Stewart's Straight-Game Sweep Signals Fort Lauderdale Intent
What's the Score?
Katerina Stewart secured a decisive victory in the Round of 32 of the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open Women’s Pro Singles, defeating Nicole Pitts in straight games 15-12, 15-8. The match took place on April 3rd as part of the USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Major event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Hit it deeper!
Katerina Stewart demonstrated a strong and controlled performance in her opening match against Nicole Pitts at the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open. In one of the early matches of the Women’s Pro Singles event, Stewart established control from the beginning, securing a 15-12 victory in the first game. She maintained her momentum in the second game, delivering a solid performance that resulted in a comfortable 15-8 win, thereby clinching the match in straight games.
This Round of 32 match was part of the APP Fort Lauderdale Open, which holds the prestigious designation of being a USA Pickleball Golden Ticket event. This status elevates the significance of the tournament for professional players, as it offers not only a larger prize pool but also the opportunity to qualify automatically for the USA Pickleball National Championships.
The 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open is the first Major tournament on the APP Tour calendar for the year. The tournament's return to Fort Lauderdale and "The Fort" venue in Snyder Park marks a key stop on the tour. The location of the venue within the 93-acre Snyder Park, near Fort Lauderdale Airport and the city’s renowned 24-mile coastline, offers a unique blend of high-level pickleball competition and the amenities of a popular vacation destination. The tournament attracts a wide range of participants, from top professional players to those competing in the AARP Champions and Masters Tours.
Katerina Stewart’s convincing win in the Round of 32 positions her well for a deeper run in the Women’s Pro Singles bracket. Her strong performance in this early stage suggests her readiness to face tougher competition in the subsequent rounds. As the tournament progresses towards Championship Sunday, fans anticipate more intense matchups, especially with highly skilled professionals vying for the increased prize money and the coveted Golden Ticket to the national championships. Stewart’s next challenge will be in the Round of 16, where she is expected to face a more formidable opponent as the tournament field narrows. Her dominant showing in the initial round indicates her potential to be a significant contender as the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open unfolds.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Katerina Stewart's commanding straight-game victory in the Round of 32 demonstrates a strong start at the first APP Major of the year. Her ability to control both games and secure a decisive win indicates her current form and focus. As a Golden Ticket event, the stakes are high, and Stewart's performance under this pressure is a positive sign for her prospects in the tournament. This early dominance sets her up for a potentially deep run in the Women’s Pro Singles bracket, and she emerges as a player with the momentum to challenge the top contenders. Her performance underscores the increasing depth and talent within the APP Tour.