Ben Johns vs Quong Duong at the Veolia Houston Open Presented by Just Courts

[@sshueman6104]

These young tennis background players are joining Pickleball will push the game to another level, keep up senior Pros!

[@iTheGeek]

I saw Quang play for the first time on the “No Audio” upload of the North Carolina cup against Ben Johns. Literally the second point into the match, I said to myself “this guy is the future of pickleball.” He is an absolute beast.

[@ScottT109]

Thanks PPA for sharing this game today instead of a day or two later.

[@jcardenas6585]

"BIG DONG" Quong is the new man on campus now - Ben Johns has been lucky for quite a few years that no real elite athletes have played pickleball really...You got some part time people who tour half of the time and either just coach or have regular jobs to pay the bills, and then a bunch of old has-been tennis players like old man Rettenmaier and others... PPA is now getting real... more BIG DONG's to come!!! Just the beginning!

[@nicholasmacdonald4510]

@@jcardenas6585 Did you just call Quong Duong pickleball's first real athlete? Hunter Johnson Yates Johnson Donald Young Christian Alshon Jaume Martinez Vich Gabriel Joseph Federico Staksrud Connor Garnett Jay Devilliers Tyson McGuffin Jack Sock Collin Shick Considering that you didn't appear sarcastic, you clearly don't watch much professional pickleball.

[@chongqinghotpot]

Quong has the best 2h backhand ground drive and counter right now, which generates a huge advantage just like what ALW does on the women’s side. He is very quick in footwork. Without injury, he will likely be top 3 in the singles by the end of this year, and challenge Ben’s top seat next year. The kid is really good.

[@dackerman123]

His ground strokes are insanely good. He can literally put the ball anywhere from any angle

[@jah.5.]

Ben didn't have a bad game, he actually played really well. But man did Quong have some amazing gets, hard hits and a great game all around. He came into this one ready to play hard and fast. Well done!

[@nn-NeuralNetwork]

Ben did have some uncharacteristic missed returns, but I still think Quang beats him regardless.

[@ericrodriguez5458]

You can't say someone didn't have a bad game with such a bad return percentage.

[@gambler213]

Ben made lots of of uncharacteristic unforced errors in this match. It was obvious he was off his game.

[@MajorBrev]

I’m not a Big Ben johns fan, but this was definitely not a “good” game for him. Idk what you were watching

[@jcardenas6585]

Bye bye Baby Ben in 2025 - "BIG DONG" Quong is the new man on campus now - Ben Johns has been lucky for quite a few years that no real elite athletes have played pickleball really...You got some part time people who tour half of the time and either just coach or have regular jobs to pay the bills, and then a bunch of old has-been tennis players like old man Rettenmaier and others... PPA is now getting real... more BIG DONG's to come!!! Just the beginning!

[@nilkamals]

Quong Duong puts 100% intensity into every shot. Just amazing groundstrokes. His serve is insane too, made Ben miss a handful of times serving straight down the line with speed, accuracy and topspin. One of the most exciting players to watch. Ben Johns is winning 5 -2 against Duong after this game but I think Duong is going to even it out sooner or later.

[@riman1212]

I think some of the missed returns can be blamed on the ball as well. Out of round balls can have a high or low bounce especially with a high amount of top spin. Watch how high the ball bounces on some of Ben's missed returns that he sent to the moon compared to the returns he got in. Its bouncing up to waist level or maybe a bit higher. On the other side, a bunch of the returns he sent into the net were bouncing around knee height. Not the only reason, but having experienced similar issues with Duras and hearing Vulcans are an even worst Dura it can result in making aggressive returns difficult if you are not extra focused.

[@millisock]

Even if the ball bounces unpredictably, it's still the player's fault for not adjusting.

[@danieljhoward002]

​@@millisockkey word "unpredictable." That is not on the returner. You can not possibly adjust to something you can't predict. The ball is bad and takes funky hops. It affects play negatively.

[@danieljhoward002]

​@riman1212 you are correct. The ball takes bad bounces. That makes a returner miss.

