Top Contenders to Watch
In the women’s singles, the number one seed, Lea Jansen, will be a standout player. With several top players opting for a break, Jansen has a chance to dominate the field. Other notable names include Dominique Schaefer, seeded fifth, Salome Devidze, who recently became the only player to beat Anna Leigh Waters in 2024, and Layne Sleeth, seeded seventh.
Kaitlyn Christian, hoping to make her breakthrough, could face Genie Bouchard in the quarterfinals, a match that fans will be eagerly anticipating.
In men’s singles, Federico Staksrud is the top seed, with Michael Loyd, the World Championships Cinderella story, now ranked second. Loyd’s unexpected rise brings new excitement to the tournament. A left-handed threat in his bracket, Augie Ge, could pose a challenge, and rising stars like Cason Campbell (seeded seventh) and Grayson Goldin are also ready to make an impact.
Matchups such as Michael Loyd facing Augie Ge and the potential clash between Ross Whittaker and Zane Ford are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Mixed Doubles Highlights
Mixed doubles action will feature some strong team pairings. Top seeds Anna Bright and Dekel Bar have already built a strong partnership, making them favorites in the draw. Other teams to keep an eye on include Genie Bouchard and Mohaned Alhouni, as well as Meghan Dizon and AJ Koller. Veteran duo Mary Brascia and Augie Ge could be tough competitors, as their experience will be a valuable asset.
Fans will also be looking out for the second-seeded pairing of Jorja Johnson and Big H, along with up-and-coming players like Tyra Black and Pablo Tellez. In an unexpected twist, Leigh Waters and Dillon Segur will team up as the 24th seed, potentially setting up an underdog story.
Women’s and Men’s Doubles Drama
The women’s doubles draw will bring an exciting storyline with Anna Leigh Waters teaming up with her mother, Leigh Waters. This rare mother-daughter pairing has already captured fans’ attention, and their performance will be one of the most anticipated stories of the tournament.
They will face tough competition from the top-seeded Anna Bright and Jackie Kawamoto, as well as teams like Kate Fahey and Lea Jansen, and Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black, the Dallas Flash duo.
In men’s doubles, the tournament will feature a dominant duo that has won three consecutive titles, making them favorites for the championship. Wyatt Stone and Brandon French, hailing from Texas, could challenge the top seeds, alongside the veteran team of Andrei Daescu and CJ Klinger.
Other promising teams include Max Freeman and Casey Diamond, who bring powerful gameplay, and DJ Young and Travis Rettenmaier, who have the potential for a deep run.
Key Storylines for 2024
The mother-daughter team of Anna Leigh Waters and Leigh Waters is expected to be one of the most emotional and exciting aspects of the tournament. Anna Leigh, a rising star in the sport, is thrilled to compete alongside her mother, a rare and special experience.
Additionally, the Daytona Beach Open holds significant importance for the 2025 season. Though the tournament takes place in December 2024, the points earned will count toward the 2025 season rankings. Players are eager to start the year on a strong note, knowing that 1,000 points are up for grabs for the winners.
With many top players taking a break for the holidays, the tournament opens up opportunities for lower-seeded players to make a splash. Fans can expect surprising performances and potential upsets, adding to the excitement.
The Road Ahead for 2025
The Daytona Beach Open will serve as the perfect warm-up for the 2025 pickleball season. It will offer a glimpse of what’s to come in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles as players battle for crucial points.
Whether cheering for the top seeds or rooting for an underdog, fans can expect intense competition and thrilling moments. As the season kicks off, the results of this tournament could have lasting effects on rankings, setting the tone for a year full of exciting pickleball action.
Dave Fleming, PPA broadcaster, will bring all the live excitement to fans on Tennis Channel and Pickleball TV, ensuring viewers don’t miss a moment of the action. With so much talent on display, the Daytona Beach Open promises to be an unforgettable start to the 2025 season.
News in Brief: Daytona Beach Open 2024
The 2024 Daytona Beach Open is set to kick off the 2025 pickleball season with intense competition across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Key matchups to watch include Lea Jansen in women’s singles and Federico Staksrud in men’s singles.
The tournament will also feature standout teams like Anna Leigh Waters and Leigh Waters in women’s doubles. With rankings points on the line, surprises and thrilling moments are expected.
ALSO READ: Rising Stars and Veteran Pairings Set for a Showdown in Daytona Beach Open 2024 Mixed Doubles!
