Staksrud beats Tellez, makes 4th singles final of 2024
LAKEVILLE, MN - The last time I wrote about Federico Staksrud in singles, he had just made his third singles final in three tournaments to start off the year.
Now, he’s made four finals in four tournaments.
Instead of having to get through Jack Sock, which he had to do in Palm Springs and Mesa, the No. 1 seed had to face someone he’s much more familiar with: his doubles partner, Pablo Tellez.
Going into this match, Staksrud had won five of their seven singles meetings. After today, he’s won six of eight.
The lefty Tellez came out strong with his long reach making it difficult for Staksrud to pass him at the kitchen line, but Staksrud held his own and took Game 1 11-8.
The Argentine kept the pressure on and took Game 2 11-2 to book his ticket to Championship Sunday.
Competing against someone whose game he knows so well (and who knows his game just as well) made for some challenges for Staksrud.
“We practice so much together, so you kind of have to bring something extra when you play in an actual tournament,” he told Pickleball TV’s Dave Fleming.
That ‘something extra’ helped earn Staksrud a spot in the gold medal match against No. 2 seed Connor Garnett.
Related articles
Black Diamonds cap Thursday’s action with win over Hustlers
It’s only day 1, and the Utah Black Diamonds are already leaving their mark on the Big Apple.
11 hours ago
-Will Daughton
D.C. Pickleball Team downs Carolina in regulation thanks to mixed doubles wins
Mixed doubles continues to be one of D.C.'s greatest strengths.
12 hours ago
-Will Daughton
Jk. Kawamoto shines as New York outlasts Carolina in opening match
Jackie Kawamoto had never been to New York City before this week, but she played like she owns the place in her first match of the weekend.
17 hours ago
-Will Daughton
Top pros to face off at Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships
The world's best pickleball players will invade Brookhaven Country Club for the second year in a row.
19 hours ago
-Pickleball.com Staff