On Monday, April 13 – Sunday, April 19, at Life Time Arden in Sacramento, California,Fasenra Sacramento Open presented by Zimmer Biomethas at last kicked off. This tournament, with over 900 pro and amateur participants combined, is the second-to-last major tournament before the PPA Finals in May, and the winner is awarded 1,000 points — a hugely important haul.
This tournament's key point: who locks up a Finals berth
One of this season's biggest highlights isthe battle for PPA Finals spots. In men's singles, Jack Sock is barely holding onto 8th place, and depending on this tournament's results the standings could flip. In women's singles, Rachel Rohrabacher is fighting Paris Todd for the 16th spot by just 50 points, so every single match is do-or-die.
Related articles:The latest on the PPA Finals qualifying race
Ben Johns quietly returns as the 11 seed
The one drawing the most attention at this tournament is likelyBen Johns. The former No. 1 is competing as the 11 seed this time. His presence is such that the PPA officially called him "the most talented 11 seed in tour history," and while he has mathematically already lost a Finals berth, there's no doubt he's aiming to win this tournament.
Depending on which draw he lands in, a deep run as a dark horse is entirely possible. From a fan's perspective, the scenario of "what if Ben Johns and a top seed clash early?" is the biggest thrill.
Notable absentees and the balance of power in each draw
This tournament hasAnna Leigh Waters、Anna Bright、Hayden Patriquin、Christian Alshonfour key players are absent. This is a factor that greatly changes the balance of power in each draw.
- Women's singles:Kate Fahey and Kaitlyn Christian are the top seeds. Christian just pulled off a dramatic comeback at the Hanoi tournament, winning 11-9 after trailing 4-9, and she's riding the momentum.
- Men's singles:Chris Haworth earned his first top seed. Can he deliver results at a career-milestone tournament?
- Mixed doubles:The Johnson siblings are top seeds. Also worth watching is the pair of Catherine Parenteau & Max Freeman (9 seed), teaming up for the first time as new MLP teammates.
A tournament amateurs shouldn't miss either
The Sacramento Open isn't a pros-only tournament. With over 900 participants, that means amateur players from across the U.S. are gathering too. A PPA Tour event where you can watch pro matches live while also competing at your own level is a top-notch "on-the-ground experience" even for those who just started pickleball.
Tied in with this year's MLP (Major League Pickleball), performance at this tournament may also affect each player's MLP evaluation.
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FAQ
Q. Where will the Sacramento Open be live-streamed?
A. A live stream is planned on the PPA Tour's official YouTube and ESPN-affiliated outlets. Check the schedule on the official PPA Tour website.
Q. Can't Ben Johns make the PPA Finals?
A. He has mathematically lost the men's singles berth, but the doubles and mixed doubles spots are counted separately. Depending on future tournaments, competing in the Finals in all events is still possible.
Q. What tournaments come after the Sacramento Open?
A. From the week after this tournament, the final tuning phase toward the PPA Finals begins at last. Each player's points battle is expected to heat up even further.
