End of an Era: Ben Johns, the Best Player in Pickleball, Retires from Sports
In the world of sports, there are moments that define an era, and in the world of pickleball, Ben Johns has been the defining figure. As the sport continues to grow rapidly across the globe, particularly in the United States, Johns has been the face of pickleball’s rise, setting a standard of excellence that few athletes have ever reached. With his recent decision to retire from the sport, an era in pickleball has officially come to a close.
Ben Johns’ name has become synonymous with pickleball’s modern success. From his early days in the sport to becoming the most dominant player in pickleball history, his legacy is unquestionable. He has revolutionized the game, pushing its limits and setting benchmarks in a rapidly growing sport. Now, with his retirement, the landscape of pickleball faces a monumental shift. For fans and players alike, Johns’ departure from professional play marks the end of an iconic era.
The Rise of Ben Johns
Ben Johns first made a splash in the professional pickleball scene in the mid-2010s. Pickleball, which started as a backyard game in the 1960s, had gained a following over the years, but it was still very much on the periphery of the sports world when Johns entered the scene. His athletic background and natural talent quickly made him a formidable presence. By 2016, Johns was already a top contender, but it wasn’t until 2018 that he began to truly dominate the sport.
By the time 2019 rolled around, Ben Johns was considered the most dominant player in pickleball, winning multiple titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. His aggressive style, combined with an unparalleled understanding of the game’s intricacies, allowed him to become the face of competitive pickleball. Whether he was competing in prestigious tournaments like the US Open Pickleball Championships or the National Pickleball League, Johns consistently walked away with the highest honors, building a reputation that would make him a household name in the sport.
His list of accomplishments is extensive: he has claimed numerous PPA Tour and USA Pickleball National Championship titles, earning respect and admiration from fans, fellow athletes, and analysts alike. He was especially known for his consistency, precision, and mental toughness, all of which helped him to dominate the sport for nearly a decade.
The Legacy of a Champion
Ben Johns’ influence on pickleball extends far beyond his tournament victories. He has had a profound impact on how the sport is played, taught, and perceived. Johns’ style of play—aggressive, yet patient, with an emphasis on technical mastery—has become the model for aspiring players. His unmatched ability to combine power and finesse has set the bar for future generations of athletes.
Moreover, Johns has done much to elevate pickleball’s status within the sporting world. As the sport grew exponentially in popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ben Johns was not only a key figure in competitions but also in driving the sport’s professionalization. His visibility in the media and endorsement deals helped bring pickleball to a wider audience. His partnership with top-tier companies and his role in promoting professional events have ensured that the sport’s trajectory is only upward.
Johns also championed a more strategic, calculated approach to the game. His ability to read opponents, anticipate their moves, and adjust his strategies mid-game was a hallmark of his success. His influence is also visible in the way the game is now taught, with many aspiring pickleball players seeking to emulate his game.
The Decision to Retire
On the announcement of his retirement, Ben Johns expressed a mixture of emotions. “It’s been an incredible journey, one I’m immensely proud of,” Johns said in a statement. “But after careful thought, I feel that it is time for me to step away from professional competition. The sport of pickleball is in a fantastic place right now, and I have no doubt it will continue to grow and thrive in the years to come. It’s time to let the next generation take the sport to new heights.”
This statement underscores the level of self-awareness that Johns has always demonstrated. He has been a player who constantly pushed his boundaries and always strived for excellence. His decision to retire now, while still at the peak of his career, speaks to his love for the sport and his desire to see it continue to evolve. His retirement is not just about stepping away from the game but about ensuring that the next generation of players can leave their mark on pickleball as he did.
The Impact on Pickleball
Johns’ retirement is a significant turning point for pickleball. While the sport is still in its relative infancy compared to other major sports, Ben Johns has undoubtedly been its most influential ambassador. His departure raises questions about who will carry the torch in the same way he did and whether the sport can maintain its momentum in the absence of its greatest ambassador.
That being said, Johns’ influence on the sport is likely to last far beyond his playing days. Many players, coaches, and fans continue to be inspired by the way he approached the game. Moreover, the infrastructure of pickleball—tournaments, sponsorships, and media coverage—will continue to grow thanks to the foundation laid by Johns and others before him.
Additionally, there are young, rising stars in the world of pickleball who are eager to take the sport to even greater heights. Players like Riley Newman, Tyson McGuffin, and Anna Leigh Waters are already starting to establish themselves as top contenders. Whether any of them can fill the massive shoes left by Ben Johns remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: pickleball’s future remains bright, and the influence of Johns will continue to reverberate for years to come.
Conclusion
Ben Johns’ retirement marks the end of an era in pickleball, but it is not the end of the sport itself. While his presence in the game will be greatly missed, his legacy is firmly etched in pickleball history. Through his achievements, his attitude toward competition, and his influence on the next generation of athletes, Ben Johns has ensured that pickleball will continue to thrive long after his departure.
As fans, players, and the pickleball community reflect on his unparalleled career, we can only be grateful for the impact he had on this sport. His retirement may signal the end of an era, but it also paves the way for new beginnings and fresh talents to rise in the world of pickleball. The future is bright, and it will always be a little brighter thanks to Ben Johns.
