Pro Singles Finals at PPA Bristol Open: The Bristol Open at the Bristol SportsPlex promises an electrifying finish with top-ranked Federico Staksrud and Ben Johns battling for the men’s singles title. Johns, No. 1 in mixed and men’s doubles holds a 4-0 season lead over Staksrud. On the women’s side, Brooke Buckner and Kaitlyn Christian advanced to the finals after Anna Leigh Waters’ withdrawal. The event, featuring intense matches across multiple categories, will be broadcast on FOX, highlighting the sport’s growing prominence.
No. 1 vs. No. 2 in Bristol Open Men’s Singles Finals
The Bristol Open at the Bristol SportsPlex will showcase a thrilling men’s singles final between the top two pickleball players globally, Federico Staksrud and Ben Johns. Both athletes won four matches each on Thursday. Johns, currently ranked No. 1 in mixed doubles and men’s doubles, is 4-0 against Staksrud this season.
“It is great. I haven’t played a singles event since June so about two months later here to be back in the finals feels great.” – (Johns)
Women’s Singles Finalists: Buckner and Christian
On the women’s side, No. 5 Brooke Buckner and No. 6 Kaitlyn Christian will compete for the title after Anna Leigh Waters withdrew due to illness. Buckner, who won last week’s singles title in Kansas City, highlighted the high level of competition.
“The quality and the level is really, really high.” – (Buckner)
“There are so many good players now, there are no easy matches. It is really exciting. It is just going to keep getting better and better. The PPA does a great job.” – (Buckner)
Christian, a former WTA Tour player and body double for Billie Jean King in “Battle of the Sexes,” shared her enthusiasm for pickleball.
“I have always enjoyed it. Tennis is still my number one love, I really, really love it, but I really like this as well.” – (Christian)
Tournament Atmosphere and Tour Schedule
Thursday’s matches were held on 13 outdoor courts in Bristol. Johns praised the facilities, noting, “A lot of courts, a lot of permanent courts so I certainly hope it continues to do well.” The PPA Tour continues with events in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Atlanta before concluding in Daytona Beach in December. Staksrud reflected on the demanding schedule, saying,
“It is tricky because we don’t have much time to actually practice certain shots so it is a lot of mental work.”
Staksrud achieved two “pickles,” winning games 11-0, and shared his experience, “It has just been amazing and such a fun journey to be part of.” Johns needed a third set to defeat Tyson McGuffin in the semifinals. Buckner defeated No. 2 Catherine Parenteau and Christian, who left the WTA Tour for pickleball, bringing a high level of excitement to the sport. The finals, including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, will be televised by FOX, with consolation matches determining the third-place winners.
News in Brief: Pro Singles Finals at PPA Bristol Open
The Bristol Open at the Bristol SportsPlex will feature a high-stakes men’s singles final between world No. 1 Ben Johns and No. 2 Federico Staksrud. Both players won four matches on Thursday, with Johns holding a 4-0 record against Staksrud this season.
In women’s singles, No. 5 Brooke Buckner and No. 6 Kaitlyn Christian advance to the finals following Anna Leigh Waters’ withdrawal due to illness. The event, showing matches across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, will be televised by FOX, with consolation matches determining third-place winners.
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