Ben Johns' Loss to Zane Ford at CIBC Texas Open 2025
11 PICKLES is always on top of the biggest stories in pickleball, and this one is no exception. In a surprising turn of events at the CIBC Texas Open, 20-year-old Zane Ford delivered a stunning upset over Ben Johns in the men's singles round of 16. Ford, the tournament’s No. 17 seed, overcame the No. 2 seed and pickleball legend with a three-game victory: 11-8, 7-11, 11-3.
This match marked a significant milestone for Ford, who showcased his aggressive playing style and mental fortitude against one of the sport's most dominant figures. The victory sent Ford into the quarterfinals, where he faced No. 7 seed Christian Alshon in another high-stakes matchup.
How the Match Unfolded
The match was a rollercoaster, with both players having their moments of dominance. Ford started strong, taking the first game 11-8 by keeping Johns on the defensive with high-tempo play and relentless pressure. However, Johns bounced back in the second game, winning 11-7, using his experience to neutralize Ford’s attacking approach.
The deciding third game, however, was all Ford. He took control early, executing sharp angles and powerful groundstrokes, ultimately overpowering Johns with an 11-3 win that sealed the match. His ability to dictate the pace frustrated Johns, who struggled to adjust to Ford’s aggressive approach.
Zane Ford's Winning Strategies
Ford’s victory was no fluke—he implemented a well-thought-out strategy that threw Johns off his rhythm. Here’s how he did it:
- High Tempo and Aggressive Play
- Mastering Angles and Topspin Rolls
- Psychological Edge and Momentum Control
- Mental Resilience and Adaptability
High Tempo and Aggressive Play
Ford maintained a fast pace throughout the match, using powerful shots to keep Johns moving. His strategy of relentless pressure and hard-hitting drives forced Johns into a defensive posture, limiting his ability to control points.
Mastering Angles and Topspin Rolls
One of Ford’s biggest strengths was his use of sharp angles and topspin rolls, particularly during crucial cat-and-mouse exchanges at the kitchen line. By moving Johns side to side, Ford capitalized on openings and kept Johns from dictating the pace.
Psychological Edge and Momentum Control
Ford’s boisterous celebrations and vocal energy on the court appeared to rattle Johns. At one point, Johns even mimicked Ford’s excitement in frustration, signaling that Ford’s confidence was affecting his mental game. This energy helped Ford keep the momentum on his side when it mattered most.
Mental Resilience and Adaptability
Ford’s ability to stay composed under pressure was a major factor in his success. As he stated after the match:
“I’ve been working a lot on my mental game. I think today I was just trying to have fun and not be so hard on myself. [Ben] is a great player—you’ve got to play your best to beat him, and I think I did that today.”
This shift in mindset allowed Ford to bounce back from setbacks, including losing the second game, and remain focused in the high-pressure moments of the final game.
Ben Johns’ Perspective: A Growing Challenge in Singles
For Ben Johns, this loss was part of a larger trend of challenges in his singles game. While still dominant in doubles, his singles results have been inconsistent in recent tournaments.
Johns acknowledged his struggles post-match:
“I’ve been a bit slow to get going in matches lately, and it’s something I need to work on.”
His frustration was visible during the match, particularly as Ford’s intensity disrupted his usual rhythm. With this being his second consecutive early exit in singles, questions are emerging about whether Johns is shifting his focus more toward doubles play or if he’s simply facing stiffer competition from rising stars like Ford and Christian Alshon. His previous loss to John Goins at the Veolia Cape Coral Open also raised similar concerns. Meanwhile, Christian Alshon entered this tournament fresh off his first PPA singles title at Cape Coral, showcasing the growing depth of talent in the sport.
Who is Zane Ford? A Rising Star in Pickleball
Zane Ford has quickly become one of the most exciting young talents in pickleball. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Ford moved to Naples, FL, at 14 to train more seriously. With a background in tennis, he developed a strong foundation in footwork, shot placement, and high-pressure play.
Some of Ford’s notable career highlights include:
- Top 15 ranking in the APP’s Men’s Pro Singles
- Silver medalist at the APP Vlasic Classic in Cincinnati (2024)
- Notable wins over high-ranking players, including Ben Johns at the CIBC Texas Open
- Signed with Six Zero Pickleball, marking a major step in his professional journey
Ford’s aggressive style and fearless approach make him a player to watch as he continues to climb the rankings.
What’s Next for Both Players?
Ford’s victory over Johns wasn’t just a career-defining moment—it was a signal that the younger generation is here to challenge the old guard. He advanced to face Christian Alshon in the quarterfinals, a showdown between two of pickleball’s rising stars. Ford’s fearless style and ability to shake up even the most established players make him a dangerous competitor moving forward. If he continues to refine his game, we could be witnessing the birth of a new powerhouse in men’s singles.
Johns' latest singles defeat adds to a growing pattern—what was once an effortless dominance has now turned into a battle against a wave of younger, more aggressive players. Known for his consistency and strategic play, Johns is now facing opponents who bring raw power, unpredictable shot-making, and an intensity that disrupts his rhythm.
Beyond competition, Johns remains the most financially successful player in men’s pickleball, but with rising stars like Ford and Alshon making their mark, the landscape is shifting. As the sport evolves with faster, stronger, and more dynamic players, the question is no longer whether Johns is still great—it’s whether he can evolve fast enough to keep up.
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