Staksrud downs Martinez Vich for men’s singles gold, announces split from JOOLA
Federico Staksrud earned his first title of the year with an 11-7, 11-2 triumph over No. 7 seed Jaume Martinez Vich.
Martinez Vich had been in top form throughout the week in Palm Springs with wins over Michael Loyd, Julian Arnold, and Connor Garnett, but Staksrud stopped his run in its tracks in what might have been his cleanest performance of the tournament.
Sunday marked the first time that Staksrud was going for gold in all three events at the same PPA tournament. Even though he didn’t come away with the Triple Crown in California, he did learn how physically taxing it is to attempt the feat.
“This match was a lot about energy management—I really didn’t want to get into crazy points with [Jaume] because I was tired,” he admitted. “This system is definitely tough. If you really want to compete in all three divisions, it’s hard. What Anna Leigh does is unbelievable. I don’t think people realize how hard that is.”
The biggest news from the men’s singles final, however, came from Staksrud’s post-match interview with Michelle McMahon, where he revealed that this was his final tournament representing JOOLA Pickleball.
The Argentine expressed nothing but gratitude towards his now former sponsor.
“It’s been amazing to grow with them over the past two and a half years,” he said. “It’s kind of like a sad moment for me, but I love them and they’re always going to be kind of like part of my family. I only wish them the best for many years to come.”
Staksrud has not yet announced who he will sign with moving forward.
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