APP Next Gen Series | Continued
the prize money — at the end of Sunday ’ s play . The top two finishers also receive paid wildcard entries into a Tier 1 APP Pro Tournament that is assigned to each Next Gen Series event .
“ There were three different types of players who attended Next Gen San Antonio , each with different objectives , but the same goal ,” said Herrmann . “ That goal was to leave the event a better player , and I think everyone achieved that . The players who attended had aspirations of either performing well and winning the $ 15,000 prize purse , having the opportunity to train alongside some of the most talented younger players on the APP tour , or developing friendships that could last a lifetime through pickleball .”
In November ’ s San Antonio event , former Division I tennis player Yana Grechkina , 23 , took home gold in the women ’ s division . Breakout teen JW Johnson , 19 , took the gold in the men ’ s division .
“ Winning Next Gen was pretty special to me ,” said Johnson . “ It ’ s one thing to win when you ’ re the underdog and a young kid , but it ’ s completely different to win when you ’ re with a group of your peers . The thing I loved most about it was the whole atmosphere at Chicken N Pickle . It is like a giant party all the time with everything going on , and I thought it was one of the best atmospheres for pickleball .”
Hermann agrees , stating that he was impressed with the crowd size at the tournament , both in person and via the livestream .
“ We ’ re pleased with how engrossed the public was with these young players , by making comments during the livestreamed matches ,” he added . “ The crowd was filled
JW Johnson ( Florida ) wins the gold medal with a strong singles performance .
with excitement and supported the three-day event generously .”
In 2022 , the Next Gen Series has tournaments scheduled in Oklahoma City ( Feb . 4-6 ); Wichita , Kansas ( March 18-20 ); and San Antonio ( July 8-10 ). Although the general format will stay the same , with singles , doubles and mixed doubles tournaments , some tweaks may be made for the upcoming tournament in Oklahoma City . For the latest news or to register for the APP Next Gen Series , visit
apptour . org . •
Uniforms provided by Pickleball Central .