Pickleball is captivating sports enthusiasts across the UK, from bustling courts in London to community clubs in Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow. With the sport growing at a 15% annual rate and over 10,000 UK players, highlights from professional matches provide invaluable insights for beginners (40% of the market) and advanced players aiming to sharpen their skills. One standout moment from 2024’s top plays is the thrilling rally in the Men’s Singles Semi-Finals at the Las Vegas Pickleball Cup, where Federico Staksrud defeated Jaume Martinez Vich 11-4, 7-11, 11-2. This match, part of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, showcases the endurance, precision, and strategy that make pickleball singles so compelling.

For UK players in Leeds or Southampton, analysing this encounter can elevate your singles game, particularly with a quality paddle like the Volleyer T700 carbon fibre pickleball paddle. As one of the best pickleball paddles in the UK, it offers spin and control for executing pro-level shots. In this guide, we’ll break down the match, provide detailed player backgrounds, and share practical lessons for UK players to incorporate professional techniques in 2025, from Cardiff to Edinburgh. For more on pickleball fundamentals, see our what is pickleball guide. We’ll also explore how this match reflects pickleball’s rising popularity and its implications for the UK’s growing pickleball community, with tips tailored to local court conditions.

The Las Vegas Pickleball Cup: Tournament Overview

The Las Vegas Pickleball Cup, held in Las Vegas, Nevada in August 2024 as part of the PPA Tour, is a premier event featuring top professionals in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. This tournament drew significant attention for its high-stakes matches and dynamic plays, including the intense semi-final clash between Federico Staksrud and Jaume Martinez Vich in men’s singles. The event underscores pickleball’s professional stature, with substantial prizes, rankings, and global viewership via platforms like Selkirk TV and PPA streams, inspiring UK players to practise on local courts. The final score of 11-4, 7-11, 11-2 in favour of Staksrud, the #1 seed, over Martinez Vich, the #8 seed, highlighted Staksrud’s dominance in a match marked by long rallies and strategic shot-making. This encounter, featured in the 2024 Top 10 Plays, exemplifies why pickleball is gaining traction in the UK, where clubs are expanding and events like the English Championships are drawing crowds.

The PPA Tour’s structure, with its point-based scoring and seeded draws, mirrors major tennis events, making it relatable for UK tennis converts (see our tennis to pickleball guide). The Las Vegas Cup’s outdoor setting, with its warm desert climate, contrasts with the UK’s often damp conditions. However the match’s strategic elements such as spin, court coverage, and endurance, translate directly to British courts (see our wet weather tips). The tournament also featured other notable moments, like upsets in mixed doubles and standout performances in women’s singles, adding to its prestige and relevance for UK enthusiasts seeking to emulate professional strategies.

Background on Federico Staksrud

Federico Staksrud, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1991, is a pickleball professional who transitioned from competitive tennis in 2018. At 34 years old, Staksrud is renowned for his consistency, defensive skills, and strategic play, earning multiple PPA titles and a top 5 global ranking. His 2024 season was exceptional, with a men’s singles gold at the Zimmer Biomet Masters (11-7, 11-2 over Martinez Vich) and a top performance at the Las Vegas Cup, where his forehand drives and endurance shone. Staksrud also excelled in doubles, notably with Matt Wright at the CIBC Atlanta Slam, where their defensive prowess was on display (see our Staksrud/Wright vs Johnson/Arnold blog)

For UK players, Staksrud’s journey from Argentina to the US tour highlights how international talent elevates pickleball, encouraging practice in multicultural clubs like those in London. A paddle like the Volleyer T700, with its tennis-like grip and carbon fibre face, helps replicate his topspin shots (see our grips guide).

Staksrud’s coaching experience in tennis translates to pickleball, where he emphasizes fundamentals like footwork and positioning. His defensive prowess, seen in the Las Vegas rally, makes him a role model for UK players aiming to counter aggressive opponents. Staksrud’s practice routines, focusing on endurance and spin-heavy shots, inspire beginners in Manchester clubs to build consistent habits through dedicated practise. His ability to manage energy, as noted in his post-match comments at the Masters, is a lesson for UK players competing in multi-event tournaments.

Background on Jaume Martinez Vich

Jaume Martinez Vich, from the US, is a rising pickleball professional who began competing in 2020. At 31 years old, Martinez Vich has a background in recreational sports, transitioning to pickleball with a focus on power and consistency. He holds a top 10 ranking, with a 6.844 DUPR in singles, and reached the finals of several 2024 PPA events, including the Zimmer Biomet Masters and the Las Vegas Cup. His strong performances, such as wins over Michael Loyd and Connor Garnett at the Masters, showcase his potential. For UK players in Southampton, Martinez Vich’s journey illustrates how dedication can elevate recreational players, encouraging the use of a spin-focused paddle like the T700 (see our spin guide).

Martinez Vich’s aggressive style, seen in the Las Vegas rally, complements his consistent baseline play, offering lessons for UK singles players. His practice routines emphasise power and spin, making him a model for players aiming to challenge top seeds. His multicultural background resonates with the UK’s diverse pickleball community, inspiring participation in clubs across Cardiff and beyond.

