Max Freeman Declines Ben Johns Partnership: Max Freeman has decided not to partner with Ben Johns in men’s doubles at the upcoming Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Cape Coral Open in March. The decision is not due to personal conflict or a better partnership option but rather changes in professional pickleball team dynamics.
Rising Talent in Pickleball
Freeman, a former blue-chip tennis recruit from Ashland, Massachusetts, transitioned to pickleball after an impressive collegiate career at Vanderbilt University.
While at Vanderbilt, Freeman achieved notable rankings, including No. 112 in singles and No. 19 in doubles. His victory over current world No. 14 tennis player Ben Shelton further cemented his credentials.
After earning a Master’s in Marketing in 2022, Freeman moved to Florida to train with fellow former tennis players James Ignatowich and Ryan Fu.
His rapid progression in pickleball led to his professional debut in April 2024 at the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Delray Beach Open. By August, he was competing at the highest level in the PPA, facing top-ranked players like Dekel Bar and Collin Johns.
Breakthrough Performances
Freeman’s breakout performances in late 2024 included a quarterfinal appearance at the PPA Virginia Beach Open with partner Casey Diamond. They secured a dominant win over Jaume Martinez Vich and Tyson McGuffin.
At PPA Worlds in November, Freeman and Diamond narrowly lost in the Round of 32 to Dylan Frazier and JW Johnson, the tournament’s No. 2 seed.
Freeman also showed promise in mixed doubles, teaming up with Hurricane Tyra Black and Lea Jansen to reach quarterfinals in multiple tournaments. His planned partnerships for 2025 included matches with top players such as Johns, Frazier, McGuffin, and Ignatowich.
A Shift in Partnership Strategy
Freeman’s decision to drop Johns as his partner for the Cape Coral Open reflects a broader shift in the sport’s competitive landscape. As new rules and strategic considerations emerge, top players are reassessing their partnerships to maximize success on the professional circuit.
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What’s Next for Freeman?
Despite the change in plans, Freeman’s trajectory in professional pickleball remains promising. With multiple tournaments scheduled alongside some of the sport’s biggest names, he continues to establish himself as a rising star.
His decision to adjust his partnerships highlights the evolving dynamics in professional pickleball, where player strategies and team selections are as crucial as skill and performance.
News in Brief: Max Freeman Declines Ben Johns Partnership
Max Freeman has opted not to partner with Ben Johns at the PPA Cape Coral Open in March, signaling a shift in professional pickleball partnerships. Freeman, a former top tennis player, has quickly risen in the sport and will continue competing alongside other top names in 2025.