PPA Mid Season Report: As we hit the mid-season mark in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tour, the action has been electrifying. Here’s a look at standout statistics and facts that capture the highlights and occasional quirks of the season so far.
Dialed-In Dinks: A Rare Precision
Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin demonstrated an extraordinary level of precision at the Sacramento Open, playing a Doubles final without hitting a single dink into the net or out of bounds. Such flawless play is a rare achievement; it was accomplished just twice last year.
Unblemished Performance
In a remarkable display of accuracy, Ben Johns and Collin Johns played a Men’s Doubles final at the Houston Open without a single ball going “out” on a serve, return, or third shot. This pristine performance was mirrored in another final, emphasizing their consistency throughout the season.
Blunt Force Trauma: Quick and Efficient Finals
Several Doubles finals have featured rapid rallies, with each rally lasting fewer than 30 shots, and the total shots in the match falling under 1,000. Noteworthy examples include the Mixed Doubles final at the Masters, where Waters & Johns defeated Bright & Ignatowich, and the Women’s final at the North Carolina Cup, where Parenteau & Waters triumphed over David & Schneemann.
Fundamentals: Perfection in Doubles
In three standout Doubles finals, players showcased fundamental perfection by avoiding errors on serves, returns, third shots, and dinks. This includes Anna Leigh Waters at the North Carolina Cup in Mixed Doubles, Collin Johns at the Houston Open in Men’s Doubles, and Federico Staksrud at the Sacramento Open in Men’s Doubles.
Versatility: Staksrud’s Achievements
Federico Staksrud has displayed impressive versatility this season. His five singles titles have come against five different opponents, and his nine career titles have been earned against nine different players, underscoring his adaptability and skill in various matchups.
A Historic Run: Johns’ Unprecedented Streak
Ben Johns experienced a historic streak of five consecutive tournaments where he played in Men’s Doubles but did not advance to a final. This period marks a significant deviation from his usual dominant performance and has been a notable storyline of the season.
The 11-0 Phenomenon
The 11-0 scoreline made nine appearances in Singles and Doubles finals this season. A particularly dramatic instance occurred in the Men’s Doubles final in Houston, where the Johns brothers “pickled” Staksrud and Tellez in Game One and went on to win Game Two. Despite trailing in Game Three, they made a remarkable comeback with eleven unanswered points.
Deliberate Play: The Most Strategic Final
The Red Rock Open’s Women’s Doubles final between Lea Jansen and Tina Pisnik and Anna Bright and Calie Smith exemplified deliberate play. With an average of 14.5 shots per rally and over a quarter of the rallies extending to 20 shots or more, it showcased endurance and strategic depth in the match.
Clean Winners, Singles: Jansen’s Precision
Lea Jansen’s performance at the Red Rock Open was notable for its cleanliness. She recorded the most clean winners (24) in a singles final, hitting with precision and avoiding interference from the net or opponent’s paddle.
Clean Winners, Doubles: Johns’ Mastery
Ben Johns excelled in Doubles play at the Masters, where he achieved the most clean winners (25) in a Doubles final. His ability to strike without the ball touching the net or the opponent’s paddle highlighted his exceptional skill and accuracy.
Longest Rally in a Final: An Endurance Test
The Los Angeles Open Men’s Doubles final featured the longest rally of the season, stretching an impressive 85 shots. This exchange highlighted the physical and mental endurance required at the highest level of pickleball.
As the season unfolds, these statistics not only celebrate individual and team achievements but also reflect the evolving nature of pickleball. With each tournament, players continue to push the boundaries of excellence, making the PPA tour an exciting spectacle for fans and a testament to the sport’s growing sophistication.
News in Brief: PPA Mid Season Report
Mid-season in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tour has showcased thrilling moments and standout statistics. Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin achieved flawless precision at the Sacramento Open with no dinks into the net or out of bounds. Ben and Collin Johns displayed unblemished accuracy in Men’s Doubles at the Houston Open. The season has seen rapid finals, such as the Masters Mixed Doubles, with rallies under 30 shots.
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