[@iTheGeek]

@@riman1212I’ve read a ton of bad reviews about the Vulcan ball. Why is it still being used?

[@musicequalsmagic]

Unreal, Quong entered superman mode! Best ATP ever... omg! WTG congrats! Great match both players

[@nchambers007]

Second best. Pappa Jimmy had the best one. Same shot but backhanded.

[@jcardenas6585]

"BIG DONG" Quong IS SUPERMAN! he's the new man on campus now - Ben Johns has been lucky for quite a few years that no real elite athletes have played pickleball really...You got some part time people who tour half of the time and either just coach or have regular jobs to pay the bills, and then a bunch of old has-been tennis players like old man Rettenmaier and others... PPA is now getting real... more BIG DONG's to come!!! Just the beginning!

[@justinlauria82]

This announcer guy is great, love the enthusiasm and hype he brings (the raspier, movie-trailer sounding guy)

[@minhnhat]

23:13 You came here for the ATP

[@walibashir102]

23:20 that ATP was the equivalent to Steph Curry shooting a 3 from 40ft on the move. The ball placement was impeccable.

[@maxcaldwell2680]

Fantastic match. We’ll be seeing a lot more of this emerging rivalry.

[@tds7078]

Pickleball is changing man… a lot more tennis strategy involved now with western grips and monstrous ground strokes. As a former tennis player I’m so excited to bring my knowledge from tennis to pickleball while learning the fundamentals of pickleball.

[@liemly5814]

What an Avatar phenomenon. So much fun and sportsman ship. Love it.

[@jhondoe6735]

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tds7078]

I love how Quang’s serve is so good people are like- “That’s illegal! 🤓” 😂

[@ruthau7999]

So true! I play 4.5 or better they NEVER complain about my serve. It is always the lower 3.0 level that do ... how pathetic!

[@user-wd7ue1wd6r]

Quong dong plays at a totally different pace than ben. Ben's honeymoon period in pickleball is over. Talent is coming. Good for the sport but bad for ben.

[@Will-ib7ok]

People have been saying this every time he loses for the last 3 years. He tripled crowned last weekend and won his last 3 singles tournaments before this one

[@anuraagkumar978]

@@Will-ib7ok People want to see dominant players fall but he's number 1 for a reason. He's had essentially at least 6 years of being number 1. He has the power to continue being the top guy. However, it is nice to see athletic tennis players enter the sport.

[@razrgu3838]

When was this game? Final is on Sunday , right?

[@bethechange4726]

Congrats, Q!!!

[@tds7078]

23:20 🤌🏾 🔥

[@rickrzendzian2228]

IMO Duong and Alshon are the 2 guys that will be the challengers to BJ. Both have the foot speed and shots and power to give BJ trouble.

[@phyllisrosen7637]

There is always someone better!! Insane serves by Quong😮😮😮😮!

[@valerianpereira1259]

Young QUONG is a real champion; Great player; Active Aggressive' swift; Very Articulate; Intelligent Player. QUONG is areal Champion LIKE Anna Leigh Walters..! Pleasure to watch them play; very Entertaining.

[@jacobf80]

Sketchhhhh shoutout!

[@jonathanvin5636]

Thank you brother. Sorry for cussing here. ☝️😂

[@dackerman123]

Quong Duong just became my favorite player

[@saadmahmood457]

he dropped the Special teams special plays special players line at the end LOL so random but that vid is hilarious

[@Branko1964]

Ben didn’t play great , I do think that some of those serves were illegal with the paddle above the wrist but he still would have won , he was on fire and his ground strokes on fire. You can’t deny them, his backhand was outstanding. That ATP was unbelievable. Give the kid his due he played fearlessly.

[@Alicesyn30]

Quang is the goat! I'd love to see him play doubles

[@smilesrykee7067]

Quang makes me want to play Western 👍👍 What's his backhand grip?

[@jamesdacus7367]

Best casting we’ve seen. Miles better that that old annoying guy.

[@millisock]

Agreed that this was better, but these casters were still biased towards rooting for Ben.

