PPA Tour Finals 2024: Champions, Surprises, and What’s Next for Pro Pickleball
The 2024 PPA Tour Finals once again proved why the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) is at the forefront of competitive pickleball. From thrilling upsets to dominant performances by the sport’s biggest names, this year’s Finals offered fans a masterclass in professional pickleball. With some of the top-ranked players in the world competing for the prestigious title, the PPA Tour Finals wrapped up the season in spectacular fashion.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the key matches, dive into the biggest surprises, and highlight the players who took home the titles at this year’s PPA Tour Finals.
The Dominance of Ben Johns in Men’s Singles
It wouldn’t be a PPA Tour Finals without talking about Ben Johns, the undisputed king of men’s pickleball. Johns, who has been at the top of the rankings for years, entered the Finals as the heavy favorite and did not disappoint. His blend of power, finesse, and strategy was on full display throughout the tournament, and his ability to adapt to any opponent has made him nearly untouchable on the PPA Tour.
In the finals, Johns faced off against Collin Johns, his brother and long-time doubles partner, who has also been rising through the ranks in singles play. The matchup was highly anticipated, but Ben’s superior court awareness and consistent shot-making proved too much for Collin to handle. Ben took the match in straight games (11-6, 11-8), adding yet another title to his already illustrious career.
Johns’ dominance in the sport continues to set the standard for professional pickleball, and as we look ahead to the 2025 season, the question remains: who can dethrone Ben Johns?
Women’s Singles: Anna Leigh Waters Continues Her Reign
In the women’s singles division, Anna Leigh Waters reaffirmed her status as the top female player in the world with a commanding performance at the 2024 PPA Tour Finals. Waters, still in her teens, has taken the sport by storm and continues to improve with each tournament.
Her finals opponent, Catherine Parenteau, had been in stellar form throughout the season, and many expected a close contest. However, Waters dominated from start to finish, using her powerful forehand and precise drop shots to keep Parenteau on the defensive. Waters secured the victory with a 11-5, 11-6 win, making it clear that she’s the player to beat heading into the next season.
Waters’ incredible rise in the sport, coupled with her youthful energy and strategic mastery, has made her one of the most exciting players to watch. As she looks to 2025, it’s hard to see anyone knocking her off her throne.
Men’s Doubles: The Johns Brothers Triumph Again
When it comes to men’s doubles, it’s hard to argue against the dominance of the Johns brothers—Ben and Collin. Known for their incredible chemistry and near-perfect coordination on the court, the pair once again captured the men’s doubles title at the 2024 PPA Tour Finals.
In the finals, they faced the formidable team of Tyson McGuffin and Riley Newman, a duo known for their aggressive playstyle and quick reflexes. McGuffin and Newman pushed the Johns brothers to their limits, but Ben and Collin’s ability to control the tempo and dictate rallies proved to be the difference-maker.
After dropping the first game 9-11, the Johns brothers bounced back to take the next two games 11-7, 11-6, securing yet another championship in their already storied partnership. The win cemented their place as the top men’s doubles team in pickleball and further demonstrated their unmatched synergy on the court.
Women’s Doubles: Waters and Bright Dominate
The women’s doubles division saw another dominant performance from Anna Leigh Waters, this time teaming up with the talented Anna Bright. The pair have been a force to be reckoned with all season long, and their performance at the PPA Tour Finals was no exception.
Facing the experienced team of Catherine Parenteau and Lea Jansen in the final, Waters and Bright showcased their superior communication and aggressive net play. Their ability to anticipate their opponents’ shots and respond with precision allowed them to control the match from start to finish. Waters and Bright took the final 11-7, 11-5, further solidifying their partnership as one of the best in the women’s doubles division.
Mixed Doubles: Another Title for Waters and Johns
The mixed doubles final featured the powerhouse pairing of Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters, two players who have dominated both their individual and doubles categories. As the top-seeded team in the tournament, Johns and Waters were the clear favorites, and they delivered yet another exceptional performance.
Their opponents, Riley Newman and Catherine Parenteau, brought their A-game, pushing Johns and Waters to the brink in a thrilling three-game match. After losing the first game 9-11, Johns and Waters regrouped and utilized their superior shot selection and court awareness to win the next two games 11-8, 11-9.
This victory marked yet another mixed doubles title for the dynamic duo, who have consistently demonstrated their unmatched skills and chemistry on the court.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2025
The 2024 PPA Tour Finals were a fitting end to a season full of excitement, growth, and high-level competition. As the sport of pickleball continues to expand, the PPA Tour remains at the forefront, attracting the best players and offering thrilling matches for fans around the world.
With Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and other top players dominating the tour, the 2025 season promises to bring even more intense competition as new challengers rise through the ranks. Will anyone be able to topple the reigning champions? Or will Johns and Waters continue their reign at the top of professional pickleball? One thing’s for sure—pickleball’s future has never been brighter.