PPA Red Rock Open:

The PPA Red Rock Open was full of excitement as new partnerships shook the draws. Additionally, players faced challenges with the higher altitude as well as windy conditions. The tournament followed the exciting announcement that Federico Staksrud had taken over as the #1 ranked player in Men’s Singles.

Men's Singles:

Federico Staksrud solidified his position as the #1 ranked singles player by effortlessly navigating through the draw. Showcasing his dominance, Staksrud advanced to Championship Sunday without conceding a single game. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the bracket, Jack Sock emerged victorious over Christian Alshon to secure his place in the finals. In a thrilling championship showdown, Staksrud emerged triumphant over Sock, prevailing in a gripping three-game battle with scores of 11-3, 2-11, 11-7.

Men's Doubles:

After a remarkable streak of three consecutive gold medal wins, Ben and Collin Johns faced an unexpected challenge in Men’s Doubles. Gabe Tardio and Andrei Daescu, for the second time this year, thwarted Johns/Johns in the semifinals. Tardio and Daescu proceeded to the finals, where they encountered JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier. Despite their valiant efforts, Tardio and Daescu succumbed in straight games with scores of 11-13, 1-11, 9-11. Meanwhile, Tyson McGuffin and Dekel Bar, who had suffered defeat in the semifinals against Johnson/Frazier, secured the bronze medal.

Mixed Doubles:

The mixed doubles event at the PPA Red Rock Open witnessed the dynamic return of Ben Johns partnering with Etta Wright, securing the coveted one-seed position. With James Ignatowich's comeback from injury, Anna Bright resumed her customary partnership with him. In the semifinals, Johns/Wright displayed their prowess by convincingly defeating Connor Garnett and Alix Truong with scores of 11-3, 11-5. Meanwhile, Bright/Ignatowich advanced to the finals after a hard-fought victory over Martina Frantova and Andrei Daescu. In a thrilling finals showdown, Johns/Wright showcased their resilience by staging a remarkable comeback after dropping the first game 12-14. Johns/Wright were able to clinch the next three games, securing the gold medal. 

Women’s Doubles:

In Women’s Doubles at the PPA Red Rock Open, fresh pairings emerged to claim top honors on the podium. Anna Bright joined forces with Utah native Callie Smith to secure the coveted one-seed position. Their journey to the finals was relatively unchallenged until they faced a tough match-up against Tyra Black and Allyce Jones, which stretched into three intense games. However, Bright/Smith emerged victorious in the semifinals, earning their spot in Championship Sunday. On the opposing side of the draw, Lea Jansen and Tina Pisnik displayed formidable prowess, advancing to the finals without dropping a single game. The championship showdown proved to be one-sided as Jansen/Pisnik dominated Bright/Smith in straight games with scores of 11-1, 11-7, 11-7.

Women's Singles:

Lea Jansen showcased her singles skill and experience at the PPA Red Rock Open. As the two-seed, Jansen cruised past her semifinal match-up against Jorja Johnson, 11-4, 11-0. In the finals, she faced Mary Brascia, who proved to be too good as she got the best of Jansen 7-11, 11-4, 11-9.

Up Next:

Following the PPA Red Rock Open, the PPA Tour will return to Atlanta, Georgia for the PPA Atlanta Open. This will follow the first Major League Pickleball tournament of the year.

Medal List:

Federico Staksrud: Gold - Men's Singles

Ben Johns: Gold - Mixed Doubles

Anna Bright: Silver - Women's Doubles, Silver - Mixed Doubles

Etta Wright: Gold - Mixed Doubles

Lea Jansen: Silver - Women's Singles, Gold - Women's Doubles

Tyson McGuffin: Bronze - Men's Doubles

Dekel Bar: Bronze - Men's Doubles

Equipment List:

Federico Stakrsud – Ben Johns Gen 3 Perseus 14

Ben Johns – Ben Johns Gen 3 Perseus 16

Anna Bright – Anna Bright Gen 3 Scorpeus 14

Etta Wright – Ben Johns Gen 3 Perseus 16

Lea Jansen – Ben Johns Gen 3 Perseus 14

Tyson McGuffin – Tyson McGuffin Magnus 16

Dekel Bar – Ben Johns Gen 3 Perseus 14

Collin Johns – Collin Johns Gen 3 Scorpeus 16