World No. 1 Christopher Haworth has been forced to withdraw from the Zimmer Biomet Cape Coral Open due to illness, sending shockwaves through the bracket of one of the PPA Tour’s premier early-season events. The announcement, confirmed by organisers on February 10, 2026, removes the tournament’s top draw from the men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles competitions. The event, taking place in Florida, was set to be a coronation of sorts for Haworth, who had just ascended to the top of the DUPR singles rankings following a gold medal performance at the Carvana PPA Masters.
Haworth’s withdrawal dramatically alters the competitive landscape of the tournament. The American star was scheduled to compete alongside partners Isabella Dunlap in mixed doubles and Grayson Goldin in men’s doubles. His absence is most acutely felt in the singles division, where his recent rivalry with Hunter Johnson has defined the tour’s narrative in recent months. The sudden vacancy at the top of the bracket opens the door for a diverse field of contenders to claim a major title in the absence of the sport’s current standard-bearer.
This development highlights the physical volatility of the professional tour. As the global circuit demands more from its athletes—with back-to-back tournaments in varying climates—attrition at the highest level is becoming a critical factor. Haworth’s exit resets the narrative for the Cape Coral Open, shifting the focus from a potential dynasty run to a wide-open scramble for ranking points among the chasing pack.
Christopher Haworth’s recent form had been imperious. His rating of 6.912 on the DUPR scale placed him at the pinnacle of the sport, having recently overtaken Hunter Johnson. His victory at the PPA Masters was a statement performance, signalling his intent to dominate the 2026 season. However, the illness has halted his momentum before he could capitalise on his new status in Florida. He is expected to utilise the week for recovery, aiming to return to the court for upcoming events in Palm Springs and Lakeville.
The direct beneficiary of Haworth’s misfortune is Hunter Johnson, the former No. 1 who now finds himself as the de facto favourite. The rivalry between Haworth and Johnson—along with Federico Staksrud—has seen the top ranking rotate frequently, proving that men’s singles is currently the most volatile and competitive category in professional pickleball. With Haworth out, Johnson faces a path that is less obstructed but far from easy. His projected route includes dangerous matchups against Spartak Rahachou and Christian Alshon, players capable of upsetting the hierarchy on any given day.
Despite losing its headliner, the depth of the Cape Coral draw remains staggering, illustrating the tour’s growing talent pool. Tyson McGuffin, a multi-time gold medalist and icon of the sport, entered the tournament seeded 40th—a stark indicator of either specific ranking mechanics or the sheer density of elite talent now competing in qualifiers. McGuffin’s first-round clash with 29th seed Tama Shimabukuro is emblematic of the “no easy matches” reality of the modern PPA Tour. Additionally, 11th seed Noe Khlif and 19th seed Grayson Goldin (Haworth’s stranded doubles partner) are expected to feature heavily in the bracket’s narrative.
What’s the Score?
Haworth’s withdrawal is a reality check regarding the physical toll of professional pickleball. It disrupts the crystallisation of a “Haworth Era” and keeps the race for World No. 1 undeniably fluid. Structurally, it turns the Cape Coral Open from a title defence into a massive opportunity for players like Hunter Johnson to reclaim lost ground, or for dark horses to exploit a fractured bracket. It reinforces the narrative that consistency—health included—is the hardest attribute to maintain in the modern game.
Hit it Deeper!
The situation at the Cape Coral Open exposes a fascinating anomaly in professional pickleball rankings: the seeding paradox. The fact that a player of Tyson McGuffin’s calibre can be seeded 40th reveals the intense pressure of the current points system. In a sport where skipping a few events or playing primarily doubles can tank a singles ranking, the “early rounds” of tournaments are becoming minefields for top seeds. Haworth’s withdrawal saves one side of the bracket from the World No. 1, but they still have to navigate “floaters” like McGuffin who are far better than their seed suggests. This depth makes betting lines and tournament predictions increasingly chaotic.
Furthermore, Haworth’s illness brings “load management” into the conversation. The PPA Tour schedule is gruelling, often requiring players to compete in three divisions (singles, doubles, mixed) over four days, often in extreme heat or humidity. As the game becomes faster and more athletic, the human body is becoming the primary limiting factor. We are likely to see more top players strategically withdrawing from specific events or divisions to preserve their longevity, mirroring trends in the NBA or ATP tennis. Haworth playing three divisions was ambitious; his body forcing a reset may be a lesson for the entire field.
Finally, the spotlight on Hunter Johnson becomes blinding. With his primary rival out, anything less than a gold medal will be viewed as a missed opportunity. The psychological aspect of the sport is paramount here; playing as the underdog against Haworth is different than playing as the target for the rest of the field. This tournament will be a test of Johnson’s mental fortitude as much as his groundstrokes, determining if he can handle the weight of expectation when the path to victory is theoretically cleared.
The World Pickleball Magazine Verdict
The Cape Coral Open has lost its king, but gained a compelling, chaotic energy. Christopher Haworth’s withdrawal is a disappointment for fans wanting to see the World No. 1, but it serves as a reminder of the tour’s brutal physical demands.
This week will not define Haworth’s year, but it might define the chase pack. If Hunter Johnson or a rising star like Christian Alshon seizes this vacuum, the battle for the top spot in 2026 will become a dogfight. The depth of the field ensures that even without the headliner, the show will be spectacular.
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