47:50 John Cincola / Allison Phillips vs Aanik Lohani / Liz Truluck1:31:02 AJ Koller / Lacy Schneemann vs Patrick Kawka / Salome Devidze2:06:15 Dekel Bar / Tina Pisnik vs Hayden Patriquin / Maggie Brascia2:52:38 Meghan Dizon / Tyson McGuffin vs Alex Walker / Steve Deakin3:38:30 Anna Leigh Waters / Benjamin Johns vs Marietta Wright / Pablo Tellez4:53:18 Jackie Kawamoto / Riley Newman vs Hurricane Tyra Black / Augie Ge5:46:22Thomas Wilson / Vivienne David vs Allyce Jones / Connor Garnett
Top-seeded team narrowly avoids upset from underdogs in tense 3-game battle
In an edge-of-your-seat Saturday semifinal, the top-seeded team of brothers Ben Johns and Collin Johns faced a fierce challenge from the sixth seeds Julian Arnold and Christian Alshon. The Johns brothers ultimately prevailed, but not before enduring a grueling three-game battle that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
In the end, the battle-tested Johns team narrowly avoided a monumental upset bid from the rising Arnold/Alshon duo. Both teams left everything on the court in a instant classic match that showcased the soaring popularity of pickleball. Afterward, the Johns credited their resilience in adverse moments for pulling out the tense victory.
5:42 Pablo Tellez / Federico Staksrud vs Michael Loyd / Patrick Kawka1:21:26 Pablo Tellez / Federico Staksrud vs Julian Arnold / Christian Alshon2:09:18 Thomas Wilson / Riley Newman vs Erik Lange / Zane Navratil2:54:35 Anna Leigh Waters / Catherine Parenteau vs Pierina Imparato / Liz Truluck3:28:15 Anna Bright / Rachel Rohrabacher vs Mari Humberg / Tamaryn Emmrich4:06:50 Meghan Dizon/Etta Wright vs Alex Walker / Angie Walker4:46:31 Lucy Kovalova / Callie Smith vs Lacy Schneemann / Vivienne David5:48:50 Meghan Dizon/Etta Wright vs Andrea Koop / Tina Pisnik
Staksrud Survives Vich's Late Charge to Claim Desert Ridge Open Title
In an instant classic men's singles gold medal match at the 2024 PPA Desert Ridge Open, top seed Federico Staksrud faced his toughest test yet against Spain's Jaume Martinez Vich. Though Staksrud controlled large portions of the match with penetrating groundstrokes and deft drop shots, Vich mounted an epic comeback late in the third set that electrified the crowd but ultimately fell just short.
Staksrud struggled early with backhand errors while Vich dazzled with speed and anticipation. But Staksrud found his form in the second game, pummeling winners with his forehand and showcasing his elite movement. Vich responded in the third game, hitting a perfectly weighted drop shot to seize a 5-1 lead.
Just when it looked as though Vich would run away with the match, Staksrud unleashed a violent two-handed backhand winner. He followed with what he later called the best point of the match - an incredible rally that he somehow won despite Vich sending him scrambling all over the court. The epic point turned the tide in Staksrud’s favor as he surged ahead.
But Vich refused to go quietly, mounting a ferocious comeback. After a remarkable return winner under pressure, Vich reeled off back-to-back sensational points to get within two. Serving at 10-8, Staksrud double faulted twice as Vich pushed him to the limit. Though battered, Staksrud persevered clinching the championship on his fifth match point.
In his on-court interview, an exhausted yet gracious Staksrud praised Vich’s charisma and effort, admitting he nearly found himself rooting for his opponent to win too. By surviving Vich’s thrilling late charge, Staksrud added another epic chapter to his growing legend while spectators were treated to a gold medal match for the ages.
