May 2026 was a significant month for the Association of Pickleball Players Tour, combining major on-court achievements with important developments that continue to shape the organisation’s future.
At the centre of the action was the APP Sacramento Open Benefiting Shriners Children’s, held at Johnson Ranch Sports Club in Roseville, California.
The tournament delivered strong crowds, generated more than 4.2 million video views across APP social channels, and earned a nomination from USA TODAY for its 2026 Sports Readers’ Choice Awards. Beyond the competition itself, the inaugural Shriners Children’s APP Pro Invitational raised nearly $40,000 for charity, adding another dimension to a successful week.
Sofia Sewing’s Triple Crown Moment
The defining story of the tournament belonged to Sofia Sewing.
The South Florida star captured a historic Triple Crown, becoming just the sixth woman and 11th player in APP history to achieve the feat.
Her women’s singles title required a dramatic comeback against Seone Mendez, with Sewing rallying from a 10-8 deficit in the deciding game to win 12-10. She then partnered with Megan Fudge to secure women’s doubles gold before completing the Triple Crown in mixed doubles alongside Casey Diamond.
The mixed doubles victory carried additional significance.
Just a year earlier, Sewing and Diamond had entered the Sacramento tournament as the No. 36 seed. Twelve months later, they returned as the top seeds and left with the title.
It was the kind of full-circle story that professional sport occasionally delivers.
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Megan Fudge’s Pursuit of History
Sewing’s success also pushed her doubles partner closer to one of the APP’s most significant records.
The Sacramento doubles title was Megan Fudge’s 32nd career APP gold medal, leaving her just one victory shy of matching Simone Jardim’s all-time record of 33.
Already the most decorated player in APP history in terms of total medals, Fudge now enters the second half of the season with a genuine opportunity to add another major milestone to her résumé.
The chase for that record promises to be one of the tour’s defining storylines over the coming months.
Wazir Responds
In men’s singles, Ammar Wazir produced one of the week’s strongest performances.
After a disappointing result in Seattle, Wazir bounced back by defeating Patrick Kawka in the final. Trailing heavily in the opening game, he fought back to take control of the match and secure his first APP gold medal of the season.
Meanwhile, Jack Munro and Richard Livornese Jr. continued their strong form in men’s doubles, capturing the title while dropping remarkably few games throughout the tournament.
Investing in the Next Generation
Perhaps the most important developments of the month occurred away from the court.
The APP secured multi-year agreements with many of its leading players, including Sewing, Fudge, Simone Jardim, Munro, and Livornese Jr., strengthening the tour’s long-term stability.
At the same time, it unveiled its 2026 Touring Pro Class, a development programme featuring 13 emerging players aged between 19 and 24.
The initiative provides financial support, mentorship opportunities, and tournament access, creating clearer pathways for the next generation of professional players.
Taken together, the moves reflect a tour focused not only on its current stars but also on building sustainable foundations for the future.
Looking Ahead
The APP leaves May with plenty of momentum.
Sacramento demonstrated the tour’s ability to deliver major events. Sofia Sewing produced one of the standout performances of the season. Megan Fudge moved within touching distance of history. And the organisation continued investing in both its established stars and future prospects.
For a tour often defined by its community feel and player development focus, it was a month that showcased both strengths.
The present looks healthy.
And the future appears well planned.
Further Reading
- Latest pickleball news from around the world
- Tournament coverage and results
- Rankings and player profiles
- Regional pickleball coverage
Did you enjoy this June magazine article? You can download the whole issue to read at your own leisure here.
Chris Beaumont
Founder and Editor-in-ChiefChris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at…
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