Dave Bacalla Shocks Hayden Patriquin: As the Las Vegas Pickleball Cup kicked off at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the first day was marked by intense matches and unexpected outcomes. Among the highlights was an impressive upset in the men’s singles category, where the No. 50 seed, Dave Bacalla, took down the No. 15 seed, Hayden Patriquin, in a thrilling three-game battle.
A Rollercoaster Start
Bacalla, who came into the tournament as a lower-seeded player, started strong, quickly establishing a 7-1 lead in the opening game. However, Patriquin, a more seasoned competitor, responded with a remarkable comeback, scoring ten consecutive points to claim the first game 11-7. The momentum seemed to be on Patriquin’s side, but Bacalla remained undeterred.
“He came back strong, but I knew I had to stay focused,” Bacalla reflected on his mindset after the first game.
Fighting Back to Even the Match
Refusing to let the first game slip affect his performance, Bacalla regrouped and came back with a determined effort in Game 2. His consistent play and tactical adjustments paid off as he secured the game 11-7, leveling the match and forcing a decisive third game.
A Nail-Biting Decider
The final game was a tense affair, with both players refusing to give an inch. The score remained locked at 8-8 for six consecutive side-outs, highlighting the evenly matched nature of the contest. Bacalla, sensing the importance of the moment, called a timeout to regroup. The brief pause proved effective, as he returned to the court with renewed energy, quickly scoring two crucial points.
With the match on the line, Bacalla remained composed, finally sealing the victory on his fourth match point. It was a win that marked a significant milestone in his burgeoning pickleball career.
A Newcomer’s Big Moment
For Bacalla, who was introduced to pickleball just last year by his wife, Danielle, the victory was a major confidence boost as he continues to rise through the professional ranks. A former tennis standout at Valparaiso University, Bacalla transitioned to pickleball in 2023, and his decision to pursue a pro career is already yielding results.
“It’s a really, really big win for me. I’m still new to the sport, but it’s a big win for my confidence moving forward.” – (Bacalla)
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Bacalla advances to the Round of 32, where he will face No. 19 seed Gabriel Tardio on Wednesday. As he continues his journey in the Las Vegas Pickleball Cup, all eyes will be on whether he can carry this momentum forward and pull off another upset.
News in Brief: Dave Bacalla Shocks Hayden Patriquin
Day 1 of the Las Vegas Pickleball Cup saw a major upset as No. 50 seed Dave Bacalla defeated No. 15 seed Hayden Patriquin in men’s singles. Bacalla started strong, but after losing the first game 7-11, he rebounded to win the next two games 11-7, 11-8.
The deciding game was intensely close, with both players tied at 8-8 through six side-outs. Bacalla secured the win after a timeout, marking a significant moment in his young pickleball career. He will face No. 19 seed Gabriel Tardio in the Round of 32 on Wednesday.
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