The final day of the Selkirk Red Rock Open came to a close today. It’s been a strenuous month with 4 PPA tournaments packed into the month of April but the five championship matches delivered high level pickleball to a packed stadium court. Let’s see who was able to walk away with a trophy.
Men’s Singles Championship: Federico Staksrud Outlasts Jack Sock
Athleticism was on full display in this men’s singles final as two heavyweights slugged it out over three games. Staksrud got off to a blazing hot start in game 1 but Sock refused to go away, ripping forehand winners to win game 2 with ease. Game 3 was neck and neck but two missed returns late sealed the deal for Federico Staksrud as he won his 4th title of the year in nine tries.
Mixed Doubles Championship: Johns & Wright in 4
The James Ignatowich serve was cooking once again but the defense of Etta Wright and Ben Johns was too much over the best of 5 match. Johns was able to control the middle of the court and squeeze the window in which Bright and Ignatowich had to hit into, which forced enough errors to keep the match from going the distance. A great showing this week from James who has been in and out of tournament play the past couple of months.
Women’s Singles Championship: Brascia Completes the Comeback
Mary Brascia started slow in this match but she stuck to the game plan and found her back of the court passing shots at the beginning of game 2 and it lead her all the way to her first PPA gold medal. Mary has taken her singles game to a new level in 2024, having now collected two silver medals and a gold medal.
Men’s Doubles Championship: Johnson/Frazier in Straights
JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier saved their best for last as they won in straight games over Andrei Daescu and Gabe Tardio. The fast hands of both Johnson and Frazier made it nearly impossible for Daescu and Tardio to attack with any sort of success and that eventually wore the underdogs down.
Women’s Doubles Final: Pisnik & Jansen Finish the Job
The strategy was clear early on from Jansen and Pisnik, funnel the ball to Callie Smith and force her to beat them. Their high level of consistency from all parts of the court wore Smith down and that was enough to get the job done in three games. Tina Pisnik continues to rise and is a name fans should get used to seeing competing for championships on the PPA Tour.
