Katerina Stewart Shines: Katerina Stewart advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open Women’s Pro Singles after defeating Megan Fudge in straight games, 15-9, 15-10, on April 3. The match took place at The Fort in Snyder Park, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in this season’s first APP Major tournament.
Stewart moves forward at APP Major
Katerina Stewart, a rising name in professional pickleball, put on a strong performance at the APP Fort Lauderdale Open. Facing off against experienced pro Megan Fudge in the Round of 16, Stewart played confidently and maintained control through both games. Her quick footwork and consistent shot-making gave her the edge over her opponent.
The match followed a best-of-three-games format, with each game played to 15 points. Stewart took the lead early in both games and kept the momentum throughout. Megan Fudge, known for her defensive skills and experience on tour, tried to rally but could not match Stewart’s pace and pressure.
Big win at high-stakes tournament
The 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open is a major event on the APP Tour. It is the first Major tournament of the season and also a USA Pickleball Golden Ticket event, meaning top finishers can earn automatic qualification for the USA Pickleball National Championships later this year.
This win puts Katerina Stewart one step closer to claiming one of those Golden Tickets. She now moves into the quarterfinals, where the competition will become even tougher. Earlier in the day, Madalina Grigoriu from Romania also moved into the quarterfinals after defeating Alia Brown in a close three-game match.
The Fort, the tournament venue located within the 93-acre Snyder Park, offers players a scenic and competitive environment, just minutes away from Fort Lauderdale’s beaches and airport.
Official Match Details
This match result is officially verified by the tournament organizers. It was part of the Women’s Pro Singles bracket in the Round of 16.
Official Score:
Katerina Stewart (USA) def. Megan Fudge (USA) – 15-9, 15-10
Time: 10:47 AM, April 3
Location: The Fort, Snyder Park, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Importance of this win
With a place in the quarterfinals now secured, Katerina Stewart strengthens her position in the 2025 APP Tour. Her strong showing at a high-stakes Golden Ticket event brings her closer to potential national qualification and a share in the enhanced prize pool offered at this APP Major.
This result also shows Stewart’s growing skill and confidence against top-tier opponents. The next rounds will test her further, but this win positions her as a formidable contender in the tournament.
News in Brief: Katerina Stewart Shines
Katerina Stewart defeated Megan Fudge 15-9, 15-10 in the Round of 16 at the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open Women’s Pro Singles. The match took place on April 3 at The Fort in Snyder Park. Stewart now advances to the quarterfinals in this Golden Ticket and APP Major event.
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