Matt Wright Pickleball Fundamentals Victory: Matt Wright, 48, proved that strong fundamentals still win at the highest level of pickleball, reaching the men’s doubles final at the PPA Tour Bristol Open with partner Jaume Martinez Vich. The pair defeated top teams before falling to Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio in Sunday’s championship match.
A Run Built on Consistency
In the quarterfinals, Wright and Martinez Vich upset No. 2 seeds Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin. They followed with a semifinal win over No. 11 seeds Tyson McGuffin and Max Freeman. Though they lost in the final, Wright’s performance stood out for its control and precision.
Ben Johns praised Wright’s effort, saying,
“It’s truly impressive. I’ve played him for many years — he’s an awesome player and an awesome guy — so it was just really fun to see him in another final. I hope to see him in some more, and I hope I’m still moving that well at 48.”
Career Achievements and Adaptability
Wright has been a pro for nine years and holds 73 career medals on the PPA Tour, ranking No. 8 all-time. He trails only Anna Bright, Riley Newman, JW Johnson, Tyson McGuffin, Catherine Parenteau, Anna Leigh Waters, and Ben Johns.
Over his career, Wright has adapted to major changes in pickleball, from paddle technology to new strategies. Even when the ball was switched this week from the Vulcan to the LifeTime LT Pro 48, Wright adjusted without issue.
A Different Approach in a Fast-Changing Game
While many pros rely on aggressive serves, speedups, and complex shot combinations, Wright focused on steady third-shot drops, precise dinks, and quick hand exchanges at the net. His style showed that accuracy and patience can still succeed against younger, more athletic opponents.
Lasting Lesson for Players
Wright’s performance is a reminder that success doesn’t always require flashy shots or constant innovation. Playing smart, reaching the kitchen line first, and limiting mistakes remain winning strategies at every level.
News in Brief: Matt Wright Pickleball Fundamentals Victory
Matt Wright reached the men’s doubles final at the PPA Tour Bristol Open with Jaume Martinez Vich, upsetting top-seeded teams along the way. Known for his steady, fundamentals-based style, Wright proved that consistent play can still compete with the game’s most aggressive strategies.
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