If this weekend’s APP Sunmed New Jersey Open is anything like the Chicago Open, we’re in for an exciting time. Three frequent gold medalists—Simone Jardim, Parris Todd, and Hunter Johnson—are back in the bracket.
APP Tour in Avalon
As we’ve learned from the upsets in Chicago, it’s clear that no one’s spot at the top is guaranteed.
As summer draws to a close, it’s only natural that the APP Tour would choose Avalon, in the heart of the Jersey Shore, as its next destination. Here, players can escape the scorching heat of inland cities and perhaps take a walk on the beach or dip their toes in the ocean after their matches.
Men’s Singles
Hunter Johnson, who recently took a hiatus due to an injury, is poised to make his comeback.
Despite holding the record for the most gold medals in men’s singles in 2023, the combination of his injury recovery and the demands of a strenuous day of singles competition presents a formidable challenge. It remains to be seen whether he can stage a triumphant return to the court.
While the gold and silver medalists from the APP Chicago Open won’t be competing, there are still exciting contenders to watch out for. Keep an eye on Hunter’s brother, Yates Johnson, recent silver medalist Jack Foster, veteran singles specialist Frank Anthony Davis, and rising star William Sobek. One thing that’s certain about men’s singles is that anyone can have a breakthrough day.
Women’s Singles
Last weekend, an exciting rivalry between Salome Devidze and Dominique Schaefer was solidified, but regrettably, Schaefer won’t be present in New Jersey.
However, what might unfold is the revival of the classic rivalry between Devidze and Parris Todd. Both Todd and Devidze began their pro careers around the same time, leading to numerous showdowns on Championship Sundays for several months.
Todd’s participation in singles tournaments has been less frequent in 2023, making these matchups even more eagerly anticipated.
This is also a weekend where Todd could secure another triple crown.
Devidze and Todd may encounter strong competition from Christa Gecheva, who previously clashed with Devidze in the gold medal match at the APP Philadelphia Open, and Meghan Fudge, a consistent presence on the singles podium.
Mixed Doubles
The previously unbeaten duo of Andrei Daescu and Susannah Barr was finally toppled last weekend in Chicago by Tina Pisnkik and Martin Emmrich. Expect them to come back with greater intensity than ever before. Sometimes, a tough loss serves as a powerful motivator.
Neither the reigning gold medalists, Tina Pisnik and Martin Emmrich, nor the silver medalists, Genie Erokhina and Spencer Lanier, will be participating in this weekend’s tournament. It would have been fascinating to see how they follow up on their impressive victories, but that will have to wait for another occasion.
Keep an eye on the formidable teams of Rob Nunnery and Vivian Glozman, who delivered a challenging final match against Daescu and Barr in Philadelphia, as well as Parris Todd and Hunter Johnson, who are unpredictable yet equally capable of earning a spot in a gold medal match on any given weekend.
Don’t underestimate the potential of Andre Mick and Alix Truong. Mick has recently clinched a gold medal in men’s doubles, while Truong secured one in women’s doubles. Both are playing better and have unprecedented confidence.
Men’s Doubles
The men’s doubles field isn’t as deep as it usually is. The two teams that have recently bested the #1 seed, Andrei Daescu and Rob Nunnery, won’t be in attendance.
Those teams were John Cincola and Stefan Auvergne, and CJ Klinger and Andre Mick. Daescu and Nunnery are surely looking to reestablish themselves as the undisputed best men’s doubles team on the APP tour.
However, they won’t have an easy path to victory. Andre Mick is teaming up with Ryler DeHeart, whose results are often mixed but undoubtedly has the ability to make the podium with Mick by his side.
The Johnson twins are back in action, with Hunter’s return from injury, and are a force to be recognized with.
Watching long-time partners Greg Dow and Anderson Scarpa play together on tour is always fun. Scarpa’s recent commitment to pickleball as a full-time endeavor adds an intriguing dimension, leaving us curious to see if his hard work has paid off.
Women’s Doubles
Vivian Glozman and Alix Truong are riding high after their spectacular gold medal win at the APP Chicago Open, and they’re eager to replicate their success this weekend. However, it won’t be a walk in the park as Simone Jardim and Parris Todd, who were notably absent in Chicago, have returned and are looking to maintain their undefeated streak. Fingers crossed that this is a match-up we get to see.
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