Tyson McGuffin and Gabriel Tardio secured the Men’s Doubles title at the Australia Pickleball Open in Melbourne on February 2, 2025. The duo overcame Quang Duong and CJ Klinger in a five-game battle, winning 4-11, 12-10, 6-11, 11-8, 11-9.
A Hard-Fought Victory
The win marked Tardio’s fifth Men’s Doubles title since August and McGuffin’s first since his Triple Crown at the Tournament of Champions in 2023. Despite losing eight-game points in Game Two, McGuffin and Tardio fought back to force a decisive fifth game.
The match was a test of endurance, featuring 203 rallies, with 42% extending beyond 10 shots. The longest rally reached 39 shots, showcasing the players’ defensive resilience and shot-making ability.
Key Statistics
All four competitors recorded at least 10 clean winners, a rare feat last seen in a Men’s Doubles final in August 2023. McGuffin and Tardio played a balanced offensive game, executing 55 third-shot drops and 40 drives, while their opponents split their third shots with 44 drops and 49 drives.
Duong’s aggressive strategy was notable—he attempted zero third-shot drops, instead favoring 38 drives. Klinger, in contrast, leaned on precision, completing 44 third-shot drops.
Tactical Play and Momentum Swings
McGuffin and Tardio initiated 44 speed-ups, winning 54% of those exchanges. Duong and Klinger were slightly less effective, with a 47% success rate on speed-ups.
McGuffin led the match in highlight-reel plays with three ATPs and four Ernes, while Klinger delivered three Ernes of his own and defended two ATPs.
Dinking consistency was also a factor, with Duong making nine unforced dink errors, the most of any player. McGuffin had the most volleys into the net (9), but his team capitalized on crucial points, winning three out of 14 game points, while Duong and Klinger won only two.
Impact and Reactions
The victory extends Tardio’s dominance in Men’s Doubles, reinforcing his rapid rise in the sport. McGuffin’s return to the winner’s circle adds to his career.
With intense rallies, high-risk plays, and shifting momentum, this final was a testament to the growing competitive level of professional pickleball. Fans can expect more thrilling battles as the sport continues to evolve on the global stage.
News in Brief: Tyson McGuffin and Gabriel Tardio
Tyson McGuffin and Gabriel Tardio captured the Men’s Doubles title at the 2025 Australia Pickleball Open, defeating Quang Duong and CJ Klinger in a five-game thriller.
The match saw 203 rallies, intense shot-making, and strategic play. Tardio secured his fifth title since August, while McGuffin returned to the winner’s circle after his 2023 Triple Crown win.