Gold Medal: Ben Johns & Andrei Daescu Team Up for the PPA Cape Coral Open
The 2025 PPA Tour is heating up, and the Veolia Cape Coral Open (March 5–9, 2025) has already delivered on the hype. The biggest headline? Ben Johns and Andrei Daescu just won men’s doubles gold, proving their new partnership is a force to be reckoned with.
After speculation about how they’d mesh on the court, Johns and Daescu silenced any doubts with a dominant run through the tournament, showcasing an impressive blend of tactical precision and raw power. This victory solidifies their potential as a top-tier duo in the PPA Tour moving forward.
However, Johns' tournament wasn't without drama—he suffered a stunning singles loss to 16-year-old John Goins, sending shockwaves through the pickleball world.
Veolia Cape Coral Open: Full Breakdown
- Event: PPA Tour – Veolia Cape Coral Open (Presented by Proton)
- Dates: March 5–9, 2025
- Location: Lake Kennedy Racquet Center, Cape Coral, Florida
- Category: Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour
First-Time Partnership
Johns and Daescu had never played together before, making this an exciting test for both players. Ben Johns has been cycling through partners in early 2025, following the end of his long-time doubles run with his brother, Collin Johns. His previous partners this year include Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio, making Daescu his fourth partner in as many events. Daescu, fresh off consecutive PPA titles, steps into this new pairing with momentum on his side.
The biggest question: Can they adapt quickly enough to take home gold?
Playing Styles and Chemistry
Ben Johns: Widely regarded as the best all-around player in pickleball, Johns brings consistency, patience, and elite defensive skills. He thrives in long dink exchanges, counter-punching when opponents speed up play. In recent years, he’s also adapted to a more aggressive, power-driven game to keep pace with the sport’s evolution.
Andrei Daescu: At 6’4”, Daescu is a physically imposing presence on the court. He plays an aggressive doubles game, using his reach and power to dominate mid-court battles. His strategy often revolves around powerful third-shot drives and aggressive net play, forcing opponents into defensive positions.
However, a key challenge awaits: Both players typically play the left side in doubles. Since one of them will need to shift to the right, all signs point to Daescu making the adjustment. If they find a rhythm, their contrasting strengths—Johns’ soft game and tactical brilliance combined with Daescu’s power and wingspan—could create a well-rounded and dominant team.
Recent Performance & Head-to-Head History
Both players have been dominant in 2025:
- Ben Johns: Still ranked #1 in men’s doubles, Johns recently medaled at the Mesa Cup with Gabe Tardio, proving he can find success with different partners.
- Andrei Daescu: One of the hottest players on tour, Daescu won back-to-back PPA titles with Christian Alshon, including a win over Johns/Tardio in Mesa.
Daescu has already beaten Johns twice in 2025, making their new partnership all the more intriguing. Can they go from competitors to title-winning teammates?
Predictions & Expert Analysis
This pairing is generating plenty of buzz, with experts divided on their chances. While their talent is undeniable, the biggest concern is how quickly they can develop chemistry—especially with a field that includes Federico Staksrud/Christian Alshon, JW Johnson/CJ Klinger, and Riley Newman/Dylan Frazier.
Some predict a medal finish, but whether that’s gold or something less depends on how well they adjust to new roles. Johns’ court IQ and Daescu’s power game could create a formidable duo, but will their styles click in time to win it all?
What This Means for Pickleball & 11 PICKLES
At 11 PICKLES we’re all about tracking the biggest stories in pickleball, and this partnership is one to watch. The sport is evolving quickly, with new duos forming and competition at an all-time high. This is part of the bigger trend: more parity, more shake-ups, and a deeper talent pool than ever before.
Regardless of the outcome in Cape Coral, this pairing proves that pickleball is in a new era. Whether Johns and Daescu dominate or struggle, it’s clear that the sport’s biggest stars are making moves to stay ahead.
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