Cincinnati Showcase: Staksrud, Bright, Buckner Shine at PPA Tour
What's the Score?
The Veolia Cincinnati Showcase presented by Six Zero has delivered an electrifying display of professional pickleball, with top seeds asserting dominance, challengers staging dramatic comebacks, and the dream of a coveted Triple Crown hanging in the balance. Held at the esteemed Lindner Family Tennis Center on September 11 and 12, 2025, the tournament witnessed a blend of strategic mastery and sheer resilience as players battled through intense rounds across all five pro categories. Key highlights include Anna Bright and Anna Leigh Waters' commanding women's doubles performance, Brooke Buckner's tactical revenge in women's singles, Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu's steadfast men's doubles win, and the nail-biting mixed and men's doubles comebacks featuring Federico Staksrud.
Hit it deeper!
The Cincinnati Showcase has proven to be a battleground where only the most prepared and adaptable players advance. In women’s doubles, the formidable duo of Anna Bright and Anna Leigh Waters exhibited overwhelming superiority in the pro main draw. They swept Lina Padegimaite and Vivienne David in straight sets, yielding only three points across two games (11-1, 11-2). Their performance was a clinic in net play and precise shot placement, leaving their opponents little room to manoeuvre and cementing their status as a pair to watch in the quarterfinals.
On the women’s singles court, Brooke Buckner, the No. 5 seed, executed a calculated turnaround against No. 12 seed Genie Bouchard. After suffering a loss to Bouchard at the PPA Masters in January, Buckner dropped the first game 7-11 but then strategically shifted her game. Moving away from her usual baseline power, she adopted a more "kitchen-centric" style, engaging her opponent closer to the net. This adjustment proved crucial, allowing her to take the next two games 11-6 and 11-7, securing the comeback victory after nearly an hour on court. Her next challenge will be a Friday quarterfinal clash against her training partner, No. 2 seed Kate Fahey.
Men's doubles action saw Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu navigate their Round of 32 match with composure and skill. They delivered a solid straight-sets win against Cason Campbell and Adam Harvey, with scores of 11-8 and 11-7. Their victory was built on strong teamwork, sharp volleys, and strategic placement, ensuring their progression to the Round of 16 without significant hurdles.
Perhaps the most dramatic narratives unfolded with Federico Staksrud. In mixed doubles, partnering with Etta Tuionetoa, they engineered a thrilling comeback against Eric Oncins and Tina Pisnik. After a decisive 4-11 loss in the first game, Tuionetoa and Staksrud responded with an emphatic 11-1 win in the second, completely shifting the momentum. The deciding third game was a tense affair, with both teams trading points until Staksrud and Tuionetoa ultimately clinched it 12-10, advancing to the quarterfinals.
Staksrud's resilience was further tested in men's doubles alongside Hayden Patriquin. The No. 2 seeds faced an unexpected challenge from No. 18 seeds Ryan Fu and Max Freeman. Staksrud and Patriquin started explosively, achieving an 11-0 "pickle" in the first game. However, Fu and Freeman retaliated in the second, embracing a faster, more chaotic game style to win 4-11. In the pivotal third game, Staksrud and Patriquin made a crucial formation change, with Patriquin moving to the left and Staksrud to the right, which helped them build a 7-2 lead. Despite their opponents clawing back and saving six match points, Staksrud and Patriquin converted their seventh opportunity, securing the win 11-9. This vital victory kept Staksrud’s hopes for a Triple Crown alive, a rare feat only one other player (Anna Leigh Waters) is currently eligible for at this tournament. They are now set to face No. 5 seeds Jaume Martinez Vich and Dylan Frazier in Friday’s quarterfinal.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The Cincinnati Showcase serves as a powerful microcosm of the professional pickleball landscape: a dynamic environment where established powerhouses relentlessly assert their dominance, while rising stars and seasoned veterans battle for every point, showcasing incredible grit and strategic evolution. The dramatic comebacks, particularly those involving Federico Staksrud, underscore the sport's unpredictability and the mental fortitude required at the elite level. Brooke Buckner's tactical shift against Genie Bouchard highlights the continuous adaptation and strategic depth developing within the game. Furthermore, the prospect of a Triple Crown for Staksrud electrifies the later stages, reminding fans that every match carries significant weight for individual legacies and the overall PPA Tour narrative. This tournament is not just about wins and losses; it's a testament to the surging competitiveness and burgeoning appeal of professional pickleball.