The latest chapter of professional pickleball unfolded at the prestigious Holly Hill Pictona facility near Daytona Beach, featuring a Tier 2 event by the Association of Pickleball Players (APP). The 2025 APP Vlasic Classic – Daytona Beach marked the second event on the 2025 APP Vlasic Classic calendar and the beginning of a multi-year partnership with Vlasic Pickles to sponsor the tour.

Men’s Pro Singles Recap

Despite a condensed draw due to scheduling conflicts, the competition remained fierce at the 2025 APP Vlasic Classic. The tournament’s top players battled it out in an intense field, with No. 4 John Cangelosi suffering an early upset against rising star Max Freeman, who made a remarkable run to the semifinals. His journey included victories over No. 18 Taylor and No. 5 DeHeart before falling to six-time defending champion No. 1 Christopher Haworth.

In the bottom half, No. 3 Foster faced a crushing defeat (8-0) against Max Green, signaling a potential injury or a tough day on the court. No. 2 Grayson Goldin, riding on strong recent form, was also eliminated in the round of 16 by Dusty Boyer in a thrilling three-game match. This opened the door for No. 6 Will Howells, who edged past Goins, Green, and No. 7 Alexander Crum to book his place in the final.

In a high-stakes gold medal match, Howells fought hard but couldn’t stop the dominant Haworth, who claimed his seventh consecutive APP Vlasic Classic singles title.

Gold: Christopher Haworth
Silver: Will Howells
Bronze: Alexander Crum

Women’s Pro Singles Recap

With several top-ranked players absent, the 2025 APP Vlasic Classic provided an excellent opportunity for rising contenders. No. 1 Megan Fudge secured a semifinal spot after defeating No. 9 Maria Klokotzky but faced a strong challenge from No. 26 Sofia Sewing, who continued her remarkable rise. Sewing took down No. 4 Shannon Pretorius, No. 12 Katerina Stewart, and Fudge to reach the final.

The bottom half saw No. 7 Daria Walczak pull off back-to-back upsets against No. 3 Judit Castillo and No. 2 Amanda Hendry to earn her maiden championship match appearance.

In a battle of former Division 1 tennis stars, Sewing clinched her first 2025 APP Vlasic Classic pro singles title with a thrilling 12-10 victory over Walczak.

Gold: Sofia Sewing
Silver: Daria Walczak
Bronze: Amanda Hendry

Mixed Pro Doubles Recap

The top-seeded duo of Jill Braverman & Will Howells showcased their dominance at the 2025 APP Vlasic Classic, cruising through the early rounds and overpowering No. 8 seeds Haworth & Hendry (1,2) to reach the final.

In the bottom half, the No. 2 pairing of Megan Fudge & Jack Munro maintained their strong form and secured their spot in the gold medal match after defeating No. 3 Brandon Lane & Susannah Barr (6,9).

The final saw Fudge & Munro deliver an emphatic performance, securing their third APP Vlasic Classic Mixed Pro Doubles title with a commanding 2,9 victory.

Gold: Fudge & Munro
Silver: Braverman & Howells
Bronze: Haworth & Hendry

Men’s Pro Doubles Recap

The highly anticipated rematch of the APP Fort Lauderdale final materialized as No. 1 Will Howells & Jack Munro and No. 2 Erik Lange & Max Manthou advanced to the final. The journey was not easy, with No. 5 Dancuart & Kawka pushing Howells & Munro to a third game and Lange & Manthou surviving tough matches against No. 7 Haworth & Goldin and No. 6 Etienne Blaszkewycz & Stefan Auvergne.

Ultimately, Howells & Munro defended their 2025 APP Vlasic Classic title with a tight 12-10, 11-9 victory.

Gold: Howells & Munro
Silver: Lang & Manthou
Bronze: Dancuart & Kawka

Women’s Pro Doubles Recap

In one of the most dominant tournament performances in recent memory, No. 1 Jill Braverman & Megan Fudge steamrolled the competition. Across five matches (10 games), they surrendered only 12 points in total.

In the final, Braverman & Fudge overwhelmed No. 3 Susannah Barr & Daria Walczak with a crushing 0,3 scoreline, securing their fourth 2025 APP Vlasic Classic gold in five events.

Gold: Fudge & Braverman
Silver: Barr & Walczak
Bronze: Grambeau & Harris

AARP Champions Pro Competition Quick Recap

• Men’s Champions Pro Singles: Marcello Jardim clinched his 7th straight 2025 APP Vlasic Classic Champions title, defeating Lee Sponaugle.
• Women’s Champions Pro Singles: Cantillon Endara continued her rise with wins over No. 1 Karin Ptaszek-Kochis and No. 2 Lee Whitwell to claim gold.
• Men’s Champions Pro Doubles: Jamie Oncins & Marcello Jardim defended their 2025 APP Vlasic Classic Champions Pro title.
• Women’s Champions Pro Doubles: Lee Whitwell & Angela Simon captured their second straight 2025 APP Vlasic Classic event win.
• Mixed Champions Pro Doubles: Sheri Courter & Joe Derisi prevented a clean sweep for Oncins, beating him and Whitwell in the final.

AARP Masters Pro Competition Quick Recap

The Masters Pro Singles event debuted as part of a six-tournament pilot program in 2025.

• Men’s Masters Pro Singles: No. 2 Lee Sponaugle edged out No. 1 David Spearman (16-14) for the title.
• Men’s Masters Pro Doubles: Steve Price & David Spearman triumphed over Scott Moore & partner.
• Women’s Masters Pro Doubles: Diane Wainio & Kristin Hick took home the 2025 APP Vlasic Classic championship.

The 2025 APP Vlasic Classic season is heating up, with more thrilling action ahead. Stay tuned for upcoming events and player rankings!