Ben Johns Pickleball Cincinnati Withdrawal: Ben Johns has withdrawn from men’s singles at the Veolia Cincinnati Showcase presented by Six Zero because of an illness, the PPA Tour announced on Monday evening. Johns, ranked as the No. 5 seed, was scheduled to play Chris Haworth in the Round of 64.
Anticipated Matchup Ends Early
The match between Ben Johns and Chris Haworth was expected to be one of the most talked-about battles of the tournament. It would have been a rematch of the 2024 Texas Open final. Instead, Haworth, the No. 57 seed, will now compete against Jay Evans, who entered the draw as a lucky loser from the qualifying rounds.
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John’s Still Expected in Doubles
Although he has pulled out of singles, Ben Johns is still set to play in mixed doubles with Anna Leigh Waters and in men’s doubles with Gabe Tardio. Fans are looking forward to seeing if he can remain competitive in both categories despite his illness.
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Tournament Broadcast
Coverage from the Veolia Cincinnati Showcase at the Lindner Family Tennis Center will begin Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET on Pickleballtv. The event remains one of the most anticipated stops on the PPA Tour schedule.
What This Means
The withdrawal changes the dynamics of the singles draw, removing one of the biggest names from the early rounds. It also creates a major opportunity for Chris Haworth and Jay Evans. All eyes will now be on whether Ben Johns can recover in time to perform in doubles play.
News in Brief: Ben Johns Pickleball Cincinnati Withdrawal
Ben Johns withdrew from men’s singles at the Veolia Cincinnati Showcase due to illness, the PPA Tour confirmed Monday. His Round of 64 match against Chris Haworth was replaced with Haworth facing Jay Evans. Johns is still expected to play mixed doubles with Anna Leigh Waters and men’s doubles with Gabe Tardio.
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