Christian Alshon Wins First PPA Gold: The 2025 Veolia Cape Coral Open is making waves in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, with high-stakes matches and breakout performances at the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center. Running from March 6 to March 9, this first-time host venue has brought together top-ranked professionals and emerging talent, with Florida players making a strong impact.
Men’s Singles: A Tournament Full of Upsets
The men’s singles bracket delivered shocking upsets and rising-star performances, shaking up the tour rankings. The biggest surprise came on Thursday, when 16-year-old Floridian John Lucian Goins, the No. 40 seed, stunned No. 1 seed Ben Johns in the quarterfinals.
Florida pickleball fans have been following Goins’ progress closely, as his combination of range, speed, and power makes him one of the most promising young players on tour. His victory over Johns was a statement win, but Johns remains a strong singles contender, having won the Mesa Cup earlier this season and still sitting No. 2 in the PPA standings.
Goins’ incredible run ended in the semifinals against Jaume Martinez Vich, but he rebounded to secure bronze, defeating fellow underdog Max Freeman (No. 38 seed). Freeman also made headlines, knocking out No. 2 seed Connor Garnett in a thrilling 12-10 third-set battle before advancing deep into the bracket.
Alshon Secures First PPA Singles Gold
In the championship match, No. 7 seed Christian Alshon claimed his first-ever PPA singles gold, staging a comeback win over Vich in a three-game thriller.
Alshon’s victory cements his status as one of the hottest players on tour, sparking conversation about whether he could be the next dominant force in men’s singles.
Gold: Christian Alshon
Silver: Jaume Martinez Vich
Bronze: John Lucian Goins
With young talent emerging and established stars still in the mix, the PPA Tour is shaping up for an exciting season, and Cape Coral has proven to be a fantastic new stop for high-level competition.
News in Brief: Christian Alshon Wins First PPA Gold
The 2025 Veolia Cape Coral Open has delivered huge upsets and breakout performances. Christian Alshon won his first PPA singles gold, defeating Jaume Martinez Vich in the final. Teenager John Lucian Goins shocked No. 1 seed Ben Johns before securing bronze. The Florida-based event has highlighted the sport’s next generation of rising stars.
ALSO READ: Christian Alshon and Catherine Parenteau Claim Bronze at 2025 Veolia Cape Coral Open Mixed Doubles
