Ben Johns Battles John Isner at Pickle N Pucks: Ben Johns, the most decorated pickleball player in history, is known for his right-handed dominance. Yet, when he stepped onto the court against former tennis star John Isner at the Pickle ‘N Pucks Celebrity Pro-Am in Aspen, CO, last week, he made a surprising choice—playing left-handed. With National Left-Handers Day just around the corner, it seemed like a fitting, if unexpected, tribute.
Early Struggles and Quick Adjustments
As the match began, it was clear that Johns was outside his comfort zone. His early shots lacked the precision he’s famous for, with several balls sailing past the baseline. The power was there, but the finesse was missing. In a moment that showed just how out of sorts he was, Johns attempted an Around The Post (ATP) shot, only to miss it entirely, hitting the post instead.
But Johns is nothing if not adaptable. As the match progressed, he began to find his rhythm, making the necessary adjustments to compensate for his temporary left-handedness. The shift in momentum was inevitable.
A Lighthearted Exhibition with Serious Skills
The match, while an exhibition, provided plenty of entertainment for the crowd. Johns, usually more reserved on the court, was visibly enjoying himself. He pumped his fist after a fortunate net cord and even let out a tennis-style grunt. Isner, for his part, got in on the fun, attempting an overhead serve more suited for tennis than pickleball. The camaraderie between the two athletes was evident, making for a lively and engaging spectacle.
The Controversial Right-Handed Switch
However, the match wasn’t without its drama. At 5-4, with the game on the line, Johns accidentally switched back to his dominant right hand for a shot. The transition went unnoticed by the players, and Johns ultimately secured a 7-5 victory. But rules are rules, and after an unofficial review by commentators Dave Fleming and Leigh Waters, Isner was declared the winner due to Johns’ slip-up.
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Isner’s Take on the Pickleball Transition
Despite the official ruling, Johns’ performance was nothing short of impressive. Playing with his non-dominant hand, he showed the skill gap between seasoned pickleball players and even the most accomplished tennis pros.
“I’ll be involved with the sport, but I’ll be taking a lot of losses. Jack Sock is doing incredibly well, but his skill set just translates so well to pickleball a lot better than mine.” – (Isner)
The transition from tennis to pickleball is no easy feat, as Isner discovered firsthand. Facing a player of Johns’ caliber only shows the unique challenges of the sport. While the exhibition was all in good fun, it also highlighted the steep learning curve tennis players face when stepping onto the 20×44 pickleball court.
News in Brief: Ben Johns Battles John Isner at Pickle N Pucks
At the Pickle ‘N Pucks Celebrity Pro-Am in Aspen, CO, pickleball star Ben Johns played left-handed against former tennis pro-John Isner, likely in recognition of National Left-Handers Day. Initially struggling with his non-dominant hand, Johns adjusted and turned the match around.
However, controversy arose when he switched to his right hand at a crucial point, leading to an unofficial ruling that awarded Isner the victory. Despite the loss, Johns showed the significant skill gap between pickleball and tennis, with Isner acknowledging the challenges of transitioning between the two sports.
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