Pickleball is captivating sports enthusiasts across the UK, with growing communities in London, Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow. Participation is rising by around 15% each year, and more than 10,000 players now enjoy the game. For many, highlights from professional matches are a valuable way to learn, offering lessons in movement, strategy, and shot selection that can benefit both beginners, who make up around 40% of the UK market, and more advanced players.

One standout example came at the 2024 CIBC Atlanta Slam on the PPA Tour, where Hunter Johnson and Julian Arnold overcame Federico Staksrud and Matt Wright in a thrilling Men’s Doubles Round of 16 match. The contest, decided 11–1, 10–12, 14–12, showcased the endurance, tactical awareness, and precision that define high-level pickleball.

For players in Leeds, Southampton, or elsewhere in the UK, studying points from matches like this can help refine positioning, teamwork, and shot choices. Equipment can also support these improvements. Paddles that emphasise control and spin, such as the Volleyer T700, are designed to make transitions and angled shots more effective in competitive play.

In this guide, we will break down key moments from the match, introduce the players, and highlight lessons that UK players can adapt for their own games in 2025, whether competing in Cardiff, practising in Edinburgh, or playing casually at a local club.

The CIBC Atlanta Slam Presented by Vizzy: Tournament Overview

The CIBC Atlanta Slam Presented by Vizzy took place in Atlanta, Georgia, in September 2024 as part of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour. It is one of the Tour’s standout events, bringing together leading professionals across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Known for its intensity and unpredictable results, the tournament featured several high-profile matches, including the dramatic men’s doubles clash between Federico Staksrud and Matt Wright against Hunter Johnson and Julian Arnold.

The contest finished 11–1, 10–12, 14–12 in favour of Johnson and Arnold, who upset the third-seeded pairing of Staksrud and Wright. Long rallies, patient defensive play, and clever shot selection made this one of the most talked-about matches of the event, illustrating the endurance and tactical depth now common at the professional level.

For UK players, following tournaments like the Atlanta Slam through Selkirk TV or PPA livestreams offers more than entertainment. Watching elite athletes manage pressure points, adjust positioning, and maintain consistency provides lessons that can be applied on local courts, from community clubs in Manchester to competitive leagues in Edinburgh. Events like this showcase why pickleball is growing so quickly in the UK, as players look to mirror the strategy and athleticism seen on the world stage.

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PPA Tour vs UK Tournaments

Learning opportunities: While UK players may not yet have the same depth of competition, studying PPA Tour matches can inspire new strategies, better shot selection, and improved teamwork that can be practised in local clubs and applied in domestic tournaments.

Scale and exposure: The PPA Tour features many of the world’s top-ranked players, with global livestreams and major sponsorships. UK events such as the English Championships are smaller in scale but growing rapidly each year.

Rules and standards: Both follow USAPA rules, meaning tactics like stacking, positioning, and time-out use are directly transferable for UK players who study professional matches.

Pathway for players: In the United States, the PPA Tour represents the highest level of competition. In the UK, regional leagues and national tournaments provide stepping stones for players looking to progress, with increasing opportunities to compete against international talent.

Background on Federico Staksrud

Federico Staksrud, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1991, has been competing professionally in pickleball since 2018 after a successful career in tennis, where he played at a national level. Now aged 34, Staksrud is recognised for his consistency, defensive resilience, and ability to grind out long rallies, qualities that have helped him capture multiple titles on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour and secure a place among the top-ranked doubles players in the world.

His game is defined by athleticism and strategic patience, making him a difficult opponent to break down. Staksrud often relies on sharp court positioning and topspin-heavy strokes to apply pressure, while also maintaining the fundamentals that keep him reliable under pressure.

For UK players, his journey underlines the global appeal of pickleball and shows how talent from different sporting backgrounds can elevate the game. Staksrud’s style highlights the value of control and spin, skills that can be developed using a high-quality carbon fibre pickleball paddle, such as the Volleyer T700, which is designed to generate topspin and precision in tight exchanges (see our spin guide).

Staksrud’s background as a tennis coach also informs his approach. He emphasises technical foundations, disciplined training, and long-term development, lessons that can benefit players at every level, from beginners at multicultural clubs in London to advanced competitors preparing for UK tournaments.

