Ben Johns' 'Warning Shot' at Quang Duong Sparks Pickleball Controversy
In a highly anticipated Men's Doubles Quarterfinals match at the Zimmer Biomet Masters, the top-seeded duo of Ben Johns (#2) and Collin Johns (#1) faced off against the seventh-seeded team of Matt Wright (#12) and Quang Duong (#25). The match ended in a dominant performance by the Johns brothers, securing a straight-sets victory with a final score of 11-0, 11-3. Then, it took an unexpected turn when Johns unleashed a powerful shot that narrowly missed Duong's head, leading to heated discussions about player conduct and safety.
The incident, which Johns later referred to as a "warning shot" in a post-match interview, quickly became the center of attention. According to Johns, the shot was a response to Duong's aggressive playstyle, which often involves "body bagging"—targeting opponents’ bodies with fast, low drives.
Watch the shot:
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What Happened Between Ben Johns and Quang Duong
The "warning shot" occurred during the second game, with the Johns brothers comfortably in the lead. After a series of rapid exchanges, Johns appeared to intentionally speed up the ball directly at Duong, narrowly missing his head. Duong ducked in time, pointing to indicate the ball was out, but the tension was palpable. As Johns walked back to his position, his stare toward Duong ignited further speculation about his intentions.
Fans and commentators immediately took to social media, with opinions split between those defending Johns' actions as a justified response to Duong's tactics and others criticizing it as unsportsmanlike.
Why It Matters
This moment highlights the evolving intensity of professional pickleball, where the line between strategy and sportsmanship is becoming increasingly blurred. While aggressive plays like body shots are part of the game, shots aimed near the head raise concerns about player safety and the potential for serious injuries.
As professional pickleball continues to grow in intensity and drama, moments like Ben Johns’ 'warning shot' or Quang Duong’s fearless rise highlight how the sport is transforming into a high-stakes battlefield. Similarly, players like Anna Leigh Waters are redefining what it means to dominate the game both on and off the court. Dive into her remarkable journey and explore how she’s shaping pickleball’s future in our feature on Anna Leigh Waters’ net worth.
Who Played (Men's Doubles Rankings)
Ben Johns (#2): A dominant force in professional pickleball, Ben Johns has an impressive record, including over 80 titles on the PPA Tour and 15 triple crowns. His strategic gameplay and versatility make him a formidable opponent.
Collin Johns (#1): As Ben's older brother and consistent doubles partner, Collin brings a strategic mind and unorthodox training methods to the court. His regimen has been pivotal in their success, contributing to their status as the most dominant duo in professional pickleball.
Matt Wright (#12): A veteran with a background in tennis from the University of Michigan, Wright is known for his powerful forehand and tactical awareness. His experience and aggressive playstyle have earned him numerous titles, making him a respected figure in the sport.
Quang Duong (#25): A rising star in professional pickleball, Duong has quickly built a reputation for his fearless play and creative shot-making. Notably, he defeated Ben Johns in the round of 16 at the Hyundai Masters, signaling his potential to challenge top players.
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The Zimmer Biomet Masters Quarterfinals will undoubtedly be remembered not just for the Johns brothers' commanding victory but for the "warning shot" that stole the spotlight. Whether viewed as a tactical response or an unsportsmanlike moment, the incident has sparked conversations about the future of competitive pickleball and the dynamics between its rising stars and established champions.
This tournament has been particularly eventful for Quang Duong, who earlier made headlines with the Selkirk Proton paddle controversy. As one of the sport’s most talked-about players this season, Duong continues to bring intensity and drama to the court.
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