Breakdown of the Jaume Martinez Vich vs Federico Staksrud Match

The Men’s Singles Semi-Finals at the Las Vegas Pickleball Cup in August 2024 saw #1 seed Federico Staksrud defeat #8 seed Jaume Martinez Vich 11-4, 7-11, 11-2 in a competitive three-game match. Game 1 showcased Staksrud’s defensive mastery, with long rallies and precise forehand drives securing an 11-4 win. Martinez Vich fought back in Game 2, leveraging aggressive serves and baseline power to win 11-7, forcing a third game. In Game 3, Staksrud’s endurance and strategic shot placement overwhelmed Martinez Vich, closing 11-2. The highlight rally, featured in the 2024 Top 10 Plays, showcased Staksrud’s defensive scrambling and Martinez Vich’s powerful drives, with Staksrud’s cross-court topspin ending the point. For UK players, this match demonstrates the importance of endurance and spin in singles, where court coverage is critical (see our drills guide).

The match’s intensity, with rallies averaging 10-12 shots, highlights the physical demands of singles play. Staksrud’s ability to serve to Martinez Vich’s backhand, forcing slice returns, gave him an edge, a tactic UK players can practise. Martinez Vich’s resilience in Game 2 offers lessons in countering top seeds with aggressive play, applicable on slick UK indoor courts. The outdoor Las Vegas setting contrasts with the UK’s damp conditions, but the T700’s sweat-wicking grip ensures control (see our wet weather tips). This victory advanced Staksrud to the final, reinforcing his status as a top singles player, while Martinez Vich’s performance cemented his rising star status.

Lessons for UK Players from This Match

UK pickleball enthusiasts can draw valuable lessons from Staksrud’s victory:

• Emphasise Spin and Control: Staksrud’s topspin forehands countered Martinez Vich’s power; practise with a textured paddle like the T700 to replicate spin-heavy shots (see our spin guide). Aim for 20 topspin serves per session, targeting deep court corners for control.
• Master Court Coverage: Singles require extensive movement; practise side-to-side sprints to mimic Staksrud’s defensive scrambling (see our drills guide). Drill 15 baseline-to-net transitions to build endurance, ideal for indoor Leeds courts.
• Adapt Grips: Use a Semi-Western grip for spin-heavy drives like Staksrud’s (see our grips guide). Practise switching grips during 10 rallies to enhance versatility, crucial for singles play in UK tournaments.
• Build Endurance: The match’s long rallies highlight fitness; incorporate high-intensity drills for stamina. Run 3 sets of 20-shot rallies to simulate pro-level endurance, preparing for extended matches in London events.
• Strategic Shot Placement: Staksrud’s cross-court shots controlled rallies; practise targeting opponents’ backhands with 20 forehand drives per session, perfect for damp UK outdoor courts in Brighton.

For wet UK weather, use a durable paddle like the T700 to maintain grip and clean it regularly to preserve performance (see our cleaning guide). These lessons help UK players avoid common errors (see our mistakes guide) and transition smoothly from tennis if applicable.

Choosing the Right Paddle for UK Players

A high-quality paddle enhances pro-like play on UK courts. Look for:

• Lightweight Design: The T700’s 8.4oz (14mm) or 8.8oz (16mm) weight supports quick reactions for baseline coverage and serves.
• Textured Surface: The carbon fibre face enhances spin for topspin drives and serves, emulating Staksrud’s precision.
• Durability: Withstands wear on rough UK courts, saving costs for frequent players in Glasgow.
• USAPA Approved: Ensures compliance for tournaments like the English Championships.

The Volleyer T700 is a top choice, offering a large sweet spot for beginners and spin capabilities for advanced players, making it one of the best pickleball paddles in the UK. Choose a 14mm core for power in drives or 16mm for control in soft shots, depending on your style. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning after damp sessions, keeps it performing (see our cleaning guide).

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of Jaume Martinez Vich vs Federico Staksrud at the Las Vegas Pickleball Cup?
Federico Staksrud won 11-4, 7-11, 11-2 in the Men’s Singles Semi-Finals.

Who is Federico Staksrud?
An Argentine pro with a tennis background, known for defensive skills and top 5 ranking.

Who is Jaume Martinez Vich?
A US pro with a recreational sports background, renowned for power and top 10 ranking.

Where can I find a quality pickleball paddle in the UK?
Explore options like the Volleyer T700 at volleyer.co.uk with fast UK shipping.

Join the Volleyer Community

Pickleball is a community-driven sport, and we’re thrilled to support UK players from Edinburgh to Brighton. Share your match highlights or practise tips with #VolleyerUK on social media. Whether you’re practising in a Bristol club or competing in a London tournament, pro matches like Martinez Vich vs Staksrud offer inspiration for singles play. Visit volleyer.co.uk to discover paddles and resources for UK players mastering pickleball in 2025.

Ready to dominate the court like Staksrud? Shop Volleyer Now and explore the best pickleball paddles in the UK!