Johns Brothers Find New Partners: Ben Johns and Collin Johns, who ended their partnership at the 2025 PPA Masters, have announced their new doubles plans for the year. Collin will debut with Jay Devilliers at the Proton Australia Pickleball Open in Melbourne next week, while Ben is set to team up with Gabe Tardio in several tournaments.
Collin has also confirmed plans to play with Noe Khlif and James Ignatowich in the coming months. He expressed excitement about his new teammates, praising their skills and potential. Meanwhile, Ben’s partnership with Tardio has drawn attention due to their complementary styles.
Collin’s Excitement for Fresh Starts
Collin described Noe Khlif as an “up-and-comer” after his strong 2024 singles season and a successful run at the Masters. He also highlighted James Ignatowich’s past success in mixed doubles, saying,
“Noe had a great run in singles last year, and he had a great run at the Masters getting a good win in men’s doubles. I like his game—I think he’s an up-and-comer. And, of course, James has been one of the best mixed players over the past year to year and a half. I still think he’s a great player in men’s doubles—I think he’s underachieved a little bit, but with the right partner I think he could do very, very well.” – (collin)
Collin’s first tournament apart from Ben, the Proton Australia Pickleball Open, will give fans their first look at his new strategy and chemistry with Devilliers.
Ben’s New Chapter with Tardio
Ben has chosen Gabe Tardio as his partner for several 2025 tournaments. Known for his tactical brilliance, Collin speculated on how teams might counter their partnership. He noted that opponents might test the middle or target Ben’s two-handed backhand to keep him on the ground.
“I would imagine that teams will test the middle quite a bit, and I also think they’re probably going to play to Ben’s corner, similar to what they’ve done against me and Ben. Ben’s best attack is his backhand out of the air, but if you can keep it on the ground to the corner to his two-handed backhand off the bounce—certainly there’s still a threat there—but it’s maybe not the threat that it is with some other players.” – (collin)
Though no official schedule for a Johns vs. Johns match has been announced, fans are eagerly anticipating a showdown between the two in men’s doubles later this year.
Looking Ahead to a Competitive Season
Collin’s pursuit of his first PPA title without Ben begins next week in Melbourne. Both brothers aim to refine their games with new partners, bringing fresh challenges and opportunities to the 2025 season. Their individual performances will shape the season’s narrative, offering fans new dynamics to follow.
News in Brief: Johns Brothers Find New Partners
Ben and Collin Johns will partner with new teammates in 2025, ending their doubles run together. Collin will play with Jay Devilliers at the Proton Australia Pickleball Open, while Ben has teamed up with Gabe Tardio for upcoming tournaments. Both aim to grow individually and achieve fresh success.
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