Background on Matt Wright

Matt Wright, an American player and one of the sport’s most experienced professionals, has been competing at the top level since 2016. Coming from a background in both tennis and squash, Wright quickly adapted his racket skills to pickleball, establishing himself as a consistent force on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour. Now aged 38, he has collected numerous medals and titles, particularly in doubles, where his composure and tactical awareness set him apart.

Wright is best known for his steady, structured style of play. His ability to anticipate opponents’ movements and maintain rally control has made him one of the most reliable doubles partners on tour. Defensively, his precise blocks and disciplined positioning are hallmarks of his game, while his experience gives him an edge in high-pressure moments.

For UK players, Wright’s career demonstrates how skills from other racket sports can translate directly into pickleball success. His example is especially encouraging for beginners in places like Southampton and Manchester, where many players transition from tennis or squash. Replicating his defensive strength and control can be supported by using a paddle designed for precision and stability, particularly in tight exchanges at the net.

Beyond competition, Wright’s training approach focuses heavily on endurance and discipline. By prioritising structured practice sessions and consistent routines, he models habits that players at any level in the UK can adopt, whether they are preparing for club matches or national tournaments.

Staksrud and Wright as a Doubles Team

Federico Staksrud and Matt Wright form one of the most experienced and disciplined partnerships on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour. Both bring different strengths to the court, and together they create a pairing built on structure and consistency.

Staksrud, aged 34, contributes athletic defence, heavy topspin drives, and the ability to grind through long rallies. His patient baseline play sets up opportunities for his partner and keeps pressure on opponents during extended exchanges. Wright, at 38, adds the composure and tactical awareness of a veteran. With his sharp positioning at the kitchen line and his precise blocks, he is able to neutralise attacks and control the pace of points.

Their success as a team lies in their ability to minimise unforced errors and force opponents to win points outright. This disciplined approach has earned them high seeds at major events and numerous medals across doubles competitions. Against most opponents, their combination of defensive resilience and steady net play proves difficult to break down.

The match against Johnson and Arnold at the CIBC Atlanta Slam Presented by Vizzy showed both their strengths and vulnerabilities. While their structure helped them recover in the second game and nearly secure the decider, their steadiness was eventually undone by the relentless pace and unpredictability of their younger opponents.

For UK players, Staksrud and Wright’s partnership demonstrates the value of fundamentals in doubles play. Good positioning, reliable shot-making, and clear communication are often more important than raw power. Their example is especially relevant for club players in the UK who are developing their tactical awareness. Focusing on consistency and teamwork, as Staksrud and Wright do, is a pathway to success at both local and national level competitions.

Background on Hunter Johnson

Hunter Johnson is one of the most promising young professionals on the pickleball circuit. Born in the United States, he began competing in pickleball in 2020 after transitioning from a successful tennis background. At just 24 years old, he has already made his mark on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, collecting medals in doubles and establishing himself as a powerful and agile competitor.

Johnson is best known for his speed around the court and his ability to inject pace into rallies. His aggressive style, combined with sharp reflexes at the net, allows him to pressure opponents and seize momentum quickly. Alongside his twin brother, JW Johnson, he has been involved in several headline victories, including upset wins against higher-seeded players, which highlight both his potential and his confidence on the big stage.

For UK players, Johnson’s rise is a reminder that pickleball rewards athleticism, adaptability, and commitment to improvement. His story also illustrates how family ties play an important role in the sport, with siblings and parents often sharing the court together, something increasingly visible in UK clubs from Glasgow to Cardiff. Players looking to mirror his quick reactions and explosive style can benefit from training with lightweight paddles that allow for faster hands at the kitchen line and rapid recovery during transitions.

Background on Julian Arnold

Julian Arnold, an American professional pickleball player, made the transition from tennis to pickleball in 2021 and has quickly risen through the ranks of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour. At 28 years old, he has developed a reputation for his aggressive, high-energy style of play, which combines strong serves with powerful groundstrokes and fearless net coverage. His height and reach give him an advantage at the kitchen line, where he often dictates points with quick volleys and decisive put-aways.

Arnold’s game is marked not only by power but also by intensity and flair. His competitive spirit has made him a fan favourite, and his willingness to take risks often results in highlight-reel shots. This attacking approach has helped him secure medals in doubles and establish himself as a player capable of challenging the sport’s elite.

