Ben Johns chooses new men's doubles partner: Gabe
Last Edited
Jan 03 2025
Category
News
After years of unparalleled dominance, the Johns brothers—Ben and Collin—are hitting pause on their historic men’s doubles partnership.
Their decision to split, announced last month, left fans and pundits alike buzzing. Now, Ben Johns has finally revealed his next step: partnering with rising star Gabe Tardio for the 2025 season.
“We’ve had an incredible run,” Ben said in a recent interview with his sister, Hannah Johns, on her podcast (see full video below).
“It wasn’t an easy decision for either of us, but I think it came down to needing a refresh—mentally, emotionally, and for our games. It’s not about wins or losses; it’s about enjoyment and keeping things fresh.”
Why the split?
Over their four years as a team, the Johns brothers amassed 33 titles and a 75% podium percentage, finishing 2024 as the top-ranked team in the world.
But cracks began to show, including a slightly lower win percentage in their final season.
“It’s about variety and growth,” Ben added. “Sometimes, stepping out of the familiar can reignite your enthusiasm. It’s not forever, though. Collin and I both know we could come back stronger someday.”
Why Gabe
For the lion’s share of 2025, Ben will team up with Gabe Tardio, a player known for his aggressive right-side play.
“Gabe was my first call,” Ben said. “He applies a ton of pressure, makes plays from tough positions, and has a presence on the court that’s undeniable. Honestly, he’s been the toughest guy for me to play against this past year.”
The partnership with Tardio isn’t set in stone for every event; Ben hinted at experimenting with other players, including lefty Max Freeman and rising talent Hayden Patriquin. Still, it’s clear that Tardio is central to Ben’s immediate plans.
“He’s got all the tools—competitiveness, shot-making, and the ability to keep his opponents guessing. I think we can push each other to new heights,” Ben said.
What about Collin?
The brothers aren’t completely parting ways just yet. They’ll play their final tournament together at the PPA Masters next week, giving fans one last chance to see the iconic duo in action—at least for now.
“It’s not added pressure,” Ben remarked. “If anything, it’s a chance to enjoy the moment and celebrate what we’ve accomplished.”
What’s next in Men’s Doubles?
Ben’s pivot to Tardio signals a potential shift in men’s doubles dynamics. His comments about lefties like Max Freeman—“They’re overpowered in this game”—and the growing prevalence of fast, aggressive playstyles suggest the right-sider role is evolving.
Side note: we eagerly await hearing who JW Johnson will team up with. He was slated to pair with Gabe in 2025.
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