
Moment of levity in Tardio's post-match interview was sweet ending in Vegas
You could hardly blame 18-year-old Gabe Tardio for being a little flustered during the first few seconds of his post-match interview at the PPA Tour's Las Vegas Pickleball Cup on Sunday.
It was just minutes after he claimed a second consecutive men's doubles gold medal with partner Andrei Daescu by defeating Dekel Bar and Zane Navratil in four games.
"Well, there are some new kids on the block. Back-to-back titles. What's come together for the two of you?" asked PickleballTV's Hannah Johns.
"Yeah, I think uh... I think our main uh... Hang on, you've got to repeat the question. I'm lost right now," replied Tardio, fueling playful chuckles from Daescu and spectators in attendance.
Maybe he was simply processing all of the hard work and dedication that it took to finally enjoy the kind of success he always envisioned for himself, especially winning championships in bunches.
Tardio has secured three gender doubles gold medals over the last four tournaments.
There's the crowns with Daescu in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, and one alongside Federico Staksrud in Kansas City.
He also earned a coveted mixed doubles title with Jessie Irvine in Salt Lake City, too, by defeating the formidable duo of Anna Bright and James Ignatowich.
Tardio's recent medal haul is a rather impressive feat, especially at such a young age.
"It's funny because I started playing in Bolivia. My grandfather had a court there. I don't know how he found pickleball," he said. "I played for the first time when I was 12 years old, and then when I moved to the United States at 14, COVID hit and I couldn't play tennis anymore, so I hit some pickleballs."
"And it's worked out pretty well, huh?" noted Johns with a smile.
It sure has.
Related articles

Who is the most underrated player in pro pickleball?
I have two names to answer the question, one on the women’s side and one on the men’s side.
19 hours ago
-Jim Kloss

Anna Bright and Dylan Frazier: Is romance in the air?
There could be something to this.
1 day ago
-Victoria Radnothy

A final look at the Proton Tucson Open
It was a beautiful week, with the excellence of the weather matched by the level of play.
1 day ago
-Jim Kloss

H. Johnson battles past Alshon for first 2025 gold
Hunter Johnson is having quite the Super Bowl Sunday.
2 days ago
-Will Daughton