Shelby Bates and Sofia Sewing Pickleball Upset Victory: The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) delivered an exciting finale at the 2025 APP Chicago Open on Championship Sunday, held at Danny Cunniff Park in Highland Park over Labor Day weekend. Shelby Bates and Sofia Sewing won the women’s pro doubles title, defeating top-ranked Jill Braverman and Megan Fudge in a thrilling match.
The APP Chicago Open featured five days of top-level competition, drawing standing room-only crowds. Bates and Sewing captured their victory with scores of 11-8, 12-10, marking Bates’ first career APP Tour gold and Sewing’s seventh of 2025. Amanda Hendry and Christine Maddox earned the women’s pro singles bronze medals.
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Exciting Women’s Doubles Final
First-time finalists Shelby Bates and Sofia Sewing faced the APP Tour’s number one-ranked women’s doubles team, Jill Braverman and Megan Fudge. Bates and Sewing quickly took a 6-1 lead in game one and held on to win 11-8.
In the second game, Braverman and Megan Fudge fought back from a 9-4 deficit to tie the score at 10-10. Bates and Sofia Sewing then won the last two points to secure a 12-10 victory.
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Champions Speak
“I’ve been doing this for however many years with the APP, and this is my first Championship Sunday. It’s been a rollercoaster ride. My parents have supported me through this journey, and there’s been highs and lows. It’s just a really special moment for me, and to do it with [Sofia] is amazing. I don’t have any more words.”(Shelby Bates)
Event Significance
The 2025 APP Chicago Open showcased some of the best talent in pickleball. Bates’ first gold and Sewing’s seventh highlight the competitive spirit of the APP Tour. This event continues to boost the popularity of pickleball and sets the stage for future tournaments across the country.
News in Brief: Shelby Bates and Sofia Sewing Pickleball Upset Victory
Shelby Bates and Sofia Sewing won the women’s pro doubles at the 2025 APP Chicago Open in Highland Park. They beat top-ranked Jill Braverman and Megan Fudge 11-8, 12-10. Amanda Hendry and Christine Maddox claimed the women’s pro singles bronze medals. The event drew standing-room crowds and capped five days of high-level pickleball action.
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