Gabe Tardio’s Journey in Pickleball: Gabe Tardio, a 19-year-old professional pickleball player, is making waves in the sport. Currently ranked seventh in mixed doubles, eighth in men’s doubles, and eighteenth in men’s singles, he has won seven PPA titles and six silver medals on the PPA tour. Tardio recently secured two gold medals and two silver medals in just three tournaments, showcasing an impressive start to 2025.
A Promising Year Ahead
In an interview on the Hannah Johns Podcast, Tardio expressed his confidence heading into the new year. “I’ve been working a lot these last couple of years, especially recently. Partnering with Ben has really helped me lock in a little more than usual. I’m super excited to compete and hopefully have another great year,” he said.
Relaxing Off the Court
When not playing pickleball, Tardio likes to unwind. “I don’t do much, honestly. When I’m home, I just want to chill. I scroll through TikTok or watch some Blackjack,” he explained. He also enjoys playing Fortnite with friends and values his time to recharge.
Exciting Contract with PPA MLP UPA
Tardio recently signed a significant three-year deal with PPA MLP UPA. He stated, “I think the PPA is the best in the world; it’s where the best players compete. Being young, I want to improve every day, so it was an easy choice.”
Adopting an Aggressive Play Style
Known for his aggressive right-side play, Tardio shared the inspiration behind his style. “I’ve always loved my backhand flick. I play better when I’m moving rather than standing still,” he noted. He recognized that playing with Conor improved his strengths on the court.
A New Partnership with Ben Johns
In 2025, Tardio was surprised to be invited by Ben Johns to be his partner after Johns split from his long-time partner, Collin Johns. “I was surprised because he and Collin have had so much success together. But I’m really happy to be his partner,” Tardio said. He acknowledged the pressure of playing alongside a top player but views it as motivation.
Facing Challenges Together
Tardio and Johns will need to build chemistry as partners. “Just because we’re both great players doesn’t mean we’ll automatically be a great team,” he said. Despite initial challenges, he felt more comfortable after several practices together.
Learning from Each Other
Tardio believes he can learn a lot from Johns. “His consistency and mental stability are impressive. He’s one of the smartest players,” he explained. He hopes to pick up strategies from Johns while offering his own aggressive style in return.
Looking Forward to Competitions
Tardio is eager to face strong partnerships on the court. “I would love to play against Fed and Hayden, as well as Christian and Andre,” he shared. He is excited about the competition and the challenges it brings.
Navigating Partnerships
Before teaming with Johns, Tardio had a partnership lined up with JW Johnson. “It was definitely a tough conversation because JW and I are good friends,” he reflected. Breaking partnerships is a common part of the pickleball world.
Adapting as a Young Pro
As a young player on the tour, Tardio initially found it challenging to travel with older players. However, he has adapted well. “The community is great, and everyone supports each other. I feel comfortable competing at this level,” he said.
Gabe Tardio’s journey in pickleball continues to impress as he navigates new partnerships and strives for success. His determination and passion for the sport indicate a bright future ahead.
News in Brief: Gabe Tardio’s Journey in Pickleball
19-year-old pickleball player Gabe Tardio is making headlines with two gold medals and a new partnership with Ben Johns. Tardio, ranked in the top 20 worldwide, aims to build chemistry with Johns for future tournaments. His journey reflects the growth of pickleball and young talent in the sport.
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