Gabe Tardio’s Post-Match Fluster Adds Charm to PPA Vegas Win: In the bustling arena of the PPA Tour’s Las Vegas Pickleball Cup, 18-year-old Gabe Tardio’s post-match interview was a highlight that brought a touch of levity to an otherwise intense event. Just minutes after clinching his second consecutive men’s doubles gold medal alongside partner Andrei Daescu, Tardio found himself momentarily flustered as he faced the media.
A Humble Start
The victory was fresh, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. When PickleballTV’s Hannah Johns asked, “Well, there are some new kids on the block. Back-to-back titles. What’s come together for the two of you?” Tardio’s response was initially a bit hesitant. “Yeah, I think uh… I think our main uh… Hang on, you’ve got to repeat the question. I’m lost right now,” he said, eliciting chuckles from Daescu and the audience.
Reflecting on Success
Tardio’s fluster was understandable given the significance of the win. The young athlete had just achieved back-to-back titles, a testament to his hard work and dedication. His success wasn’t limited to Las Vegas; he also secured three gender doubles gold medals in his last four tournaments.
These victories included wins in Salt Lake City with Daescu and alongside Federico Staksrud in Kansas City. Additionally, Tardio captured a mixed doubles title with Jessie Irvine in Salt Lake City, defeating the formidable pair of Anna Bright and James Ignatowich.
From Bolivia to Glory
Tardio’s rise in pickleball is particularly remarkable considering his relatively short time in the sport. “It’s funny because I started playing in Bolivia. My grandfather had a court there. I don’t know how he found pickleball,” Tardio shared. “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.” His journey from a court in Bolivia to dominating the pickleball scene in the U.S. is a testament to his passion and adaptability.
The Road Ahead
Despite his youth, Tardio’s achievements suggest a bright future ahead. As Johns noted with a smile, “And it’s worked out pretty well, huh?” Indeed, it has. The young star’s blend of humility and skill is making waves in the pickleball world, and fans can look forward to watching his continued success.
News in Brief: Gabe Tardio’s Post-Match Fluster Adds Charm to PPA Vegas Win
At the PPA Tour’s Las Vegas Pickleball Cup, 18-year-old Gabe Tardio, with partner Andrei Daescu, won his second consecutive men’s doubles gold medal. Despite a brief moment of fluster during his post-match interview, Tardio’s recent achievements, including three gender doubles golds and a mixed doubles title, highlight his impressive rise in the sport.
Tardio’s journey from playing in Bolivia to becoming a top competitor in the U.S. is a testament to his dedication and talent.
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