Ben Johns Teams Up with Gabe Tardio: Ben Johns, the most decorated pickleball player, is excited to team up with 19-year-old Gabe Tardio for the 2025 season. As they begin their partnership, Johns looks forward to experiencing Tardio’s youthful energy and drive.
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Youthful Energy and Drive
Johns appreciates the energy and hunger for success that Tardio brings to the court. “Being young [like Tardio] is great for a lot of reasons. Of course, you have energy, have a ton of drive, and you’re just thirsting to get wins basically, which is huge,” Johns said.
While they may face challenges in adjusting to each other’s playing styles, Johns believes Tardio’s natural playing style will make the transition smoother.
“I don’t like to mess too much with what people are doing naturally,” Johns added. “He’s done a great job of molding himself into a player that is desirable to play with.”
Adapting to Each Other’s Styles
Adjusting to new playing patterns will take time. Johns explained that while Tardio’s attack style may be different from what he’s used to, he is eager to adapt. “I think there’s going to be some times definitely where he’s attacking from positions that I’m a little bit unfamiliar with,” Johns said.
“So just kind of getting familiar with his patterns of when he attacks and when I need to be more ready for certain patterns is going to be a little bit of an adjustment.”
As they build their chemistry, they may face challenges in movement and positioning. However, Johns is confident they will adjust and create a dynamic partnership.
Combining Technical Skills with Aggressive Play
While their playing styles may differ, Johns believes their approach will be effective. “It’s a mix of both at times,” Johns said about their potential strategy. “We’ll definitely be enforcing kind of the ‘Apply Pressure’ philosophy and making plays a lot of times, which isn’t to say it’s fire away.”
The duo’s style will blend both fast-paced, aggressive play and patient, technical shots. The mix will allow them to adjust their strategy depending on the match.
A Strong Partnership Ahead
Despite the adjustments, Johns and Tardio are expected to be a formidable team on the PPA Tour. With Tardio’s rising talent and Johns’ experience, their partnership holds great potential. Fans can expect an exciting and dynamic playing style as the season unfolds, with the duo likely to challenge other top teams in the competition.
News in Brief: Ben Johns Teams Up with Gabe Tardio
Ben Johns is excited to partner with 19-year-old Gabe Tardio for the 2025 season, appreciating Tardio’s youthful energy and drive. Although their playing styles differ, Johns is confident they will adjust and create a strong dynamic. Their blend of aggressive and technical play is expected to challenge top teams on the PPA Tour.
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