Tardio Tames Top Seed Staksrud in North Carolina Singles Upset
What's the Score?
Gabe Tardio, the No. 13 seed, will face No. 10 seed Roscoe Bellamy in the men’s singles final after both players won their respective semifinals in three games. Tardio defeated top-seeded Federico Staksrud 4-11, 13-11, 11-7. Bellamy overcame No. 17 seed Zane Ford with a score of 3-11, 12-10, 11-3.
Hit it deeper!
Gabe Tardio continued his impressive run in North Carolina with a remarkable comeback victory over the top seed, Federico Staksrud. After losing the first game 4-11, Tardio found success in the second game by utilizing short, angled drop shots that gave him an advantage in the strategic exchanges at the kitchen line. Despite reaching game point at 10-5, Staksrud mounted a strong comeback, scoring six consecutive points to reach match point at 11-10. However, Tardio held his nerve, saving the match point and then scoring three straight points to win the second game 13-11, forcing a deciding third game. In the final game, Tardio trailed 4-6 at the side switch but then dominated, scoring seven of the last eight points to secure his place in his second singles final of the 2025 season with an 11-7 victory.
The 19-year-old Tardio credited his men’s doubles partner Ben Johns and mixed doubles partner Jessie Irvine for providing valuable tips that contributed to what he considered potentially the biggest singles win of his career. “[Ben and Jessie] made the difference, really. I think in the first game I wasn’t playing things right, so Ben came over and taught me a couple things, and that definitely made the difference. So, thank you to Ben and Jessie for always being on my bench and being by my side. This one is for them,” Tardio expressed.
In the second men’s singles semifinal, Roscoe Bellamy mirrored Tardio’s path to victory, also winning in three games after dropping the first. Bellamy lost the first game 3-11 to No. 17 seed Zane Ford but started the second game strongly, taking a 5-0 lead. Ford fought back, even reaching match point at 10-9, but Bellamy held firm to win the second game 12-10 and force a decider. In the third game, the No. 10 seed Bellamy cruised to an 11-3 victory, showcasing excellent court coverage and lateral movement while hitting volleys at the kitchen line. There was a brief pause in the third game when Ford took a medical timeout after injuring his right ankle at 9-3, but Bellamy closed out the win shortly after. This victory marks Bellamy’s first career final appearance on the PPA Tour. Reflecting on his comeback, Bellamy said, “I really just had to focus on execution,”. He explained that initial nerves prevented him from properly executing his game plan, so he refocused by telling himself to treat it like practice and rely on his training.
The final will see the No. 13 seed Tardio face the No. 10 seed Bellamy, guaranteeing a first-time PPA men’s singles champion.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The men's singles final between Gabe Tardio and Roscoe Bellamy is a compelling narrative of two determined young players who fought their way through tough semifinals. Tardio's ability to adjust his strategy after a poor first game against the top seed demonstrates his tactical awareness and mental fortitude. His acknowledgement of the crucial support from seasoned professionals like Johns and Irvine highlights the mentorship and collaborative spirit within the pickleball community. Bellamy's similar comeback victory, overcoming a first-game loss and a late challenge in the second, showcases his resilience and focus under pressure. The fact that this final features two players outside the top seeds who battled through three-game thrillers underscores the depth and unpredictability of professional pickleball. This championship match represents a significant opportunity for both Tardio and Bellamy to claim their first major PPA singles title, signaling the emergence of new talent at the top level of the sport.