Daytona Beach Open Crowns Federico Staksrud: Federico Staksrud won at the 2024 Daytona Beach Open, winning the singles gold medal and extending his record-breaking streak of 25 consecutive tournament medals. The event at Pictona in Holly Hill, Florida was marked by surprising upsets and breakout performances, including a stunning run by 20-year-old Zane Ford.
Despite many top players sitting out, the tournament delivered excitement, with Staksrud showcasing his dominance and Ford making a name for himself as a rising star in the sport.
Breakout Performances Highlight Tournament
The absence of most top 10 singles players opened the door for new faces to shine. Six players seeded 20th or higher reached the round of 16, and half of the top eight seeds were eliminated before the quarterfinals.
Zane Ford, the No. 21 seed, stole the spotlight with wins over three top-10 players, including Whittaker, Goldin, and Hewett. Ford advanced to the final after defeating No. 2 seed Michael Loyd in a thrilling semifinal match that ended 12-10 in the third game. This run marked the best result of Ford’s young career, surpassing his silver medal finish on the APP tour in May.
Staksrud’s Record-Breaking Streak
Federico Staksrud, the No. 1 seed, continued his dominant form throughout the tournament. He defeated Kazijevs, DJ Young, Brown, and Alhouni on his way to the final. By reaching the gold medal match, Staksrud secured his place in pickleball history, earning medals in all 25 PPA events this season and breaking Ben Johns’ record for consecutive tournaments with a medal.
Staksrud faced Ford in the final and ended the young player’s dream run with a decisive victory. His performance solidified his reputation as one of the most consistent players in the sport.
New Talent Emerges
The Daytona Beach Open also highlighted emerging talent, including Jordan Chrysostom, who upset No. 3 seed Shick in the first round. Chrysostom’s athleticism has gained attention on social media, further showcasing the depth of talent in professional pickleball.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Zane Ford’s silver medal performance has established him as a player to watch in 2025. Meanwhile, Staksrud’s continued success sets a high bar for the competition.
The tournament not only wrapped up the 2024 PPA season but also hinted at exciting developments for the year ahead, with new stars rising and records being rewritten.
News in Brief: Daytona Beach Open Crowns Federico Staksrud
Federico Staksrud won gold at the 2024 Daytona Beach Open, extending his record-breaking streak of 25 consecutive medals. The tournament showcased emerging talent, with Zane Ford, a No. 21 seed, stunning top players to claim silver. The event highlighted new stars, setting the stage for an exciting 2025 pickleball season.
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