PPA Tour’s 2024 Highlights: The PPA Tour in 2024 has already seen a flurry of thrilling action across its seven major tournaments held from January through June. These events, featuring top professional pickleball players, have not only provided exciting competition but also showcased the sport’s growing prominence.
Highlight Events
Among the standout events of the season, the Select Medical Orange County Cup held in June and the Carvana PPA Tour Pickle ‘n Pucks Pro-Am in Aspen have captivated audiences with their competitive fervor and festive atmospheres. Notably, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas will host the exclusive PPA Tour Las Vegas Pickleball Cup later this year, promising high stakes and intense matchups.
Adding to the excitement, the PPA Tour has introduced a Junior PPA Tour, featuring its own tournament schedule in 2024, aimed at nurturing young talent and expanding the sport’s footprint among the next generation of players. Registration for these junior events is now open, offering budding athletes a platform to shine.
PPA Tour’s 2024 First Half Top Plays
The PPA Tour has been ablaze with thrilling matches and unforgettable moments in the first half of 2024. From jaw-dropping shots to historic victories, here are the top plays that have defined the season so far.
Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters’ Dominance
At the Masters, Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters showcased their prowess with a spectacular point against Lauren Stratman and Julian Arnold, setting the stage for their impressive run in mixed doubles. Their partnership has yielded seven titles on the PPA Tour, marking them as a force to be reckoned with.
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In a standout moment at the Masters, Catherine Parenteau stunned with an ATP against Hurricane Tyra Black and Lea Jansen, a pivotal play in her and Anna Leigh Waters’ victory. The duo has dominated women’s doubles, clinching gold an impressive seven times this year, with only one loss marring their stellar record.
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Federico Staksrud’s Gritty Performance
Federico Staksrud’s tenacity was on full display at the PPA Desert Ridge, where he hustled his way to victory against Jaume Martinez Vich. Staksrud’s consistency in men’s singles has been remarkable, medaling in every tournament and securing five golds out of twelve stops on the tour.
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James Ignatowich’s Highlight Reel Play
James Ignatowich made waves with his first backhanded no-look flip ATP at the PPA Desert Ridge, earning a spot in the SportsCenter Top 10. His partnership with Anna Bright has been formidable, claiming four silver medals throughout the season, showcasing their dynamic play.
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Gabe Tardio and Andrei Daescu’s Upset
Gabe Tardio and Andrei Daescu made headlines by defeating the Johns brothers in Mesa and later again at the PPA Red Rock Open. Their journey to consecutive silver medals has underscored their resilience and skill in the competitive arena.
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Jack Sock’s Forehand ATP Marvel
Jack Sock wowed spectators at the Indoor Championships with a rare forehand ATP from an unconventional angle in mixed doubles alongside Catherine Parenteau. Despite mixed results, Sock’s standout performances in singles have earned him two medals so far this season.
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Robert Slutsky’s Diving ATP Heroics
Newcomer Robert Slutsky left a lasting impression at the Fanatics North Carolina Cup with a breathtaking diving ATP against Yates Johnson. His athleticism and determination have quickly made him a name to watch on the tour.
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Connor Garnett’s Breakthrough Moment
Connor Garnett delivered a gutsy performance at the Veolia LA Open, outpacing Federico Staksrud with an ATP winner in a hard-fought singles match. Garnett’s victory marked his first gold medal on the PPA Tour, highlighting his speed and strategic prowess.
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Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters’ Defensive Mastery
Known for their offensive prowess, Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters showcased world-class defense at the Vizzy Atlanta Slam, triumphing over Etta Wright and Meghan Dizon en route to another tournament victory.
This just might be the best defensive point we’ve EVER seen! 👀 @AnnaLeighWaters @CP_Pickleball pic.twitter.com/MIGob4ExXw
— Carvana PPA Tour (@PPAtour) May 18, 2024
James Ignatowich’s Signature Move
James Ignatowich continued to dazzle with another backhanded no-look flip ATP, this time against the Johnson twins at the Select Medical Orange County Cup. His innovative shot-making has cemented his reputation as a trendsetter on the tour.
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Looking Forward
As the PPA Tour moves into the second half of 2024, the season has already been defined by thrilling matches and memorable moments. These events not only demonstrate the sport’s growth but also highlight the exceptional talent driving its evolution. With more exciting matches and emerging stars anticipated, pickleball enthusiasts can eagerly await further excitement and unforgettable performances on the court.
Stay tuned for updates as the season progresses, promising more action and achievements in the dynamic world of professional pickleball.
News in Brief: PPA Tour’s 2024 Highlights
The PPA Tour’s 2024 season has ignited thrilling competition across its major tournaments from January to June. Events like the Select Medical Orange County Cup and Carvana PPA Tour Pickle ‘n Pucks Pro-Am have dazzled fans with intense matchups and festive atmospheres. Looking ahead, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas will host the upcoming Las Vegas Pickleball Cup, promising high stakes and fierce contests.
A highlight of the season has been the introduction of the Junior PPA Tour, nurturing young talent and expanding pickleball’s reach among the next generation. Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters have dominated in mixed doubles, while Catherine Parenteau and Federico Staksrud have showcased exceptional performances in women’s and men’s singles, respectively. As the tour progresses, expect more thrilling matches and rising stars shaping the future of professional pickleball.
ALSO READ: Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns Claimed Mixed Doubles Gold At Life Time Rancho