[@michaelfagan9139]

Great match, I thought you weren't allowed to wear yellow clothing?

[@nchambers007]

If a player complains the refs can require them use a different shirt so there's decent contrast vs the ball.

[@UltraAnt_]

Love to see it

[@netseraph08]

Is this his second win over Ben?

[@Penny.Butler]

Quong Duong's serves are so good, they're practically illegal! 🎾😂

[@krayvalorant]

what shoes does quang have

[@Lucky83...]

Same question

[@williamduval9856]

Looks like bowling shoes to me

[@alexpazmino4762]

Why did they blot Diongs face out?

[@DearDextra]

Quang playing tennis :D

[@TheJenry13]

That dude thought he was playing tennis hitting them hard drives and servs all day 😂😂😂

[@rdelnaja2558]

Must be the new Joola Gen 3 Paddle!

[@crazycool2863]

Was Quong’s serve legal? The arm needs to have UPWARDS motion at contact. His was side sweeping motion.

[@zachcarmichael699]

I call it the 3:30 serve. It's like Tyson McGuffin's. Legal, but just barely.

[@nchambers007]

Obv. Duong played an phenomenally mobile game with massive power / topspin game and that's what it takes to have a chance against Ben. Ben did play well but it was certainly B game not his A game ... he's played worse at times, that's for sure. He was slightly off on some his split step timing, and he couldn't quite figure out the timing against the heavy topspin - he caught the frame about 6 times on returns and during rallies, which is very un-Ben-like.

[@unsweeticedtea4139]

for those that dont follow tennis duong was a blue chip player. won the orange bowl in 2021 which is one of the most prestigious jr tournaments you can win. (federer won in 98). crazy thing is, he would not be able to make a living playing tennis. smart choice converting to PB

[@gambler213]

Ben just defeated Quang 5 days before this match, and he won gold the day after that. He was clearly off in this match.

[@venturevlogz]

Wait I thought there isn't a let rule anymore. 15:40 they let

[@jisforjoy3314]

PPA and pro division.

[@Khaavrenbbb]

He shouldn’t have problems finding doubles partners now.

[@JonathanParone]

Asian player will dominate pickleball 2 years from now

[@JonathanParone]

5 years from now all American pickleball players will be expectator only

[@htekdev]

I don't know why ben kept dropping to backhand... he lost alot to crazy angles from two hander... every forehand drop won ben a point... I didn't see ben capitalize ok that

[@leviforeofficial9559]

Interviewer: “Reiherating” Duong: “reierating”

[@chubun6631]

Banging at its best. Time to get a spiny paddle and switch to semi-western grip.

[@WadeGraves]

Go for it! Whatever gets the win.

[@2musiclover534]

What paddle does QD use?

[@chubun6631]

I believe it's a Vanguard Power Air Epic

[@2musiclover534]

@@chubun6631 Thanks. I wonder what his shots will be like with even higher spin paddle surface that lends itself to shaping the ball/spin such as the Proton etc.

[@chubun6631]

Can't speak for others, but for me the main advantage of the semi-western grip is that you can apply the windshield wiper much easier with this grip to generate top spin. I switched from a SLK Halo with a spin rating of ~1700 RPM to a Ballr Pro at ~2000, and it makes a noticeable difference (meaning I got comments from my friends/opponents not just my imagination!) in my banging shots. If you watch QD in his first meeting against BJ, he actually had too much topspin but not enough penetration on his FH drive and got destroyed by Ben. His dad/coach did a good job flatten out his banging. IIRC he did much better in the second meeting, and beat BJ for the first time on the 3rd meeting or something like that.

[@ruthau7999]

Am I watching TENNIS... Fun!

[@zach3812]

Sketch has infiltrated every sport

[@TheJohnh24]

24:01 was out

[@lucyli1742]

Fast is always good

[@fqqures1019]

quong serve seems to be barely legal, its almost like he is hitting ball dead on, isnt the ball contact point suppose to be below the waist line.

