Top Players to Dethrone Ben Johns: Ben Johns has been widely regarded as the best pickleball player in the world for several years. His dominance in the sport is well-deserved, with consistent performances in both singles and men’s doubles. Despite his impressive track record, the competitive landscape is evolving, and the gap between Johns and his closest rivals is steadily narrowing.
While Anna Leigh Waters maintains a substantial lead over the #2 female player, Johns’ lead over the next best male player is significantly smaller, and the competition is intensifying with each passing month. It’s clear that Johns’ position at the top is under threat, and the day when someone overtakes him is approaching.
Top Contenders
In the quest to identify who might surpass Johns as the next consensus best pickleball player in the world, several promising candidates have emerged. After consulting with numerous professionals in the field, six key players stand out as potential successors.
Each candidate has their own strengths and weaknesses, and their paths to the top vary. Let’s explore each contender in detail, examining why they might or might not be the one to dethrone Johns.
1. Christian Alshon
Christian Alshon has made significant strides in pickleball over the past year. Recognized as the most improved player of 2023 and continuing his upward trajectory into 2024, Alshon has demonstrated his capability in singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles. He excels with a powerful forehand topspin drop and impressive reach, and his athleticism is undeniable. However, there are areas where Alshon still needs to improve. His consistency has been inconsistent, and his one-handed backhand dink is considered a potential weakness.
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The evolving style of pro pickleball increasingly favors a two-handed backhand dink, which is more effective in applying pressure. As Alshon continues to develop, he may adapt his game to meet these demands. Despite these challenges, if anyone is poised to challenge Johns in the near future, Alshon is a leading candidate due to his proximity in skill and ongoing improvement.
2. Federico Staksrud
Federico Staksrud has shown exceptional skill throughout 2024, particularly in singles, where he has been the most consistent performer. His success extends to men’s doubles, where he has achieved notable victories with various partners. Staksrud is known for his dominant left-side play, good size, speed, and athleticism. His court coverage and shot variety are strengths, but like Alshon, Staksrud faces challenges with his backhand dink, which could benefit from a more aggressive two-handed approach.
Additionally, Staksrud’s performance in mixed doubles has not reached the level expected based on his skill set. There are concerns about his consistency on key shots and whether he can continue to improve at 28 years old. While Staksrud is a strong contender, these factors may impact his ability to claim the top spot.
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3. Hayden Patriquin
Hayden Patriquin, often referred to as Big H, possesses the skills and potential to become the top pickleball player. At just 18 years old, Patriquin has a diverse skill set that includes effective drops, dinks, drives, and topspin hits. His backhand flick volley is particularly noteworthy. Despite his promising abilities, there are obstacles to his ascent to the top.
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His height, while quick, may not offer the same reach as taller players like Jack Sock or Alshon. Additionally, Patriquin’s patience on the court is an area where he lags behind Johns. While patience can be developed, it remains a significant factor in his potential success. With his youth and talent, Patriquin’s ceiling is high, and his future in the sport is promising if he can address these areas.
4. Gabe Tardio
Gabe Tardio, identified as one of the most improved players of 2024, has made substantial progress throughout the year. Known for his unorthodox grip and tricky shots, Tardio’s physical growth and court coverage have enhanced his game. His counters and dinking abilities are strong, though his backhand dink could use further development, particularly given his right-side play.
Tardio’s potential to become a top player depends on his ability to excel on the left side, a crucial aspect for top-level success. Despite his promising performances, such as his mixed gold medal with Jessie Irvine at the Picklr Utah Open, he needs to demonstrate consistent excellence on the left side. Tardio’s age (18) suggests he has room for growth, but his ability to become a dominant left-side player remains a key question.
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5. Quang Duong
Quang Duong has emerged as a significant talent in the pickleball scene, particularly after filling in for an injured Alshon in the MLP. His subsequent success, including victories over the Johns brothers and a men’s doubles PPA title, shows his potential. Duong’s playing style, characterized by speed and aggression, aligns with the evolving trends in pro pickleball. His improvement in the soft game, especially his aggressive two-handed dink, has been notable.
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While Duong has shown he can challenge top players like Johns, he needs to refine his overall game, including his kitchen play and ability to balance aggression with strategy. Although he starts from a lower position compared to others, Duong’s potential for growth is significant.
News in Brief: Top Players to Dethrone Ben Johns
Ben Johns’ position as the top pickleball player is under increasing pressure from a number of rising stars. Christian Alshon and Federico Staksrud are strong contenders with impressive skills, though they face challenges. Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio show significant potential but need to address specific areas of their game.
Quang Duong has rapidly improved and could be a future top player if he refines his strategy. Additionally, the possibility of an emerging player from the global pickleball scene adds excitement for the future. The competition for the top spot in pickleball is intensifying and promises an exciting future.
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