Pickleball is sweeping across the UK, turning courts in London, Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow into vibrant hubs for players of all levels. With the sport growing at a 15% annual rate and over 10,000 UK players, professional match highlights provide critical insights for beginners (40% of the market) and advanced competitors aiming to refine their skills. One electrifying moment from 2024’s top plays is the intense rally in the Men’s Doubles Quarter-Finals at the Las Vegas Pickleball Cup, where Federico Staksrud and Eric Rohrabacher defeated Hayden Patriquin and Lea Jansen 11-7, 9-11, 11-6. This match, part of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, showcases the speed, strategy, and teamwork that define elite pickleball doubles.

For UK players in Leeds or Southampton, analysing this encounter can elevate your doubles game, particularly with a quality paddle like the Volleyer T700 carbon fibre pickleball paddle (£64.79, down from £107.98). As one of the best pickleball paddles in the UK, it offers spin and control to execute 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. For another standout performance by Staksrud, see our Staksrud vs Martinez Vich guide.

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 thrilling quarter-final clash between Staksrud/Rohrabacher and Patriquin/Jansen in men’s doubles. 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 11-7, 9-11, 11-6 in favour of Staksrud and Rohrabacher, the #3 seeds, over Patriquin and Jansen, the #7 seeds, highlighted their strategic dominance in a match marked by intense 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 and events like the English Championships are drawing crowds.

The PPA Tour’s structure, with its point-based scoring (games to 11, win by 2) 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. But the match’s strategic elements such as kitchen play, spin, and stacking, translate directly to British courts (see our wet weather tips). The tournament also featured other notable moments, such as Federico Staksrud’s singles semi-final win over Jaume Martinez Vich, 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 standout singles performance at the Las Vegas Cup (see our Staksrud vs Martinez Vich blog). His doubles prowess with partners like Eric Rohrabacher shone in Las Vegas, showcasing his versatility. For UK players, Staksrud’s journey from Argentina to the US tour highlights how international talent elevates pickleball, encouraging practise 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 practise 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 Eric Rohrabacher

Eric Rohrabacher, from the US, is a rising pickleball pro who began competing in 2020. At 29 years old, Rohrabacher’s background in recreational sports fuels his aggressive style, with powerful drives and quick reflexes. He holds a top 15 ranking in men’s doubles, with multiple PPA medals, including strong performances in 2024 with Staksrud. For UK players in Southampton, Rohrabacher’s journey illustrates how dedication can elevate recreational players, encouraging the use of a spin-focused paddle like the T700 (see our spin guide).

Rohrabacher’s partnership with Staksrud leverages his net dominance, as seen in their Las Vegas victory. His practise routines focus on fitness and strategic shot placement, inspiring UK players to incorporate drills for endurance (see our drills guide). His rising profile boosts pickleball’s visibility, motivating UK communities to grow the sport.

Background on Hayden Patriquin

Hayden Patriquin, from Canada, is an emerging pickleball pro who started competing in 2021. At 26 years old, his athletic background in racquet sports fuels his quick reactions and consistency, earning him a top 20 ranking and PPA medals in men’s doubles. His 2024 season included competitive showings, such as the Las Vegas quarter-finals with Jansen. For UK players in Cardiff, Patriquin’s international perspective encourages participation in multicultural clubs, with a lightweight paddle like the T700 aiding quick reactions.

Patriquin’s defensive style, seen in the Las Vegas rally, complements Jansen’s aggression, offering lessons for UK doubles players. His practise focus on footwork and positioning inspires beginners to build fundamentals for long-term success.

Background on Lea Jansen

Lea Jansen, from the US, is a pickleball pro known for her consistency in mixed and women’s doubles since starting in 2020. At 29 years old, her background in collegiate tennis at Gonzaga University fuels her steady play and quick reactions. She holds a top 10 ranking, with multiple PPA medals in 2024, including a strong performance at the Bristol Open with Jack Sock (see our Bright/Alshon vs Sock/Jansen guide). For UK players in Edinburgh, Jansen’s journey shows how dedication can lead to competitive success, encouraging practise with a lightweight paddle like the T700.

Jansen’s partnership with Patriquin showcased her defensive skills, though they were outmatched by Staksrud/Rohrabacher. Her practise routines emphasize footwork and consistency, inspiring UK players to build fundamentals.

