Ben Johns Injury Ends Goldin’s Dream Match at PPA Atlanta: In a surprising turn of events at the CIBC Atlanta Slam presented by Vizzy, No. 50 seed Grayson Goldin’s path to the quarterfinals was unexpectedly smoothed by an injury to second-seeded Ben Johns.
An Unexpected Outcome
Goldin, who had just secured the opening game with a dominant 11-5 win, was informed by Johns that he could not continue due to a right ankle injury. While this withdrawal technically advanced Goldin to the next round, it left the 29-year-old from Florida disappointed. Goldin had been eagerly anticipating a competitive match against Johns, especially following their recent close contest at the Bristol Open.
“It sucks to kind of take the ‘W’ that way. I was really looking forward to a battle and getting my revenge on him,” Goldin expressed, reflecting on the opportunity lost. “He’s a very great player. I respect him a lot.”
A Deep Respect for the Game
Goldin’s respect for Johns is evident, and it has driven his own development in singles. His preparation has included extensive study of Johns’ matches on YouTube, as well as consuming mental toughness books and engaging in visualization exercises. “I probably watched every single one of Ben’s matches on YouTube,” Goldin revealed. “Just putting in the work helps give me the confidence knowing that my ability is there. Pickleball is an execution game, so it comes down to the people who can execute best.”
Confidence and Preparation
Goldin’s confidence is well-earned. His recent performances, including victories over notable players like Collin Shick and Jack Sock, underscore his preparation and mental toughness. “Honestly, my mental toughness is in the right place lately,” Goldin said. “I’ve worked on that, trying to just have the mindset of a champion going into every single match knowing I’m going to beat the other guy on the other side of the net.”
Strategic Play
In his match against Johns, Goldin employed a strategic approach, playing at a reduced intensity to outmaneuver his opponent. “I knew Ben thought I was going to be ripping the ball as hard as I could, so I honestly tried to play 40 to 50 percent of what I would normally hit,” he explained. “I just tried to hit my spots and trust my game, and it worked out.”
Looking ahead, Goldin’s next challenge will be a match against No. 11 JW Johnson, promising an intriguing contest given his recent form.
News in Brief : Ben Johns Injury Ends Goldin’s Dream Match at PPA Atlanta
Grayson Goldin’s anticipated match against Ben Johns at the CIBC Atlanta Slam was cut short due to Johns’ right ankle injury, advancing Goldin to the quarterfinals. Despite the victory, Goldin expressed disappointment at missing the chance for a competitive showdown. Goldin, who has been preparing rigorously and studying Johns’ play, remains confident and well-prepared as he moves on to face No. 11 JW Johnson.
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