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 elevate their game. One standout moment from 2024’s top plays is the intense rally in the Men’s Doubles Round of 64 at the Veolia Austin Open, where Collin Shick and Jack Sock defeated Marcel Chan and Phuc Huynh 11-7, 11-4. This match, part of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, showcases the speed, strategy, and athleticism that make pickleball so engaging.

For UK players in Leeds or Southampton, analysing this encounter can refine your doubles play, especially 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 backgrounds on the players, 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 growing appeal and what it means for the UK’s expanding pickleball community, with tips tailored to local court conditions.

The Veolia Austin Open: Tournament Overview

The Veolia Austin Open, held in Austin, Texas in March 2024 as part of the PPA Tour, is a premier event showcasing top professionals in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. This tournament drew significant attention for its competitive brackets and dynamic plays, including the thrilling Round of 64 men’s doubles match between Shick/Sock and Chan/Huynh. The event highlights pickleball’s professional level, with substantial prizes, rankings, and global viewership via platforms like Selkirk TV and PPA streams, inspiring UK players to practice on local courts. The final score of 11-7, 11-4 in favour of Shick and Sock, the #19 seeds, over the #43 seeds Chan and Huynh demonstrated their dominance in a match filled with long rallies and defensive prowess. This encounter, featured in the 2024 Top 10 Plays, exemplifies why pickleball is gaining traction in the UK, where clubs are expanding rapidly 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 Austin Open’s outdoor setting, with its warm Texas climate, contrasts with the UK’s often damp conditions. However, the strategic elements such as kitchen play, spin, and stacking, translate directly to British courts (see our wet weather tips). The match’s intensity, with rallies showcasing speed-ups and defensive saves, offers lessons for UK players aiming to compete in local leagues or national tournaments. The tournament also featured other notable performances, such as upsets in mixed doubles and standout singles matches, adding to its prestige and relevance for UK enthusiasts looking to emulate professional strategies.

Background on Collin Shick

Collin Shick, a rising pickleball professional from the US, has made waves since transitioning to the sport in 2021. At 27 years old, Shick’s background in collegiate tennis at Auburn University provides a strong foundation for his pickleball success. Known for his agility and powerful forehand, Shick has earned multiple PPA medals, including silvers and bronzes in men’s doubles with partners like Jack Sock. His 15-14 record in 2024, with a 51% win percentage, reflects his competitive edge. For UK players, Shick’s journey from tennis to pickleball highlights how racket sport skills can translate, especially with a paddle like the Volleyer T700, which offers a tennis-like grip for comfortable handling (see our grips guide). His practice routines, focusing on endurance and spin-heavy shots, inspire beginners in Manchester clubs to build consistent habits through dedicated practice.

Shick’s partnership with Sock in 2024, including their Austin Open win, showcases his ability to complement a high-profile partner. His aggressive net play and quick reflexes, seen in the match’s highlight rally, make him a role model for UK players aiming to dominate the kitchen. Shick’s involvement in coaching and community events further enhances his influence, encouraging UK beginners to join local clubs and practice advanced techniques like stacking (see our stacking guide). His story resonates with the UK’s growing pickleball demographic, particularly those transitioning from tennis, as he demonstrates how dedication can lead to rapid improvement in a new sport.

Background on Jack Sock

Jack Sock, a former ATP tennis professional from the US, is a household name in pickleball since transitioning in 2023. At 32 years old, Sock’s tennis accolades, including four Grand Slam titles (doubles and mixed), bring a high-profile presence to the sport. His powerful serves and athleticism have translated seamlessly, earning him PPA medals, including golds in men’s doubles with Shick. Sock’s ranking in the top 20 and his SportsCenter-featured plays, like those in Austin, make him a standout. For UK players, Sock’s transition from tennis elite to pickleball star inspires those in Southampton clubs, where a carbon fibre pickleball paddle like the T700 enhances power for serves (see our spin guide).

Sock’s competitive spirit, honed on tennis courts, shines in pickleball’s fast-paced rallies. His partnership with Shick leverages his net dominance, as seen in their Austin Open victory. For UK tennis converts, Sock’s story highlights how a familiar grip and paddle weight (like the T700’s 8.4oz) can ease the switch. His practice routines, focusing on fitness and strategic positioning, encourage UK players to incorporate drills for endurance (see our drills guide). Sock’s charisma and media presence also boost pickleball’s visibility, inspiring UK communities to grow the sport.

Background on Marcel Chan

Marcel Chan, from Canada, is an emerging pickleball professional who began competing in 2022. With a background in recreational sports, Chan has quickly adapted to pickleball’s demands, focusing on consistency and defensive play. At 30 years old, he has competed in multiple PPA events, often partnering with Phuc Huynh in men’s doubles. While his medal count is growing, Chan’s resilience in matches like Austin shows his potential. For UK players, Chan’s journey as an international player encourages participation in multicultural clubs like those in London, where a lightweight paddle aids quick reactions.

