where she faced off against Chilean pro Judit Castillo in the gold medal match. After losing a tight three-setter to Castillo earlier in the winner's bracket semi-finals (11-6, 11-4), Fudge was eager for revenge.


"I remember thinking that I can't make the same mistakes twice," she recalled. "My team and I studied the tape and worked on improving my shot selection for the rematch."

Fudge's path to gold included a resounding victory over Jessica Warren (15-1), a hard-fought battle against Salome Devidze, where she triumphed in three intense games (10-12, 12-10, 11-4), and a sweet revenge match against Judit Castillo in the gold medal showdown (11-3, 8-11, 11-1, and 15-13). Conquering Castillo, who had bested her just the day before, was a remarkable feat, given Castillo's ever-improving singles game..

"Winning that singles gold was emotional because it was a real mental battle," said Fudge. "But I had little time to celebrate, because I had to get ready for the doubles final right after."


What's even more impressive is the story of Susannah Barr and Megan Fudge, who conquered the seemingly insurmountable Parris Todd/Simone Jardim peak.


Their journey was far from straightforward, with a tense three-game loss to Vivian Glozman/Alix Truong in the winner's bracket semi-final. However, Fudge and Barr showed their mettle by clawing their way back through the ranks, including a decisive rematch victory against Glozman/Truong (11-7, 11-4). Their finest moment came when they faced Todd/Jardim in

the second game of the Championship match on center court. They were down 3-10 and overcame the odds to win the nailbiter 12-10. In the 15 point tiebreaker, the duo beat the #1 ranked team 15-11. In their a double dip comeback, they didn't drop a single game winning the match (11-8, 12-10, 15-11).


"Whenever I lose, I just remind myself to reset and go one point at a time," she explained. "I truly took it step-by-step all day."


While Barr and Fudge had previously secured a gold together earlier in the year, it's important to note that it occurred in a tournament where Simone and Parris were absent. Their ability to compete fiercely against the dominance of Todd/Jardim underscores their unwavering commitment to the sport.

"That was such a thriller of a match," said Fudge. "Susannah and I just kept fighting and found a way to come back. Winning two intense battles on the same day is really gratifying."


By triumphing at the Atlanta Metro Open, Fudge joins an exclusive club of just a handful of women who have won two medals at an APP Tour stop in the same weekend. Her points haul from the wins will also propel her upward in the APP Singles Rankings.


But despite her personal achievements, Fudge was quick to credit her team, supporters and family for the victories.


"Days like this are only possible with an amazing support system behind you," she said. "I'm just grateful to be on this journey."


In essence, the entire weekend encapsulated the spirit of Megan Fudge as a competitor, a testament to her indomitable will and unyielding determination in the world of pickleball.


Life on the Road: RV Living With Family

A key part of Fudge's support system is her family. Unlike many pros who travel solo, Fudge tours the country with her husband Ryler and two kids, Lily (8) and JR (7), in a RV.


It's an unconventional lifestyle, but one that allows the family to stay together on the pro pickleball circuit.


"We absolutely love RV life," said Fudge. "The kids are thriving. They're making friends with other players' kids at tournaments and getting tons of outdoor time."


The family's passion for pickleball blossomed during 2020, when COVID-19 lockdowns had them searching for safe activities. They started by taping a makeshift court in their driveway. Soon they were hooked and looking for more competitive play.


"We heard so much about pickleball, so we decided to check out some real courts and meet other players," explained Fudge. "It became our family hobby."


As Fudge's talents quickly exceeded recreational play, she and Ryler decided to join the pro tour full-time. With Ryler also competing on the APP, traveling individually to events would have kept them apart for weeks.


So in 2021, after Fudge received a sizable sponsorship bonus, she proposed an RV to keep the family together on the road. Her husband Ryler agreed it could work smoothly since the APP schedules combined events.


"It's a huge adventure for the kids," said Ryler. "But they still have their own beds and toys. For them, it's home."


Fudge describes a typical tournament week as very structured. Monday through Wednesday is focused on homeschool lessons for Lily and JR. They finish any remaining assignments during travel days. That leaves them free to attend and enjoy the tournaments Thursday through Sunday.


"The kids love coming to the courts to watch and cheer us on," said Fudge. "And all the families hang out together - the kids play pickleball with anyone who will rally with them!"


Though Ryler played pro tennis and Fudge was a college standout, they don't push competition on their children.


"We just want the kids to enjoy sports for fun and make friends," explained Ryler. "So we have them try different activities and play pickleball recreationally."


For the Fudge-DeHearts, RV living facilitates a rewarding balance of family time and professional pickleball.


"Days at tournaments are long, so it's awesome for the kids to have their home and toys there," said Fudge. "We've found such a great community at events too. Everywhere we go, the kids make new friends."


Megan Fudge: The Making of a Champion

Long before she was touring the country as a pro mom of two, Fudge honed her skills on tennis courts across the Atlantic.


Born in 1985 in Dusseldorf, Germany, she first picked up a racquet at age 5, encouraged by her dad who played recreationally.


"Tennis became my main sport right away," recalled Fudge. "I just loved competing and challenging myself out on the court."


As a junior, Fudge developed into one of Germany's top prospects, competing internationally at junior Grand Slam events like the French Open and Wimbledon. Her all-court game, built on speed, power and an aggressive mindset, propelled her as high as No. 400 in the world junior rankings.


Earning a scholarship to play college tennis for the University of Illinois, Fudge moved stateside in 2004. She became a top player for the Fighting Illini, earning All-Big Ten honors all four years and helping lead the team to three NCAA tournament appearances.


After graduating in 2010 with a sports management degree, Fudge briefly pursued a professional tennis career. But like many athletes, she gravitated toward coaching, taking a graduate assistant role with the University of Alabama's tennis program.


It was during her coaching stint at Alabama that Fudge crossed paths with former top 100 ATP pro Ryler DeHeart, then an assistant coach for the Crimson Tide men's tennis team.


"We met on campus and instantly bonded over our shared passion for tennis," recalled Fudge. "And it turned out we had even more in common."


Both having ambitious, competitive personalities, the relationship blossomed quickly. They married in 2011 and soon started a family together.


Lily was born in 2014, followed by a son, JR, in 2016. Ryler accepted a head coaching position at Florida State University, relocating the family to Tallahassee.


For several years, Fudge focused on raising the kids and supporting Ryler's coaching career. But the constant moving and job changes left her seeking more stability.


"I wanted to put the kids first, and all the relocating made that tough," she explained. "That's when pickleball came into our lives."


Of course, nobody could have predicted pickleball would ultimately launch the family down an entirely new path on the professional tour. But when the pandemic hit in 2020, Fudge quickly reignited her passion for competitive racquet sports through pickleball.


Within just two years, she ascended to the elite ranks of the pro game due to her athleticism and natural feel for the sport. Now, after her statement double gold performance in Atlanta, Fudge has marked herself as one of the top women to watch heading into 2023 and beyond. Fudge stands at the top with 21 total medals, surpassing all other female professional athletes in the APP.


With support from her in-demand coach, Ryler, and sponsorship backing, Fudge is more motivated than ever to achieve her full potential. Regardless of her results, however, her priority will remain enjoying the ride with Ryler, Lily and JR.


"I feel so grateful that we're able to do this journey together as a family," she said. "The kids make every day fun and inspiring."


Judging by her breakthrough 2022 season and hot start to 2023, Megan Fudge has clearly found her niche in pickleball. With one of the most unique family dynamics on tour, she is thriving both on and off the court.


Now on the cusp of becoming an APP Tour household name, her double gold in Atlanta likely represents just the start of something big for this multi-talented player.


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