(Photo: APP)
Midland, MI — August 18, 2025 — The 2025 APP Great Lakes Open concluded Sunday at the Greater Midland Tennis Center, drawing top professional pickleball talent and local fans for five days of intense competition. The event — part of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour — featured pro singles and doubles brackets, mixed doubles, and standout performances from rising stars on the national pickleball scene.
In a weekend filled with close matches and memorable moments, eight champions were crowned across key draws:
Key Winners & Highlights
Women’s Doubles & Mixed Doubles (Sofia Sewing)
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Sofia Sewing — currently ranked No. 1 in the APP — captured two gold medals, winning both women’s doubles and mixed doubles titles. Sewing’s performance underscored her dominance on the professional circuit and drew comparisons to her rise from a former tennis professional to a top pickleball player.
Men’s Singles Champion (Ammar Wazir)
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Ammar Wazir, 22, claimed the men’s singles title, defeating Dusty Boyer 15-8, 18-16 in the final. The victory marked a major milestone for Wazir, his first gold medal on the APP Tour after strong showings earlier in the season.
Pro Doubles (Casey Diamond)
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Casey Diamond of Boca Raton, Florida, won the pro doubles gold medal — his first pro championship — teaming with partner (in finals) in a rainy Sunday showdown.
Multiple Medals (Bobbi Oshiro)
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Bobbi Oshiro had a standout weekend, reaching three finals and earning a gold medal in one draw and two silver medals, showcasing her versatility and competitive consistency.
Event Structure & Format
The APP Great Lakes Open, contested August 13–17, 2025, brought both elite pros and passionate amateurs to Midland, with contests in men’s and women’s singles, gender doubles, and mixed doubles. Pro matches drew attention from fans both in person and online via broadcast platforms used throughout the tournament, including APPTV and Court Sports Network.
The sport of pickleball continues its meteoric rise in the United States, and events like the Great Lakes Open reinforce the Great Lakes region as a hub for competitive play and community engagement. Tournament organizers said they were pleased with turnout at one of the largest pickleball facilities in the Midwest, and that the weekend’s energy reflected growing interest in the sport at both grassroots and professional levels.
Quotes & Reactions
“It’s really special to come out here and play in front of such a passionate crowd,” said Sofia Sewing following her mixed doubles victory. “Midland has embraced pickleball — and it shows in every match.”
First-time gold medalist Ammar Wazir added, “Competing here means a lot. I’ve been close before, and to finally take a title on the APP Tour at this event is a big moment for me.”
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 APP Tour winding toward its final months, the Great Lakes Open served as a showcase for new talent and established champions alike. Fans can now look ahead to upcoming fall events on the APP calendar and anticipate another thrilling season of pickleball in 2026.