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Ben Johns' Loss to 16-Year Old John Goins at Veolia Cape Coral Open

Published on

March 6, 2025

https://www.11pickles.com/post/

In a stunning upset at the Veolia Cape Coral Open, 16-year-old John Lucian Goins defeated Ben Johns, the world’s number-one-ranked pickleball player, in a gripping three-game battle. This result sent shockwaves through the pickleball community, marking a major moment in the sport’s evolving competitive landscape.

Johns, a dominant force in professional pickleball, was expected to cruise through the competition, but Goins had other plans. With a final scoreline of 8-11, 11-1, 11-7, the young challenger displayed exceptional composure and tactical play to take down one of the game’s greatest players.

At 11 PICKLES, we’re committed to bringing you the biggest stories in pickleball, and this is one for the history books.

Match Results: How Goins Pulled Off the Upset

The match started as expected, with Ben Johns securing a tight 11-8 win in the opening game. However, Goins quickly turned the tide, adjusting his strategy and finding his rhythm. He dominated the second game 11-1, putting Johns on the defensive with precise shots and aggressive net play.

In the deciding third game, Goins surged to a 9-3 lead, but Johns fought back, closing the gap. Still, the teenager held his nerve, forcing an error from Johns to claim victory 11-7 and complete the biggest win of his career.

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What’s Been Happening with Ben Johns?

While Ben Johns remains at the top of the doubles rankings, his recent singles performances have been inconsistent. This loss to Goins is part of a larger trend in his singles game, where he has faced increasing challenges from younger, rising stars. His experimentation with different doubles partners, including Andrei Daescu and Gabe Tardio, suggests a shift in focus toward team play rather than singles dominance.

Despite this, Johns remains the #1 player in pickleball doubles, reinforcing his adaptability and staying power in the sport. His growing net worth and continued influence further cement his place as pickleball’s biggest star.

With a packed tournament schedule ahead, Johns will look to bounce back from this defeat, reassert his singles prowess, and continue testing his versatility across different event formats.

Who Is John Lucian Goins?

At just 16 years old, John Lucian Goins has already made a name for himself. A rising talent from Bradenton, Florida, Goins has a background in junior tennis and a passion for chess, which contributes to his strategic mindset on the court.

Goins' Career Highlights So Far:

Competed in six professional tournaments.
Played 22 pro matches with a growing win record.
Ranked 64th in singles, 145th in mixed doubles, and 329th in doubles.
Recently joined Team JOOLA, aligning himself with one of pickleball’s biggest brands.
Previously faced Ben Johns in Virginia Beach in 2024, pushing him in a close match before losing.

This victory over Johns cements Goins as one of the sport’s most exciting young prospects, with the potential to shake up the rankings in 2025 and beyond.

What’s Next for Ben Johns?

Despite this setback, Ben Johns remains a dominant force in pickleball, especially in doubles. He continues to test new partnerships and refine his singles game as he prepares for upcoming PPA Tour events. His recent performances indicate that he is in a transitional phase, balancing both singles and doubles ambitions while adapting to a new wave of younger competitors.

Will he bounce back and reclaim his singles dominance? Can Goins build on this victory and make a deep tournament run? The pickleball world will be watching closely.