The 2024 Zimmer Biomet APP Chicago Open, hosted by the Association of Pickleball Players (APP), drew a packed crowd and a national TV audience, showcasing the top pickleball talent on the shores of Lake Michigan. Held at Danny Cunniff Park, this sixth edition of the APP’s flagship tournament brought together hundreds of players and spectators for five action-packed days. CBS Sports Network broadcasted five exhilarating Championship Sunday matches, with eight standout players claiming medals and sharing in a $100,000 prize pool.
Women’s Pro Singles
The tournament kicked off with a thrilling women’s singles final featuring two of the sport’s top stars. Megan Fudge, the APP Tour’s all-time leader in women’s medals, edged out Simone Jardim, who holds the record for most APP women’s gold medals. Fudge won the first game 17-15 and secured the second 16-14, earning her seventh gold medal of 2024.
“It was a nailbiter; it felt like a chess game out there,” Fudge said. “Simone played fantastically. Thanks to my team, my husband, my coach, and a special shoutout to Intersport and Zimmer Biomet for making this possible.”
Rachael James claimed bronze, marking her first APP Tour medal of the season.
Men’s Pro Singles
In the men’s singles final, defending champion Chris Haworth faced his doubles partner Grayson Goldin. Each game was closely contested, but Haworth came out on top with scores of 15-13 and 16-14, clinching his fifth men’s singles title of 2024 and maintaining a perfect 5-0 record in gold medal matches this season.
“The wind made conditions challenging, but I stuck with it and weathered the storm,” Haworth noted after his win.
Jack Foster, a 2024 APP U.S. Next Gen National Team member, earned the men’s singles bronze.
9 Best pickleball paddle grip for sweaty hands
Pickleball is a thrilling and fast-paced game that’s gaining popularity worldwide. However, players often face a common challenge:…
Men’s Pro Doubles
The men’s doubles final featured 18-year-old CJ Klinger and former Notre Dame tennis star Will Howells against Rob Nunnery and Jack Munro. Klinger and Howells dominated, winning the first game 11-2 and the second 11-8 to secure their second gold medal together in 2024.
“Communication and a great time on the court make us a strong team,” Howells said. “Thanks to the APP and the amazing crowd for their support.”
Klinger added, “Will played smart and disciplined, even though he’s known to be a bit wild sometimes.”
Erik Lange and Max Manthou took home the bronze in men’s doubles.
Mixed Pro Doubles
Mari Humberg and Eric Oncins competed for their first gold medals of 2024 against multiple gold medalists Yana Newell and Will Howells. Humberg and Oncins showcased excellent teamwork, winning the first game 11-5 and the second 11-7.
“I’m thrilled and grateful to everyone here and the APP,” Humberg said. “Eric’s positivity and our shared language made this week even more special.”
Oncins added, “Mari was exceptional; we worked really well together. This gold is a huge achievement.”
Jill Braveman and CJ Klinger secured the mixed doubles bronze.
Women’s Pro Doubles
The women’s doubles final saw Susannah Barr and Bobbi Oshiro face Amanda Hendry and Mari Humberg. Barr and Oshiro, each with six APP Tour medals before the event, won 11-4 and 11-6 to claim their seventh gold medal of the year.
“The wind was a major factor, but we adapted well,” Barr commented. “Amanda and Mari are fierce competitors. We had to study their game closely.”
Oshiro added, “Our aggressiveness and trust in each other’s shots made the difference.”
Jill Braverman and Megan Fudge won the bronze in women’s doubles.
AARP Champions Pro Action
In the AARP Champions Division (50+), Marcello Jardim took the men’s singles title, and Karin Ptaszek-Kochis secured the women’s singles gold. Lee Whitwell won two golds: one in women’s doubles with Angela Simon and another in mixed doubles with Jaime Oncins. Stefan Andren and Jose Derisi claimed the men’s doubles title.
