Breaking: “I Have Done a Lot,” Ben Johns Reveals He Will No Longer Be Competing in the Pickleball Championship…
In a surprising announcement that has sent shockwaves through the pickleball community, Ben Johns, one of the most decorated players in the sport’s history, revealed that he will no longer be competing in the Pickleball Championship. The announcement came via a heartfelt statement on his social media, leaving fans, fellow players, and sports analysts alike stunned.
“I’ve done a lot,” Johns said in his emotional post, acknowledging both his remarkable career and the toll the sport has taken on him over the years. “It’s been an incredible ride, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything I’ve been able to achieve, but it’s time to step away from competing at the highest level.”
Ben Johns’ decision to retire from the Pickleball Championship comes as a shock to many, considering his consistent dominance in the sport. Over the years, Johns has been the face of professional pickleball, accumulating numerous accolades, titles, and records that have solidified his place in the sport’s history. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Pickleball Championship, where he had become a fixture, always in contention for the title and often emerging victorious.
Johns, who first rose to prominence in the early years of professional pickleball, has been an unstoppable force, dominating both singles and doubles competitions. With a string of National and World Championship titles, he was known for his versatile and strategic play, a combination of athleticism, precision, and mental toughness that set him apart from his peers. Whether he was playing in singles or mixed doubles, Johns had an uncanny ability to outsmart and outlast his competition, making him a constant threat in any tournament.
Despite his unprecedented success, Johns admitted that the decision to retire was not an easy one. “When you’ve been doing something for so long, it becomes part of who you are. I’ve given everything to this sport—blood, sweat, and tears—and I’ve reached a point where I feel like I’ve accomplished everything I set out to do. It’s time for me to step aside and let the next generation take over,” he shared.
Johns’ retirement from the Pickleball Championship is a monumental moment for the sport, which has exploded in popularity in recent years. As pickleball continues to grow, with more players entering the professional scene and more fans tuning in, Johns’ absence will undoubtedly leave a void. However, his influence on the sport will not soon be forgotten. His career has been instrumental in bringing pickleball into the mainstream, with his dominance helping to elevate the sport’s profile, attracting new fans, sponsors, and media attention.
“I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve built together in this sport,” Johns said. “When I started, pickleball was still a relatively niche game. To see where it’s come now, and to have played a role in that, is something I’ll always cherish. The players, the fans, the community—it’s all grown in such an amazing way, and it’s been an honor to be a part of it.”
Though he will no longer compete in the Pickleball Championship, Johns has hinted that his retirement is not the end of his involvement in the sport. “I’m not disappearing. I’m looking forward to staying connected with pickleball in different ways,” he wrote. “There are still a lot of things I want to contribute—whether that’s coaching, mentoring, or helping to grow the sport further.”
The announcement of his retirement has sparked an outpouring of support from fellow players and fans alike. Many have taken to social media to express their admiration for Johns’ achievements and wish him well in the next chapter of his life. “Ben has been a huge inspiration to me and countless others in this sport,” said one fellow player. “His dedication, work ethic, and love for the game will be missed, but we all know he’s done more for pickleball than anyone could have imagined.”
As the pickleball world processes this unexpected news, one thing is clear: Ben Johns’ legacy is secure. He has elevated the sport to new heights, and his impact will be felt for years to come. While his presence will certainly be missed at the Pickleball Championship, his contributions to the sport will continue to resonate, inspiring future generations of players to follow in his footsteps.
Ben Johns may be stepping away from the court, but his influence on pickleball will never fade. As he rides off into the sunset, the world of professional pickleball will forever be changed by the icon who helped shape its modern era.