For UK players, particularly those in clubs around Cardiff and other growing pickleball hubs, Arnold’s career demonstrates how transferable tennis skills can be. His example encourages beginners and intermediate players to bring their existing racket skills into pickleball, focusing on controlled aggression and the use of spin to gain an edge. Developing a strong serve, along with learning how to follow it up with assertive net play, can be a game-changer at both club and tournament level. A spin-friendly carbon fibre paddle can support this style, helping players replicate some of the attacking elements that define Arnold’s game (see our spin guide).

Johnson and Arnold as a Doubles Team

Hunter Johnson and Julian Arnold have quickly become one of the most exciting doubles pairings on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour. Both players came to pickleball from tennis, but they bring contrasting qualities that make them a dangerous team.

Johnson, at 24, is fast and explosive, thriving on quick reactions and defensive coverage. His agility allows him to chase down difficult balls and reset points, creating opportunities for his partner. Arnold, aged 28, is taller and more powerful, using his strong serve, reach, and aggressive volleys to dominate at the net. Together, they create a balance of steadiness and firepower that unsettles even the most experienced opponents.

Their upset victory over Federico Staksrud and Matt Wright at the CIBC Atlanta Slam Presented by Vizzy highlighted this synergy. Johnson’s ability to defend under pressure and reset the ball kept rallies alive, while Arnold injected pace and aggression to finish points. This combination of patience and risk-taking helped them overcome a pair renowned for consistency and discipline, showing that strategic variety can trump experience.

For UK players, their partnership is a reminder of the importance of complementary skills in doubles. Not every team needs two players with the same strengths. Instead, pairing agility with power or defence with aggression can create balance and unpredictability. At club level in the UK, whether in Manchester leagues or Southampton tournaments, players can learn from Johnson and Arnold by identifying their own strengths and finding partners who cover their weaknesses.

Match Breakdown: Staksrud and Wright vs Johnson and Arnold

The men’s doubles clash between Federico Staksrud and Matt Wright against Hunter Johnson and Julian Arnold at the CIBC Atlanta Slam Presented by Vizzy was one of the most captivating matches of the tournament. The scoreline (11–1, 10–12, 14–12 to Johnson and Arnold) reflects the intensity of the contest, but the true story was how styles and strategies collided on court.

As the number three seeds, Staksrud and Wright entered the match with high expectations. Their partnership blended two complementary games. Staksrud, with his Argentine tennis background, brought athletic defence, heavy topspin drives, and the ability to grind through long rallies. Wright, one of the sport’s most seasoned American professionals, offered consistency at the kitchen line, sharp anticipation, and the calm presence of a veteran doubles strategist. Together, they relied on discipline, patience, and minimising errors, forcing opponents to earn every point.

Johnson and Arnold approached the match differently. Instead of trading consistency, they pushed the tempo. Arnold injected firepower with aggressive third-shot drives and bold volleys at the net, while Johnson balanced his partner’s risk-taking with clever shot selection and strong coverage. Their willingness to accelerate rallies disrupted the rhythm of Staksrud and Wright, preventing the higher seeds from settling into their structured patterns of play.

The first game highlighted this imbalance, with Johnson and Arnold storming to an 11–1 lead as their aggression paid off. In the second, Staksrud and Wright regained control by tightening their defence, extending rallies, and forcing their opponents to overhit. At 10–12, the set could have gone either way, but their steadiness gave them the edge. The deciding game was a true showcase of elite pickleball. Johnson and Arnold took early risks, Staksrud and Wright countered with patience, and the momentum swung back and forth before Johnson and Arnold closed it out 14–12 with a daring flurry of net play.

For UK players, this match offers more than entertainment. It is a lesson in how contrasting strategies can succeed at the highest level. Staksrud and Wright’s reliance on structure and fundamentals reflects the value of technical consistency. This is something beginners in UK clubs, from Glasgow to Bristol, should prioritise when developing their game. Meanwhile, Johnson and Arnold’s victory demonstrates the importance of adaptability. By injecting pace and unpredictability, they showed that pressure can unsettle even the most experienced pairs.

The balance between patience and aggression is one of the most transferable lessons for players at every level in the UK. In local leagues, where many competitors are transitioning from tennis or squash, it can be tempting to rely on power alone. This match illustrates why control, communication, and tactical variety are equally crucial. The ability to adapt mid-match, especially when opponents adjust their positioning or increase tempo, is a skill that separates club players from tournament competitors.

