Teen Phenom Jorja Johnson Topples Favorites in Stunning 2025 Veolia NC Open Upsets
Eighteen-year-old pickleball powerhouse Jorja Johnson dominated the 2025 Veolia NC Open, leaving top seeds shell-shocked and spectators stunned. The former #16 singles player, known for her lethal two-handed backhand, crushed veteran opponents with her aggressive style and tactical brilliance. Johnson, who turned pro in 2020, has already racked up an impressive collection of medals – four gold, nine silver, and nine bronze in mixed doubles alone. Her meteoric rise suggests this upset is just the beginning of her reign.
While most teenagers are busy with homework and social media, 18-year-old Jorja Johnson has been busy demolishing pickleball’s established hierarchy. The Boynton Beach native, who turned pro in 2020, has been wielding her signature two-handed backhand like a weapon of mass destruction on the professional circuit. Her dedication mirrors that of top-ranked Ben Johns, who dominated with his own impressive winning streak in singles.
Johnson’s meteoric rise to #2 in the female player rankings for 2025 isn’t just luck. She’s been crushing it since the tender years of seven, following in the footsteps of her brother JW Johnson. Playing alongside her brother on the Dallas Flash roster has strengthened their championship-winning dynamic. Now she’s racking up medals like they’re Instagram likes – four gold, nine silver, and nine bronze in mixed doubles alone. Not too shabby for someone who can’t even legally drink yet.
Her aggressive playing style has the pickleball elite sweating. Currently ranked #16 in singles, #6 in doubles, and #2 in mixed doubles, Johnson’s accumulated a whopping 10,150 doubles points. That’s not just impressive – it’s downright scary. She’s proven herself to be a triple threat, excelling across all formats with a tactical awareness that makes veteran players do double-takes.
The Dallas Flash knew what they were doing when they snagged her for their 2025 roster. Johnson’s adaptability and chemistry with different partners have made her a coach’s dream and opponents’ nightmare. Her presence alone can shift tournament strategies faster than a serve-and-volley combo. Her success in mixed gender partnerships has particularly stood out this season.
Looking ahead, Johnson’s trajectory suggests she’s not done climbing. With her sights set on challenging top players like Anna Leigh Waters, she’s proven she can upset favorites when it counts. Her recent standout performances in Q1 rankings have sent a clear message to the pickleball world: the young athlete from Florida isn’t just playing for fun anymore.
For those keeping score at home, that’s two bronze medals in singles and 14 doubles medals total.
And if her recent tournament performances are any indication, Johnson’s trophy case is going to need some serious expansion soon. The pickleball establishment better watch their backs – this teen phenom isn’t messing around.
