US Open Gold Won with Nasty Nelson Serve, Sparks Pickleball Debate
What's the Score?
The final match of the US Open Pickleball Championships concluded controversially when Mariana Paredes won the gold medal point using a "Nasty Nelson" serve, hitting her opponent at the net, a legal but rarely used tactic that ignited significant debate and polarised reactions online.
Hit it deeper!
The US Open Pickleball Championships, one of the sport's major tournaments, ended in a dramatic and highly debated moment. The final match for the gold medal concluded with a seldom-seen manoeuvre that left spectators and online viewers divided. The incident occurred on match point in the third game, with the score standing at 10-4. Player Mariana Paredes was serving for the championship. Instead of executing a conventional serve, she chose to hit the ball directly at her opponent, who was positioned unusually close to the net. This specific tactic is known in pickleball as a "Nasty Nelson".
According to the rules of pickleball, a serve that hits the opposing player before bouncing is a valid way to win the point. The ball striking the opponent immediately results in the point ending. In this instance, the serve hit the opposing player, instantly concluding the rally and, consequently, the entire match. This unexpected and sudden conclusion clinched the victory and the gold medal for Mariana Paredes and her doubles partner.
The dramatic finish quickly led to the video of the serve spreading widely online. The reaction from viewers was swift and sharply divided. Some people criticized the move, calling it "bush league" and implying it was unsportsmanlike or unfair. Conversely, others celebrated the boldness and effectiveness of the tactic, hailing it as the "best shot ever". The contrasting opinions fueled intense debates across social media platforms as more people viewed the controversial clip.
Mariana Paredes herself addressed the controversy and provided context for her decision in a comment shared on The Dink's Instagram page. She confirmed she was the player who hit the serve. In her defence, she stated that her opponents had been targeting her partner throughout the match. Paredes acknowledged that she apologised more than once but felt that sometimes such tactics are "just part of the game". She explained that it was the first time she had ever ended a game in that manner, but at that critical juncture, she was desperate to finish the match. Seeing an opportunity, she took it, asserting that there was "nothing wrong with that" and playfully embracing the moment with the hashtag "#nastynelsonqueen".
The term "Nasty Nelson" originates from Tim Nelson, who is frequently credited with popularising or using this specific play during matches. It is a tactic where the server aims to hit the opposing player before the ball crosses the net. While permissible under the rules, its infrequent use, especially on a pivotal point like match point in a championship final, made Paredes's execution particularly shocking and memorable.
The incident is likely to be remembered for a long time within the pickleball community. It has already stimulated considerable discussion and prompted questions about strategy, sportsmanship, and fair play in the sport. Players and fans may now view serving and game-ending plays with renewed consideration. Regardless of whether one views the move as fair or unsportsmanlike, Mariana Paredes's decisive use of the Nasty Nelson brought significant attention to a rare tactic on one of pickleball's biggest stages.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The use of the "Nasty Nelson" to win a US Open gold medal point was a highly controversial but strategically impactful moment that highlights the intersection of legality, tactics, and sportsmanship in pickleball. While the move was legal, its unexpected nature and use on match point polarised the community, sparking debate about the spirit of the game versus maximising winning opportunities. Paredes's defence provides context, suggesting it was a reaction to her opponents' strategy, but the incident underscores how unconventional, albeit legal, plays can generate significant discussion and shape perceptions within the sport.