The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) recently held the 2024 Selkirk Red Rock Open in St. George, Utah, which is known for its challenging locale and limited amenities. In the past, some players have criticized the event for these reasons, leading to some interesting results and incidents. Last year, Tyson McGuffin had a controversial tournament, winning singles and men’s doubles but facing paddle challenges due to the ongoing “delamination-gate” on the tour. The PPA decided to eliminate paddle challenges, which had been a source of constant bickering among players.
The Men’s Pro Singles draw saw Federico Staksrud emerge as the #1 ranked player on tour, defeating top players on his way to his 9th straight Men’s Pro Singles gold medal match. In the final, he faced Jack Sock, who made a strong return to the tour after missing recent events. The Women’s Pro Singles draw featured early upsets but ultimately saw Mary Brascia claim her first PPA gold medal by defeating Lea Jansen in a back-and-forth battle.
The Mixed Pro Doubles final saw Ben Johns & Etta Wright take on Anna Bright & James Ignatowich in a match that featured several high-profile upsets. Despite the challenging pathway, Johns & Wright emerged victorious to claim the gold. In the Men’s Pro Doubles draw, Andrei Daescu & Gabriel Tardio shocked the #1 Johns brothers in a thrilling semifinal match, ultimately winning the title. The Women’s Pro Doubles final saw Lea Jansen & Tina Pisnik defeat Anna Bright & Callie Smith to claim gold.
The Pro Pickleball Medal Tracker has been updated with these results, showcasing the history of pro events and tours. Looking ahead, the PPA will have its second Grand Slam of the year in Atlanta after a break in the schedule. With the tour continuing to attract top talent and deliver exciting matches, fans can expect more thrilling pickleball action in the coming weeks.
