
Staksrud, Patriquin survive upset bid from Fu, Freeman
Federico Staksrud/Etta Tuionetoa defeated Tina Pisnik/Eric Oncins 4-11, 11-1, 12-10 in the mixed doubles Round of 16 early Thursday afternoon.
That wouldn’t be the Argentine’s only three-game battle, however.
In men’s doubles, he and Hayden Patriquin outdueled No. 18 seeds Ryan Fu/Max Freeman by an 11-0, 4-11, 11-9 score line.
ADVERTISEMENT
The No. 2 seeds achieved an opening game pickle in just under ten minutes, but Fu/Freeman recovered to take Game 2 by opting for a faster, more chaotic game style.
In the deciding game, Staksrud/Patriquin switched from their usual formation to put Patriquin on the left and Staksrud on the right. That helped them jump out to a 7-2 lead, but the contest was still far from over.
Fu/Freeman clawed back to 9-10—saving six match points along the way—before the No. 2 seeds converted their seventh opportunity to close out the encounter.
Staksrud applauded the effort from his opponents after a one-sided opening game.
“Ryan and Max played really well. I thought in the second game, especially, they hit great drives, and they caught us a little bit off guard. After an 11-0, you don’t expect that change, so it was kind of surprising,” he said.
With three wins on an upset-filled Thursday, Staksrud is one of just two players who are still eligible for a Triple Crown in Cincinnati (Anna Leigh Waters).
That bodes well for a player who’s in pursuit of his first gold medal since January, but there is still lots of work to be done.
He and Patriquin will face No. 5 seeds Jaume Martinez Vich/Dylan Frazier in Friday’s men’s doubles quarterfinal.
Related articles

Pickleball pros share New Year’s resolutions
Chris Haworth, Jay Devilliers, and the Brascia sisters have some fun goals for 2026.
17 hours ago
-Victoria Radnothy

UPA hands Parris Todd two-event suspension, $50,000 fine
The $50,000 fine matches the highest amount that the UPA has ever fined a player for a single infraction.
1 day ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Looking back at the biggest moments from the 2025 PPA Tour season
What a year it has been in pro pickleball.
2 days ago
-Will Daughton

Tickets selling fast for Carvana Masters powered by Invited
Players still interested in competing in amateur divisions should also register soon.
3 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff