David Bieger Pickleball Upset Victory: David Bieger delivered one of the biggest surprises of the PPA Bristol Open on Thursday, defeating Tyson McGuffin in a pro singles match on center court. The #59 seed’s victory came just miles from his hometown, making the upset even more special for the local favorite.
A Breakthrough Performance
David Bieger, with a DUPR rating of 6.025, overcame the odds to beat one of pickleball’s most well-known players. At 22 years old, Bieger showed confidence and composure against Tyson McGuffin, a top-ranked pro. The match drew a supportive crowd, including his friends and family, who cheered every point.
“I was just trying to stick to my game,”
David Bieger said after the match.
“Go for my serves, even though I missed a few, it’s important to stay aggressive and keep the targets big. Not aiming too close to the line. Not giving him any freebies. Making him earn every point.”
From College Champion to Professional Stage
David Bieger’s journey to this moment began at the University of Virginia, where he played collegiate pickleball and helped lead his team to the 2023 DUPR Collegiate National Championship title. That victory earned his team $15,000 and was called “the greatest upset in collegiate pickleball history” by commentator and former Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel.
Just 18 months ago, David Bieger entered the first DUPR Collegiate National Championship with a provisional rating of 3.92. Since then, he has improved dramatically, proving himself against elite professional players. At UVA, he also earned runner-up finishes in singles and mixed doubles (with Lauralei Singsank) at the 2024 DUPR Collegiate Individual National Championships.
A Win That Resonates
The win over Tyson McGuffin highlighted how collegiate pickleball is becoming a stepping stone to the pro level. David Bieger acknowledged how special the moment was, especially competing so close to home.
“Oh, it’s incredibly special,”. “I’m grateful to the PPA for putting me on center court and having my friends and family here. For a small town like Bristol to host a PPA event, it’s truly an honor.”(David Bieger )
David Bieger’s rapid climb — from a 3.92 rating to defeating one of the sport’s biggest stars — signals that his professional career is just beginning. Many will be watching to see how far he can go in the tournament and beyond.
News in Brief: David Bieger Pickleball Upset Victory
David Bieger, the #59 seed with a DUPR rating of 6.025, upset Tyson McGuffin in the PPA Bristol Open pro singles on Thursday. Playing near his hometown, the 22-year-old former University of Virginia collegiate champion impressed the crowd and proved himself as a rising star in professional pickleball.