Preview and Predictions for the 2024 APP Vlasic Classic - Delray Beach

Unlike the most recent pro pickleball event in Austin, the APP Delray Beach shouldn't be interrupted by weather. If anything, it might get a little hot, which could cause the newly crowned ball-of-choice for the APP Tour, the Franklin X-40, to play a little slow. 

Expect longer rallies this weekend.

Here’s how to watch the APP Vlasic Classic - Delray Beach:

• Friday, April 5th - 12-6pm - APPTV (YouTube)
• Saturday, April 6th - 11am-4pm - APPTV (YouTube)
• Saturday, April 6th - 5-7pm - CBSSN
• Sunday, April 7th - 12-1pm - APPTV (YouTube)
• Sunday, April 7th - 2-4pm - CBSSN

Women’s Doubles

• Megan Fudge is playing with Jill Braverman and Susannah Barr is playing with Mari Humberg - the first time on the APP Tour that Barr and Fudge haven’t played together in a very long time.
• Milan Rane and Jorja Johnson are coming off a win at the APP Miami Open – can they make it two in a row?
• Two of the best APP Next Gen players are playing together: Riley Bohnert and Emily Ackerman.

Underdogs

• Cass Hoag and Jessica Warren are two ladies from Florida who can PLAY – maybe a little hometown luck will kickstart a run in Delray.

Predictions

• Rane and Johnson will defeat Jilly B and Megan Fudge in the finals

Mixed Doubles

• Andrei Daescu and Jilly B are pairing up for the first time - could be a fun pairing.
• Jorja Johnson and Gabe Tardio are playing together after earning bronze in APP Miami.
• Milan Rane is playing with JW Johnson and should be a favorite to go deep in the tourney.
• It looks like Rob Nunnery is back from injury – he’s playing with Erik Lange. 

Predictions

• Since the draws are not available yet, here are some teams I expect to make deep runs:
  • JW Johnson/Milan Rane
  • Gabe Tardio/Jorja Johnson
  • Yana Newell/Will Howells
  • Jill Braverman/Andrei Daescu
  • Megan Fudge/John Cincola
  • CJ Klinger/Judit Castillo
• If the bracket works out, JW Johnson & Milan Rane beat Andrei Daescu and Jill Braverman in the finals.

Women’s Singles

• Judit Castillo is coming off a huge win at the PPA Austin Open with a ton of momentum.
• Megan Fudge just won the APP Miami Open, and is hoping to make it two APP wins in a row.
• Yana Newell is an elite singles player who hasn’t been playing much pro singles recently, but she is back in this draw.

Predictions

• Since the draws are not available yet, here are some ladies I like to make a deep run:
  • Megan Fudge
  • Judit Castillo
  • Yana Newell
  • Jorja Johnson
  • Jill Braverman
  • Shelby Bates
• If the bracket works out, Judit Castillo beats Megan Fudge in the finals

Men’s Singles

• Even while a big PPA tournament is going on at the same time, this field is LOADED - there are 59 guys in the qualifiers.
• Hunter Johnson won the APP Miami Open, but then signed an exclusive contract with the PPA right after, so he is not in this draw.
• The energetic silver medalist from the Miami Open – Grayson Goldin – is playing and is bringing some momentum with him.

Predictions

• Since the draws are not available yet, here are some guys I like to make a deep run:
  • JW Johnson
  • Dylan Frazier
  • Gabe Tardio
  • Will Howells
  • Chris Haworth
  • Michael Loyd
• If the bracket works out, JW Johnson beats Will Howells in the finals