Contract Drama, New Beefs, and Championship Sunday Showdowns

Hey Everybody!

I hope that you're having a nice holiday season! Jenny and I are back from Peru, and now we're in Wisconsin for some family time, but I'm still eager to bring you this recap of everything that went down in Daytona this weekend!

The Florida Dairy Farmers Daytona Beach Open was PACKED with storylines. With Ben Johns sitting out entirely and Anna Leigh Waters only playing women's doubles (with Jorja Johnson instead of Anna Bright), the field was wide open. We got new partnerships, insane body bags, confirmed beef, and one of the most epic singles matches of the year.

If you want the full breakdown, hit play below. But if you're more of a reader, the highlights are under the video.

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The Contract Termination Saga Continues

Before the tournament even started, we had the biggest news in a while: James Ignatowich, Ryan Fu, and Vivian Glozman got their contracts terminated by the UPA for running clinics at a competing event.

Ryan Fu fired back with receipts claiming the trip was approved, they taught only 4 clinics, didn't compete, and did the exact same thing last year with approval. MLP Commissioner Samin Odhwani essentially refuted each point. Now the players are appealing with support from the WPPA. My take? An appeal to the UPA seems pointless—they've made their decision. The only real option left is the court system.

You can see my full video explanation on YouTube.

Singles Wednesday: Upsets and Epic Comebacks

World #1 Federico Staksrud dropped the first game against both Luc Pham and Donald Young before winning in 3, but Rafa Lenhard took him out in the quarters. Chris Haworth had his revenge against Eric Oncins after losing to him at Lakeland—down 7-3 in the second, Chris ran it all the way back.

On the women's side, #2 ranked APP player Katerina Stewart took out defending champion Kaitlyn Christian 11-7 in the third. The big question: Does she sign with the PPA now?

Semi Saturday: 11 Match Points and a Standing Ovation

Rafa Lenhard vs. Gabe Joseph was the match of the tournament. Gabe got up 10-3 in the third, but Rafa saved match point. Then another. Then another. Then ANOTHER. Eleven match points total before Gabe finally closed it out. The crowd gave them a standing ovation. One of the most epic singles matches of 2025.

Mixed Doubles Drama: Beef Confirmed

I wasn't aware of any beef heading into the Jorja/JW vs. Jessie/Gabe match, but there's definitely some beef now. Three skipped paddle taps from Jorja, aggressive walkoffs, staredowns, and Jessie tagging JW multiple times while letting him know about it. Beef 100% confirmed! Leave your guesses in the YouTube comments on what started this.

Championship Sunday: New Gold and a 5-Year Streak Ends

Catherine Parenteau took out Katerina Stewart for her first PPA gold in over two years. Chris Haworth dominated Gabe Joseph 11-5, 11-1 in men's singles. The Johnsons (Jorja and JW) rolled in mixed, and Jorja and Anna Leigh cruised in women's doubles.

But the most competitive match? Augie Ge and JW Johnson ended Riley Newman's streak of gold medals in 5 straight years, taking men's doubles 11-8 in the fifth.

Final Thought

Jorja vs. Anna Bright—who's the better partner for Anna Leigh? Jorja dominated at Daytona, but without Anna Bright, the Kawamotos, and others in the draw, it's not enough of a sample size. Anna Bright is still the clear #2 female player and is more consistent. For now, I don't see Anna Leigh making a switch. Watch the full analysis in the video above!

👉 WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE