“ The Badger ” Dave Weinbach and Dane Gingrich volleying their way to victory in senior men ’ s doubles .
The sport ’ s most celebrated and recognizable men ’ s player is Ben Johns , and he once again used the courts at Indian Wells as his own personal playground , winning two of three gold medal matches . He took on newcomer Julian Arnold in men ’ s singles , winning a fourth game bagel , 11-0 . “ I was not familiar with Julian ’ s game . I prepared by developing a game plan and strategy beforehand based on what I did know ,” said Johns . He then teamed with brother Collin to capture the top prize in men ’ s doubles , beating the tandem of JW Johnson and Dekel Bar in four games .
Johns sent out an ominous tone for his competitors as he plans to excel even further next year : “ My plans for 2023 are primarily to keep doing what I do , get better , and win more than ever !”
More than ever may not be entirely possible , given what the young University of Maryland graduate has already accomplished so far at 23 years old .
It also means that Collin will be a beneficiary of that improved play with doubles victories clearly on the horizon . “ Our success on the court is our pursuit of adapting and improving our games at all times . Pickleball , being such a new professional sport , gives you the opportunity to be creative with how you approach , practice , and evolve your game , which is something Ben and I both enjoy doing ,” said Collin . But what the sport of pickleball has accomplished in 2022 is simply spectacular — pro tours with increased purses and continual celebrity ownership signings , increased participation from folks young and old all over the country , new courts being built every day , and a national tournament at a world-renowned venue that has embraced this sport like no other . •
PHOTO BY STEVE TAYLOR .
The senior mixed doubles winning tandem of Beth Bellamy and Rick Witsken .
PHOTO BY STEVE TAYLOR .