Key Lessons for UK Doubles Players

Studying the contrasting styles of Staksrud and Wright versus Johnson and Arnold provides valuable insights for players in the UK, from club beginners to competitive league teams.

1. Complementary Skills Make Strong Teams

• Staksrud and Wright succeed by combining patient defence with sharp net play.
• Johnson and Arnold thrive by blending agility with aggressive finishing.
• UK takeaway: choose a partner whose strengths balance your weaknesses, rather than mirroring your own style.

2. Consistency Versus Aggression

• Wright’s steady presence and Staksrud’s long rallies show how reliability wins points over time.
• Arnold’s bold volleys and Johnson’s quick counters show how aggression can break rhythm.
• UK takeaway: find the right balance. Beginners may benefit from control and consistency, while advanced players can experiment with calculated aggression.

3. Adaptability Under Pressure

• Johnson and Arnold disrupted the structured game of Staksrud and Wright by increasing pace.
• The deciding factor was adaptability, responding to momentum shifts without losing focus.
• UK takeaway: practice adjusting tactics mid-match, especially when opponents change tempo or positioning.

4. Communication Is Crucial

• Both partnerships relied on signals, verbal cues, and constant awareness of each other’s roles.
• Miscommunication often led to errors, especially during fast exchanges.
• UK takeaway: develop hand signals and clear communication routines with your partner, even in noisy club settings like London or Glasgow.

5. Fundamentals Still Win Matches

UK takeaway: build a foundation of consistency before chasing advanced tactics.our wet weather tips) and clean it regularly (see our cleaning guide).

Despite the upset, Staksrud and Wright reminded everyone that technical basics; solid footwork, reliable serves, and steady returns, remain vital.

Pickleball Doubles & Stacking FAQ (UK Edition)

What is stacking in pickleball doubles?

Stacking is an advanced doubles tactic where both players start on the same side and then shift into their preferred positions after the serve or return. It allows teams to maximise strengths such as keeping forehands in the middle or hiding weaker backhands.

Is stacking legal in UK pickleball tournaments?

Yes. Stacking is fully legal under USA Pickleball (USAPA) rules, which are used in UK events such as the English Open and regional leagues. The key is that the correct server and receiver must always be in the right position when the ball is struck. The non-serving partner may stand anywhere, even off-court, as long as they do not interfere with play.

Should beginners in the UK try stacking?

Partial stacking (only on the serve) is often easier for beginners in local clubs in Cardiff or Leeds. It reduces confusion and running. Full stacking is best for advanced players competing in tournaments in London or Edinburgh, where consistent positioning offers more strategic benefits.

What are the main advantages of stacking?

• Keeps stronger forehands in the middle for better court coverage
• Hides weaker backhands, reducing vulnerability
• Creates confusion for opponents, especially in noisy UK club matches
• Enhances mobility for agile players

What are the disadvantages of stacking?

• Increased movement can be tiring, particularly for senior players in Brighton or Manchester
• Higher risk of errors if communication is poor
• Predictability against advanced opponents who can anticipate rotations

If you want to further understand stacking, where you need to position yourself and when to use it, see our guide going into further detail.

Do I need a special paddle for stacking?

Not specifically, but many UK players prefer lightweight carbon fibre paddles for quick transitions and spin control. Models like the Volleyer T700 Raw Carbon Pickleball Paddle available here, making them legal for both casual play and tournaments in the UK.

Where can I play doubles pickleball in the UK?

Doubles is the most popular format in the UK, with growing clubs in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bristol, and Leeds. Many leisure centres now offer indoor courts, while outdoor pickleball is expanding in community parks.

Is pickleball the same as padel?

No. While both are racket sports growing in the UK, pickleball is played with a solid paddle and perforated plastic ball on a badminton-sized court with a lower net. Padel uses stringed rackets, a tennis-style ball, and enclosed glass walls.

What lessons can UK players learn from professional matches like Staksrud & Wright vs Johnson & Arnold?

That match from the PPA Tour showed how consistency and defence (Staksrud/Wright) can be beaten by aggressive shot-making and adaptability (Johnson/Arnold). UK doubles teams can learn the importance of communication, patience, and knowing when to switch from defence to attack.