Breakdown of the Federico Staksrud & Eric Rohrabacher vs Hayden Patriquin & Lea Jansen Match

The Men’s Doubles Quarter-Finals at the Las Vegas Pickleball Cup in August 2024 saw #3 seeds Federico Staksrud and Eric Rohrabacher defeat #7 seeds Hayden Patriquin and Lea Jansen 11-7, 9-11, 11-6 in a competitive three-game match. Game 1 showcased Staksrud’s defensive mastery and Rohrabacher’s powerful drives, securing an 11-7 win. Game 2 saw Patriquin/Jansen fight back with consistent dinking and aggressive counterattacks, winning 11-9 to force a third game. In Game 3, Staksrud/Rohrabacher’s strategic stacking and relentless energy overwhelmed their opponents, closing 11-6. The highlight rally, featured in the 2024 Top 10 Plays, showcased Staksrud’s cross-court dinks and Rohrabacher’s speed-ups, countered by Patriquin’s scrambling and Jansen’s steady returns, with Staksrud/Rohrabacher winning through a precise lob. For UK players, this match demonstrates kitchen strategy and teamwork, with Staksrud/Rohrabacher avoiding momentum faults, a critical skill for doubles (see our kitchen rules guide).

The match’s intensity, with rallies averaging 10-12 shots, highlights the importance of coordination and endurance in doubles. Staksrud/Rohrabacher’s use of stacking (see our stacking guide) positioned Rohrabacher’s forehand effectively, a tactic UK players can practise to exploit opponents’ weaknesses. Patriquin/Jansen’s resilience offers lessons in countering aggression with consistency, applicable on slick UK indoor courts in Glasgow. 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 propelled Staksrud/Rohrabacher further in the tournament, reinforcing their status as a top pair.

Lessons for UK Players from This Match

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

• Emphasise Spin and Control: Staksrud’s topspin dinks and Rohrabacher’s powerful drives countered Patriquin/Jansen’s defence; practise with a textured paddle like the T700 to replicate spin-heavy shots (see our spin guide). Aim for 20 topspin dinks per session, targeting cross-court corners for precision.
• Master Momentum: Staksrud/Rohrabacher avoided kitchen faults with balanced footwork; practise short steps for net play to prevent errors (see our kitchen momentum guide). Drill 15 volleys outside the kitchen to build muscle memory, ideal for indoor Manchester courts.
• Adapt Grips: Use a Semi-Western grip for spin-heavy shots like Rohrabacher’s drives (see our grips guide). Practise switching grips during 10 rallies to enhance versatility, crucial for UK doubles.
• Build Endurance: The match’s intense rallies highlight fitness; incorporate high-intensity drills for stamina (see our drills guide). Run 3 sets of 15-shot rallies to simulate pro-level endurance, preparing for extended matches in London tournaments.
• Strategic Stacking: Staksrud/Rohrabacher’s stacking positioned Rohrabacher’s forehand effectively; practise 20 stacking drills with a partner to master positioning (see our stacking guide). This tactic suits outdoor Brighton courts, where wind can affect play.

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 volleys and stacking switches.
• Textured Surface: The carbon fibre face enhances spin for dinks and drives, emulating Staksrud’s precision.
• Durability: Withstands wear on rough UK courts, saving costs for frequent players in Leeds.
• USAPA Approved: Ensures compliance for tournaments like the English Championships.

The Volleyer T700 (£64.79, down from £107.98) 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 Federico Staksrud & Eric Rohrabacher vs Hayden Patriquin & Lea Jansen at the Las Vegas Pickleball Cup?
Staksrud and Rohrabacher won 11-7, 9-11, 11-6 in the Men’s Doubles Quarter-Finals.

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

Who is Lea Jansen?
A US pro with a tennis background, renowned for consistency 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 for £64.79 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 Staksrud/Rohrabacher vs Patriquin/Jansen offer inspiration for men’s doubles. For more on Staksrud’s skills, check out his singles performance at the Las Vegas Cup (see our Staksrud vs Martinez Vich guide). For more on Jansen’s prowess, see her Bristol Open performance (see our Bright/Alshon vs Sock/Jansen guide). Visit volleyer.co.uk to discover paddles and resources for UK players mastering pickleball in 2025.

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