Exciting Highlights from the 2026 AARP Open Pickleball Tournament in Seattle

The 2026 AARP Open in Seattle showcased thrilling pickleball action, with Max Green winning his first gold medal in men's singles and Katherine Stewart claiming victory in women's singles. The tournament also featured surprising outcomes in doubles events and significant player signings, enhancing the APP Tour's competitive roster. This expansion aims to strengthen the tour's global presence and elevate the quality of events in the professional pickleball landscape. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting sport!

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 31, 2026, 21:56 IST

2026 AARP Open Overview

The 2026 AARP Open marked the return of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour to the United States, showcasing a blend of remarkable performances and anticipated victories across various categories. A standout moment from the tournament was in the men's pro singles, where Max Green, seeded 14th, achieved his first gold medal on the APP Tour. Green, who had not previously medaled, showcased his skills by defeating Brandon Lane, David Bieger, and Tristan Dussault, ultimately overcoming top seed Ronan Cameron in the final. Cameron had reached the final after defeating veteran Ryler DeHeart in the semifinals.

In the women's pro singles, Katherine Stewart, the top seed, took advantage of Sofia Sewing's absence to secure the gold medal, winning against Bobbi Oshiro in straight games. Domenika Turkovic claimed the bronze medal.

The mixed pro doubles event brought an unexpected twist as seventh seeds Vivian Glozman and Casey Diamond triumphed, defeating Christine Maddox and Max Manthou in the final. This victory marked Glozman's first APP medal since October 2023, following early exits for the top seeds Munro/Sewing and Fudge/Livornese.

In men's pro doubles, Aiden Schenk and Casey Diamond capitalized on an unpredictable bracket to seize the title, defeating Andre Mick and Elliot Schupp in the final. The top seeds, Jack Munro and Richard Livornese, were eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Conversely, the women's pro doubles event unfolded as expected, with top seeds Megan Fudge and Sofia Sewing extending their winning streak by defeating Jill Braverman and Emilia Schmidt in the final.

Beyond the competitive action, the APP made significant strides ahead of the 2026 season by securing a roster of top international talent. The tour's recruitment efforts brought in leading players such as Quang Duong, Sofia Sewing, Bobbi Oshiro, Megan Fudge, and Jack Munro, enhancing its competitive lineup.

The APP continued to strengthen its roster by adding Richard Livornese, Roos Van Reek, Ryler DeHeart, Simone Jardim, Aiden Schenk, and Jill Braverman. The lineup now features many of the top-ranked players in the sport.

This strategic expansion reflects the APP's ambition to enhance its global presence, not only through tournaments but also by uniting elite talent under one umbrella. With a more robust player base, the tour is poised to host higher-quality events worldwide and compete effectively in the rapidly changing landscape of professional pickleball.