[@smilesrykee7067]

He's dropping it at the waistline. It's his grip spin and power that let him get away with it. Tyson Mcguffin serves from his nipple for years and no one bats an eye but this is illegal? 😂

[@Orangepie86]

PPA service rules are different than USAP that everyone else uses. In PPA they only look at arm angle 📐 of the arm holding the ball.

[@patrickderyan7403]

so in PPA, you can sidearm serve with paddle not in upward motion? Watched more in slo-mo and it is illegal. Cheaters will ruin PB unless this is stopped. Tyson stopped, Ben stopped, Deckle stopped. The Dongster needs to be stopped!

[@smilesrykee7067]

@@patrickderyan7403 complain to the ref next time you play him

[@patrickderyan7403]

@@smilesrykee7067 I just might... In the meantime, shouldn't you be getting another booster...? Hey - YOU decided to go there...

[@guitarem100]

Get his name right!!! Every time..

[@CoIdnestea]

LOL @ the grunting. Really?

[@davidtorres8396]

Changed out 2 bad balls in the first 11 points. Vulcan sucks.

[@bobbyknight9709]

No way Quang’s serve is legal

[@nicholasmacdonald4510]

I am not a fan of Quong Duong. I respect him as an amazing player, he's got one of the best forehand and backhand drives on tour, but his need to drive EVERY. SINGLE. BALL is just a lack of fundamental pickleball skill/finesse. If he wants to play tennis style, go play tennis. At 27:05 he called it "the 2nd set." His grunting his annoying and unnecessary and the way he looks towards his dad after EVERY. SINGLE. POINT is just as bothersome.

[@jayraq4882]

Not into pickle ball, first watch. The score calling is really obnoxious on this though.

[@bt1725]

Spell his name right smh

[@cdpham]

It's Quang, not Quong!

[@cdpham]

Quang (Wan) Duong (Zuon)

[@reggiespace]

☝🏼Whatzup brother!

[@楊丁吉-n3b]

其實仔細觀看Quong的發球，都存在有犯規的嫌疑，這樣讓他佔了優勢，當然他的技術、速度跟反應無庸置疑。Ben 這場比賽有點心不在焉，比較不專注。

[@yw2001]

I don't think the serve is legal.

[@veritech1773]

If he is droping ball at waist or below height contact point is at waist or below. Not above

[@patrickderyan7403]

Quonq played AWSOME! BUTT - his serve is SO illegal! C'MON ref - that paddle is WAY above the wrist AND half the serves were NOT upward motion. Ridiculous!

[@jah.5.]

Watch his serves in slow mo. He holds the ball with arm outstretched at waist height and when he hits, the paddle swings up and over his left shoulder. Looks like he complies with the rules. He just has a very fast, low and straight look to it it in real-time, but it is very effective and has some nice spin and drop to it as well.

[@patrickderyan7403]

@@jah.5. I watched in slo-mo and almost always a portion of his paddle is above his wrist when striking the ball - illegal.

[@razrgu3838]

If it had been illegal , ref or john would have complained. It’s ok until rules change again.

[@bigbear8216]

If oppenent serve is really good ppl starting to complain about it.Cmon just play the game ref and Johns find with that

[@jah.5.]

@@patrickderyan7403 Same with Ben's serve. He also has a portion of the paddle above the wrist when he makes contact. Seems that rule is almost impossible to enforce.

[@DavidHust]

The worst part of tennis has made it to pickleball. Had to stop watching because of the grunts.

[@SDMev1982]

Pickleball needs to part ways with tennis and ban this groaning. It’s obnoxious and annoying.

[@danieljhoward002]

Athletes grunt when they exhale and exert energy. It's not excessive, it's normal.

[@Cacheola]

Sorry, can't stand to listen to grown men moan in racquet sports

[@willcollins5660]

Quong does a beta gay moan when he serve. He also have gay body language movements. It would not surprise me if he was actually gay.

[@williamduval9856]

Why worry about anyone’s sexual orientation who cares if he is or not, just enjoy game.

[@willcollins5660]

@@williamduval9856 With all due respect, I can't enjoy the game if a man makes beta gay moans and grunts throughout the match.