Johnson, Klinger Stun Johns, Tardio To Capture First Title As A Duo

In a breakout performance that could signal the start of a powerful new partnership, JW Johnson and CJ Klinger defeated Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio in straight games—11-9, 11-9, 11-7—to claim their first PPA Tour men’s doubles title together.

Facing the No. 2 seeds in the gold medal match, Johnson and Klinger brought composure, timing, and a strategic blend of pressure and patience. While their names aren’t often paired together on top of the men’s doubles podium, Sunday’s win in Atlanta proved they are more than ready to shake up the status quo.

Source: Pickleball.com

The Turning Point: Down But Not Out

The defining moment of the match came in Game 2, when Johns and Tardio appeared to be in full control, holding a 9-4 lead and poised to level the match. But what followed was a stunning display of mental toughness and aggressive court coverage from Johnson and Klinger, who rattled off seven unanswered points on a single side out.

That run not only gave them a two-game cushion but also seemed to shift the energy permanently in their favor. They continued riding that momentum into Game 3, tightening their defense and seizing every opportunity to close points at the net.

Klinger Shines At The Kitchen

While both players executed their game plan flawlessly, CJ Klinger’s performance stood out—especially in fast-paced kitchen exchanges where his length and reflexes became a constant threat. From rolling volleys to dominant middle control, Klinger looked like a veteran despite his relatively limited experience at this level.

“I think a lot of that comes from practice and hard work and dedication,” he said after the match. “My dad’s a big part of it, so big thanks to him. He’s the best coach out there.”

For Klinger, it wasn’t just a win—it was a validation of effort and a sign of things to come.

A Measured Response From The Other Side

Though the loss was unexpected, Ben Johns—arguably the sport’s biggest star—was quick to credit his opponents while offering an honest assessment of the match.

“Those guys played really well,” Johns said. “They both obviously have great hands, and that made it tough when we got into some of the long, extended points. I think our thirds could have been a little better. They got into the net a little more than we did, and oftentimes matches come down to that.”

The result also served as a bit of revenge for Johnson and Klinger, who had lost to Johns and Tardio in the quarterfinals of last month’s Veolia North Carolina Open.

Bronze Medal Recap

In the third-place match, Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu (No. 3 seeds) came through with a strong showing against Dekel Bar and Dylan Frazier, winning 13-11, 11-7. Their consistency and poise under pressure helped them edge out the bronze in a highly competitive bracket.

A New Contender In The Doubles Field

The win is not just a highlight moment for Johnson and Klinger—it introduces a fresh dynamic into an already stacked men’s doubles field. With elite hands, complementary styles, and a growing on-court understanding, this pairing could become a regular fixture on Championship Sundays.

If this performance is any indication, we may be witnessing the rise of a new force in men’s doubles pickleball—and they’re just getting started.