Brandon French and Jack Sock celebrating their victory at the Pickleball Central Sacramento Vintage Open.
Brandon French and Jack Sock celebrating their victory at the Pickleball Central Sacramento Vintage Open. PPA Tour

Sock, French outduel Staksrud, Wright in three games

Jack Sock/Brandon French kicked off men’s doubles action at Life Time Arden with a 7-11, 11-7, 11-7 upset victory over No. 2 seeds Federico Staksrud/Matt Wright.

The No. 13 seeds appeared to be in danger of losing in straight games when they trailed 3-7 in Game 2 after dropping the first, but they went on to score the next eight points to force a decider before pulling out the win in Game 3.

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French was particularly effective on the right side down the stretch, causing chaos with a combination of lobs and attacks off the bounce.

Sock spoke about how his partner set him up for opportunities to erne.

“Brandon’s incredible with the wooden paddle, so I let him just ‘Gabe Tardio’ it on the right and just cook over there, and I kind of just became the new ‘Erne King,” he mentioned. “I’m gonna give myself that title.”

Now into the quarterfinals, Sock/French will next face No. 7 seeds James Ignatowich/Augie Ge with a spot in the semifinals on the line.