The Senior Open division at the 2025 Veolia Cape Coral Open delivered thrilling matches as some of the sport’s most experienced players battled for gold. With Florida serving as a pickleball hotspot, many of the tour’s regular senior competitors made their mark at the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center.
Paternostro Shocks the Field in Senior Men’s Singles
In a surprise run, Bradenton’s Tonio Paternostro claimed the Men’s Senior Open Singles title, outlasting a competitive field to secure gold. His victory marks a major breakthrough, solidifying him as a rising force in senior singles play.
Merchant and Deakin Repeat as Men’s Senior Doubles Champions
The dominant duo of Altaf Merchant and Steve Deakin continued their winning streak, taking home gold in Men’s Senior Open Doubles. This marks back-to-back titles for the pair after winning the Mesa Cup just weeks ago.
Double Gold for Ptaszek-Kochis in Women’s and Mixed Doubles
It was a weekend to remember for Karin Ptaszek-Kochis, who swept both the Women’s and Mixed Senior Open Doubles divisions.
- Ptaszek-Kochis and Teresa Tarn captured gold in Women’s Senior Open Doubles, showcasing impressive teamwork.
- Ptaszek-Kochis then teamed up with Mario Porcelli in Mixed Senior Open Doubles, securing her second gold medal of the event.
Final Results
Men’s Senior Open Singles – Tonio Paternostro
Men’s Senior Open Doubles – Altaf Merchant and Steve Deakin
Women’s Senior Open Doubles – Karin Ptaszek-Kochis and Teresa Tarn
Mixed Senior Open Doubles – Karin Ptaszek-Kochis and Mario Porcelli
With standout performances from Paternostro, Merchant, Deakin, and Ptaszek-Kochis, the Senior Open competition at Cape Coral highlighted the depth and talent in the division, proving that age is just a number in the fast-growing sport of pickleball.
News in Brief: Senior Open Division
The Senior Open competition at the 2025 Veolia Cape Coral Open saw Tonio Paternostro win Men’s Singles gold, while Altaf Merchant and Steve Deakin repeated as Men’s Doubles champions. Karin Ptaszek-Kochis dominated the weekend, earning double gold in Women’s and Mixed Doubles alongside Teresa Tarn and Mario Porcelli.
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