Romanian Sensation Madalina Grigoriu Shines: Romanian pickleball player Madalina Grigoriu earned a hard-fought win against Alia Brown of the United States in the Round of 32 at the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open Women’s Pro Singles division. The match took place Thursday morning, April 3, at The Fort in Snyder Park, marking the beginning of the first Major tournament of the APP Tour season.
Grigoriu triumphed in straight games with scores of 15-7, 16-18, and 15-6, advancing to the Round of 16. The win highlights her early dominance in a high-stakes tournament featuring an enhanced prize pool and a Golden Ticket opportunity for USA Pickleball Nationals.
First Major of the Year for the APP Tour
The 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open marks a significant milestone as the first Major event of the season. It returns to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the second time this year, making it a key stop on the tour.
The tournament is being played at The Fort, located within the 93-acre Snyder Park, minutes away from Fort Lauderdale Airport and the city’s famous 24-mile coastline. The location offers players and fans a combination of top-tier pickleball competition and vacation-style relaxation.
This event is part of the USA Pickleball Golden Ticket series, meaning winners gain automatic entry into the national championships. The tournament also features the AARP Champions and Masters Tours for older divisions.
A Tough Battle in the Opening Round
In the Women’s Pro Singles bracket, Madalina Grigoriu faced a strong challenge from American player Alia Brown in the Round of 32. Grigoriu took the first game 15-7, but Brown fought back to force a tight second game, which Grigoriu narrowly lost 16-18.
In the deciding third game, Grigoriu regained control and closed it out convincingly with a 15-6 scoreline. This result was verified by the APP, highlighting Grigoriu’s focus and resilience under pressure in a competitive opener.
A New Era for Professional Pickleball
This tournament also marks a milestone for the APP Tour, which is the first pickleball organization to establish an official headquarters. With rising popularity and increasing competition, the tour continues to grow in scale and professionalism.
Players competing in Fort Lauderdale are not just chasing medals and prize money—they’re also vying for national qualification and career momentum in one of the sport’s fastest-growing circuits.
Looking Ahead
With the early rounds now underway, attention will shift to how top seeds and rising stars fare in the later stages of the tournament. Madalina Grigoriu’s early win puts her in position for a deep run, and fans can expect more close battles as the APP Fort Lauderdale Open continues through Championship Sunday. The setting, stakes, and star power make this a standout stop on the 2025 pickleball calendar.
News in Brief: Romanian Sensation Madalina Grigoriu Shines
Madalina Grigoriu defeated Alia Brown in three games (15-7, 16-18, 15-6) at the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open in the Women’s Pro Singles Round of 32. The tournament is the APP’s first Major of the season and offers a Golden Ticket to USA Pickleball Nationals.
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