The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) dazzled a capacity crowd on the banks of the Ohio River on a sunny Championship Sunday afternoon at the 2024 APP Vlasic Classic in Cincinnati. National television coverage on ESPN2, five thrilling matches, and seven new gold medalists made for a picture-perfect afternoon at Sawyer Point’s pickleball complex.
More than 1,000 pickleball players of all ages and skill levels battled on the courts over the six-day event, with the sport’s elite professionals battling for gold and their share of a $100,000 prize pool. Simone Jardim, one of pickleball’s most seasoned and decorated veterans, won two gold medals, while Susannah Barr, Ryler DeHeart, Grayson Goldin, Allison Harris, Brandon Lane and Rob Nunnery all took home their first gold medals of the 2024 APP Tour season.
Women’s Singles
Women’s singles kicked off the action, with Jardim battling Amanda Hendry for gold in each of their first Championship Sunday appearances of 2024. A back-and-forth opening game went to Hendry, 15-10. Jardim, one of pickleball’s most decorated veterans, responded in convincing fashion, taking game two 15-5 and game three 15-6 to earn her first gold medal of the season.
“I’ve been practicing well and playing well,” Jardim commented. I feel like I’m hitting the ball as hard as I’ve ever been and I’m just thankful to be here. I have two kids and five dogs back home so it’s a lot, but I wouldn’t do it any other way on Mother’s Day”.
Megan Fudge took home the women’s singles bronze, adding to her 2024 APP Tour-leading medal count (11).
Women’s Doubles
Next up on championship court was women’s doubles, featuring Jardim and Allison Harris against the new duo of Emily Ackerman and Jillian Braverman. Jardim and Harris started strong with an 11-5 win. Ackerman and Braverman’s resilience helped them respond with an 11-9 game two win. The deciding third game was neck-and-neck, with Jardim and Harris pulling through 11-8 to secure the gold, giving Jardim her second gold of the day and Harris her first of 2024.
“I’m so excited. Simone and I have been working really hard and I think it's starting to really pay off and feels good to get to win this Mother's Day” said Harris.
Kelsey Grambeau and Amanda Hendry secured women’s doubles bronze.
Mixed Pro Doubles
The mixed pro doubles final showcased Susannah Barr and Brandon Lane against Yana Newell and Brendon Long. Game one went to Barr and Lane in convincing fashion, 11-5. The duo carried their momentum into game two and edged out the win, 11-9, for the gold.
“I’m frothing,” said Lane after his first career APP Tour gold medal. “I’m just so excited to be here, it’s been a great competition, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I want to shout out all the moms out here today, and my grandma and mom back home watching. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys.”
“It means so much to me,” said Barr after earning her first APP Tour gold medal of 2024.
“Obviously I’m missing my son today on Mother’s Day, so it definitely meant a lot to do this. Brandon’s been an awesome partner, so it’s been fun. Yana and Brendon started coming back in that second game and they played great.”
Megan Fudge and Rob Nunnery took home mixed doubles bronze in Cincinnati.
Men's Pro Doubles
The men’s doubles final followed suit, pitting Ryler DeHeart and Rob Nunnery against 2024 first-time finalists Casey Cullen and Will Sobek. DeHeart and Nunnery’s veteran experience guided them to an 11-6 game one win. Game two brought out Cullen and Sobek’s best, as they responded with an 11-6 win of their own. The deciding third game was all DeHeart and Nunnery, who jumped out to a 10-0 lead before finishing with an 11-4 win and secured DeHeart’s first career APP Tour gold medal.
“That’s my first career gold medal,” an ecstatic DeHeart said. “I didn’t have time this weekend to get a Mother’s Day present, so this is my present to my beautiful wife [APP Tour pro] Megan Fudge. The tournament was so much fun, and thank you Rob for carrying me to the win.”
“I love coming to Cincinnati,” added Nunnery after his first gold of 2024. “The stadium court is perfect, it’s very intimate and the fans have been amazing all week. Thank you to all the fans for coming out.”
Jason Bock and Jack Foster earned the men’s doubles bronze.
Men’s Pro Singles
A thrilling men’s singles gold medal match put the capstone on Championship Sunday, with Grayson Goldin taking on Zane Ford. All three games were back-and-forth with momentum swings throughout. Goldin took game one 15-11, and Ford responded in game two 15-12. Goldin dug deep and showed his versatility in game three, winning 15-9 to clinch his first career APP Tour gold medal.
“I knew I had to go out there, play my game and make my shots,” said Goldin. “I found a way to win. Winning ugly – that’s what champions do. Even when they’re playing their ‘B’ or ‘C’ game, they find a way to close the door.”
Jack Foster earned men’s singles bronze in Cincinnati, his second of the tournament.
AARP Champions Pro Action
In AARP Champions Division (50+) action in Cincinnati, Jaime Oncins, Lee Whitwell and Rick Witsken all earned two gold medals. Angela Simon and Dana Wiatroski also took home golds.
Additional Details
Full tournament results are available here. The APP returns to action in New York City on May 21-26 for the Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open, held at the legendary USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.
Pickleball enthusiasts can stay in the know by following the APP on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok, Threads and LinkedIn.
