New Power Pairs Eye Atlanta Pickleball Crown
What's the Score?
The men's doubles competition at the PPA Tour Atlanta Pickleball Championships is shaping up to be a thrilling showdown, with several newly formed or in-form partnerships considered top contenders. Headlining the field are the teams of Dekel Bar/Dylan Frazier, Andrei Daescu/Christian Alshon, Ben Johns/Gabe Tardio, and Federico Staksrud/Hayden Patriquin. Each of these pairings brings a unique blend of skill, experience, and recent success to the court, all vying for the prestigious Atlanta Slam title and the valuable 2,000 ranking points on offer.
Hit it deeper!
The men's doubles draw in Atlanta promises intense competition, with a focus on these key power pairings:
Dekel Bar/Dylan Frazier: This duo has shown promise, reaching the semifinals at the Red Rock Open in March. They are aiming to build on that momentum and break through to the finals in Atlanta. Their chemistry and complementary skill sets could make them a dangerous opponent for any team.
Andrei Daescu/Christian Alshon: This partnership has been one of the most successful in the early part of the 2025 season, having already secured three titles together. Their consistent high-level play and proven ability to win make them one of the favourites, if not the favourite, heading into the Atlanta Slam.
Ben Johns/Gabe Tardio: After a silver medal in their debut tournament at the Mesa Cup, Johns and Tardio have been on a winning streak, claiming titles at the Texas Open and the North Carolina Open. Their recent success indicates a strong and rapidly developing partnership, positioning them as a major threat in Atlanta. Ben Johns' individual prowess combined with Tardio's skills makes them a formidable force.
Federico Staksrud/Hayden Patriquin: This team has demonstrated consistency throughout the season, reaching three finals appearances. However, they are still seeking their first tournament victory of the year, having gone 0-for-3 in those finals. The Atlanta Slam presents another opportunity for them to break through and capitalize on their consistent performance.
Beyond these headlining pairs, other teams in the Atlanta draw could also make waves. Rafa Hewett/Eric Oncins bring high energy to the court, and if they can both find their peak form simultaneously, they could be a dangerous matchup. CJ Klinger/JW Johnson have been consistent quarterfinalists but are looking to overcome the top seeds. Matt Wright/Riley Newman, in their second tournament together this season, aim to improve on their quarterfinal finish at the Tucson Open.
The outcome of the Atlanta men's doubles competition will likely have significant implications for the PPA Tour rankings, with the 2,000 points awarded to the winners potentially causing shifts at the top. The head-to-head matchups between these power pairs are highly anticipated and are expected to deliver thrilling pickleball action.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The men's doubles field at the Atlanta Pickleball Championships is loaded with talent and intriguing storylines, largely centred around the emergence and continued success of these key power pairings. The established dominance of players like Ben Johns is being challenged by strong new partnerships and in-form teams, creating a dynamic and unpredictable competitive landscape. The Atlanta Slam will serve as a crucial test for these contenders, offering a significant opportunity to solidify their positions at the top of the game and stake their claim for the rest of the 2025 season. The head-to-head battles between Bar/Frazier, Daescu/Alshon, Johns/Tardio, and Staksrud/Patriquin are expected to be highlights of the tournament and will provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of men's professional pickleball.