Hunter Johnson Claims Men’s Singles Gold: In a thrilling final at the Veolia Milwaukee Open, Hunter Johnson claimed his second career PPA title with an 11-4, 0-11, 11-3 win over top-seeded Federico Staksrud. The victory not only marked a career milestone for Johnson, but it was also sweet revenge after Staksrud had bested him at the 2024 Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships just a week earlier.
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A Match of Shifting Momentum
The match played on Humana Championship Court, was a dramatic show of resilience and skill. The opening game saw Johnson capitalize on Staksrud’s early mistakes, claiming the first set 11-4.
But Staksrud, the top seed and a formidable opponent, quickly responded, taking the second set with a dominant 11-0 scoreline. The match was a pendulum swinging from one side to the other, with both players alternating between moments of brilliance and lapses in focus.
But it was Johnson who would pull ahead in the decisive third game, displaying a level of play that left little doubt as to his determination. The final 11-3 scoreline in the third set reflected his ability to raise his game when it mattered most, sealing a memorable win.
A Sweet Revenge
For Johnson, this victory meant much more than just another title. The 2024 season has been a journey of steady growth and perseverance, and avenging his Worlds loss to Staksrud provided a sense of personal satisfaction.
“Fed got me the last time we played in the semis in Dallas, so I wanted my revenge. We’re good friends off the court, so we know it’s always gonna be a battle when we play.” – (Hunter Johnson)
Johnson’s Impressive Rise
This win caps off a season of remarkable progress for the former tennis pro. Early in the year, Johnson struggled with tough draws as a low seed, losing eight consecutive second-round matches. However, he remained focused and dedicated to improvement.
“It’s been a lot of hard work. I started off the year losing eight second-round matches in a row, but I knew that if I could just continue to get some confidence and keep building that things would hopefully turn around.” – (Hunter Johnson)
With this gold medal in Milwaukee, it’s clear those efforts have paid off.
The Road Ahead
As Johnson and Staksrud are now set to compete in the CIBC PPA Tour Finals from Dec. 4-8 in San Clemente, California, the rivalry between the two seems to continue. Both have earned spots in the prestigious event, and with the way their paths have crossed this season, fans can expect yet another chapter in their ongoing battle.
News in Brief: Hunter Johnson Claims Men’s Singles Gold
Hunter Johnson defeated Federico Staksrud 11-4, 0-11, 11-3 to win the men’s singles gold at the 2024 Veolia Milwaukee Open. The victory marked Johnson’s second PPA title and avenged his loss to Staksrud at the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships. Johnson, who had a challenging start to the year, reflected on his growth as he heads into the CIBC PPA Tour Finals in December.
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