Federico Staksrud hits a pickleball forehand.
Federico Staksrud competing at the Veolia Houston Open. PPA Tour

Seven for seven: Staksrud into men’s singles final

ATASCOCITA, TX - If Federico Staksrud had a nickel for every time he’s reached a singles final in 2024, he would have $0.35. That may not seem like a lot, but it’s still impressive that he’s made every men’s singles final so far this year.

On a day where other top seeds Ben Johns and Connor Garnett fell in the quarterfinals, Staksrud held steady in all his matches and dropped only one game on his way to the final.

He moved past former tennis pro Donald Young—who just began competing professionally this year—in the semifinals, but the Argentine sees the potential that Young’s game has.

“If he puts in the time like the rest of us, he’s going to be a top guy for sure,” Staksrud said of Young. “He’s an amazing talent, and his passing shots are impossible to read.”

The No. 2 seed will face Quang Duong in Sunday’s final.