Grigoriu of Romania Survives Three-Set Thriller to Advance at Fort Lauderdale Major
What's the Score?
Romanian pickleball player Madalina Grigoriu secured a hard-fought victory over American Alia Brown in the Round of 32 of the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open Women’s Pro Singles, winning in three games: 15-7, 16-18, 15-6. The match took place on Thursday morning, April 3rd, at The Fort in Snyder Park, marking the beginning of the first Major tournament of the APP Tour season.
Hit it deeper!
Madalina Grigoriu’s debut at the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open proved to be a challenging yet ultimately successful one as she faced off against Alia Brown in the opening round. Grigoriu started strong, taking the first game with a comfortable 15-7 score. However, Brown demonstrated resilience in the second game, pushing Grigoriu to a tight contest which she narrowly won 18-16, leveling the match and forcing a decisive third game. In the final game, Grigoriu regained control and showcased her focus and resilience under pressure, closing out the match convincingly with a 15-6 victory. The APP verified this result, highlighting the significance of the win in a competitive opener.
The 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open holds particular importance as the first Major event of the APP Tour season and marks the tour’s second visit to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this year. The tournament is being held at "The Fort," situated within the expansive 93-acre Snyder Park, conveniently located near Fort Lauderdale Airport and the city's famous 24-mile coastline. This location offers a unique experience for players and fans, combining top-tier pickleball competition with the opportunity for relaxation and leisure.
Furthermore, the APP Fort Lauderdale Open is part of the USA Pickleball Golden Ticket series, granting winners automatic entry into the national championships. The tournament also includes divisions for older players in the AARP Champions and Masters Tours, showcasing the diverse participation in the sport.
This event also signifies a new era for professional pickleball as the APP Tour becomes the first pickleball organization to establish an official headquarters. With the sport's increasing popularity and growing competition, the tour continues to expand in scale and professionalism. Players competing in Fort Lauderdale are not only vying for medals and prize money but also for national qualification and career advancement within one of the sport's fastest-growing circuits.
Madalina Grigoriu’s early victory positions her for a potentially deep run in the tournament, and her performance suggests she could be a rising star to watch on the APP Tour. Fans can anticipate more closely contested matches as the APP Fort Lauderdale Open progresses through Championship Sunday, with the combination of high stakes, a desirable location, and talented players making it a standout event on the 2025 pickleball calendar.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Madalina Grigoriu's thrilling three-game victory in her debut at the APP Fort Lauderdale Major highlights her potential as a significant player on the tour. Overcoming a tight second-game loss to convincingly win the third demonstrates her mental toughness and adaptability. As a Romanian player finding success in a major USA Pickleball event, Grigoriu adds an international dimension to the competition. This win in a Golden Ticket tournament is particularly important as it provides a pathway to the national championships and can significantly boost her career momentum. Her performance in the opening round suggests she is a determined and skilled competitor capable of making a deep run in this prestigious event, further contributing to the growing excitement and professionalism of the APP Tour.