Chan’s defensive style, seen in the match’s long rally, complements Huynh’s aggression, offering lessons for UK doubles players. His practice focus on footwork and positioning inspires beginners in Edinburgh to build fundamentals for long-term success.

Background on Phuc Huynh

Phuc Huynh, also from Canada, is a pickleball pro known for his aggressive style since starting in 2021. At 28 years old, Huynh’s athletic background in racquet sports fuels his powerful drives and serves, earning him PPA appearances and a growing reputation. His partnership with Chan in Austin showcased his net presence, though they fell short against Shick/Sock. For UK players in Cardiff, Huynh’s story highlights how dedication can elevate recreational players, encouraging the use of a spin-focused paddle like the T700 (see our spin guide).

Huynh’s practice routines emphasise power and spin, making him a model for UK players aiming to counter defensive opponents. His international perspective adds diversity to the sport, resonating with the UK’s inclusive pickleball community.

Breakdown of the Collin Shick & Jack Sock vs Marcel Chan & Phuc Huynh Match

The Men’s Doubles Round of 64 at the Veolia Austin Open in March 2024 was a straight-sets victory for Shick and Sock, defeating Chan and Huynh 11-7, 11-4. As the #19 seeds, Shick/Sock showcased superior strategy and athleticism against the #43 seeds. Game 1 was competitive, with Chan/Huynh’s defensive saves extending rallies, but Shick’s agility and Sock’s powerful overheads secured 11-7. Game 2 saw Shick/Sock dominate with precise dinks and speed-ups, closing 11-4. A highlight rally, featured in the 2024 Top 10 Plays, showcased insane defensive scrambling by both teams, with Shick’s cross-court dink and Sock’s ATP attempt stealing the show. For UK players, this match demonstrates kitchen strategy, where Shick/Sock’s dinks avoided momentum faults, a key skill for doubles (see our kitchen rules guide).

The match’s intensity, with rallies averaging 12 shots, highlights the importance of endurance and positioning. Shick/Sock’s use of stacking (see our stacking guide) allowed Sock’s forehand to dominate the middle, a tactic UK players can practice. Chan/Huynh’s defensive resilience, though outmatched, offers lessons in countering power with consistency, applicable on slick UK indoor courts. The match’s outdoor setting in Austin contrasts with the UK’s damp conditions, but the T700’s sweat-wicking grip ensures control (see our wet weather tips). This victory propelled Shick/Sock further in the tournament, reinforcing their status as a formidable pair.

Lessons for UK Players from This Match

UK pickleball enthusiasts can draw valuable lessons from Shick/Sock’s victory:

• Emphasise Spin and Control: Sock’s topspin drives countered Chan/Huynh’s defence; practice with a textured paddle like the T700 to replicate spin-heavy shots (see our spin guide). Try 20 topspin serves per session to master depth and placement.
• Master Momentum: Shick/Sock avoided kitchen faults with balanced footwork; practice short steps for net play to prevent errors (see our kitchen momentum guide). Drill 15 volleys outside the kitchen to build muscle memory.
• Adapt Grips: Use a Semi-Western grip for spin-heavy shots like Sock’s ATP attempts (see our grips guide). Practice switching grips during 10 rallies to improve versatility.
• Build Endurance: The match’s long rallies highlight fitness; incorporate high-intensity drills for stamina (see our drills guide). Run 3 sets of 20-shot rallies to simulate pro-level endurance.
• Strategic Dinking: Shick’s precise dinks controlled the kitchen; practice backspin dinks for low bounces, ideal for damp UK outdoor courts (see our kitchen rules guide). Aim for 20 dinks per session, targeting cross-court corners.

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 can 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 volleys and switches during stacking.
• Textured Surface: The carbon fibre face enhances spin for dinks and serves, crucial for emulating Shick/Sock’s strategy.
• Durability: Withstands wear on rough UK courts, saving costs for frequent players.
• 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 16mm core for control in dinks or 14mm for power in drives, 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 Collin Shick & Jack Sock vs Marcel Chan & Phuc Huynh at the Veolia Austin Open?
Shick and Sock won 11-7, 11-4 in the Men’s Doubles Round of 64.

Who is Collin Shick?
A US pro with a tennis background, known for agility and PPA medals in doubles.

Who is Jack Sock?
A former ATP tennis star turned pickleball pro, with powerful serves and a top 20 ranking.

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 practice tips with #VolleyerUK on social media. Whether you’re practising in a Bristol club or competing in a London tournament, pro matches like Shick/Sock vs Chan/Huynh offer inspiration for doubles play. Visit volleyer.co.uk to discover paddles and resources for UK players mastering pickleball in 2025.

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