Johns on the Hunt: Can He Reclaim King of the Men's Doubles Court in Atlanta?
What's the Score?
Ben Johns, a perennial top player in men's doubles, enters the PPA Tour Atlanta Pickleball Championships with a clear goal: to regain the top ranking. He currently trails Federico Staksrud by 1,100 points in "The Rank" (52-week rolling total) and Andrei Daescu by 500 points in "The Race" (2025 season total). The Atlanta Slam, offering significant 2,000 ranking points, presents a crucial opportunity for Johns to close this gap. He will be partnering with Gabe Tardio in the men's doubles event.
Hit it deeper!
Ben Johns' position at the pinnacle of men's doubles has been challenged in the early part of the 2025 PPA Tour season. While still a formidable force, he finds himself chasing both Federico Staksrud and Andrei Daescu in the rankings. "The Rank," a measure of sustained performance over the past year, sees Johns with a significant deficit to Staksrud, indicating a need for consistent high finishes to catch up. "The Race," focusing solely on the 2025 season, shows a closer gap between Johns and Daescu, suggesting that strong performances in the remaining tournaments, starting with Atlanta, could propel him back to the top.
The Atlanta Pickleball Championships, being the second of only four Slams on the PPA Tour calendar, carries extra weight in the ranking calculations, with 2,000 points awarded to the winners, compared to the typically lower points offered at regular tour stops. This high-stakes environment means a victory in Atlanta would provide a substantial boost to Johns' ranking aspirations in both "The Rank" and "The Race."
Johns' partnership with Gabe Tardio is a key factor in his quest for the Atlanta title. In their first tournament together at the Mesa Cup, they secured a silver medal. Following this, they demonstrated their potential by winning their last two tournaments: the Texas Open and the North Carolina Open. This winning streak indicates a growing synergy and understanding between Johns and Tardio, making them a strong contender for the Atlanta crown and the valuable ranking points that come with it.
However, the men's doubles field in Atlanta is expected to be highly competitive, with several other top teams also vying for the title. Andrei Daescu and Christian Alshon, who have already won three titles together this season, will likely be a formidable opponent. Dekel Bar and Dylan Frazier, semifinalists at the Red Rock Open, will also be aiming for a deep run. Other notable pairings include Rafa Hewett/Eric Oncins and Matt Wright/Riley Newman, all capable of challenging for the top spots. Federico Staksrud, currently leading in both rankings, will also be a significant hurdle, partnering with Hayden Patriquin, with whom he has reached three finals this year. CJ Klinger and JW Johnson have consistently reached the quarterfinals in their tournaments together, often falling to the top seeds, and will be looking to break through in Atlanta.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Ben Johns' pursuit of the top spot in the men's doubles rankings adds a compelling narrative to the Atlanta Pickleball Championships. His partnership with the in-form Gabe Tardio makes them a serious threat for the title, and the significant ranking points on offer at this Slam provide a crucial opportunity for Johns to close the gap on his rivals, Federico Staksrud and Andrei Daescu. However, the strong and diverse field of competitors ensures that Johns' path to reclaiming the "King of the Men's Doubles Court" will be challenging. The performance of other top teams, particularly the in-form Daescu/Alshon and the consistent Staksrud/Patriquin, will be key factors in determining whether Johns can achieve his goal in Atlanta. The outcome of this tournament will not only shape the immediate men's doubles rankings but also set the stage for the remainder of the 2025 PPA Tour season.