Federico Staksrud Leaves JOOLA, Wins Singles PPA Tournament

Breaking news as of January 20th, 2025: Starkstud signs with Adidas.

Argentine Federico Staksrud, the #1 pickleball singles player, has announced his departure from JOOLA, signaling a shift in his professional journey. In his final appearance representing JOOLA after 2.5 years, Staksrud delivered a stellar performance, underscoring his exceptional talent and unwavering competitive drive. Expressing heartfelt gratitude, he acknowledged JOOLA's instrumental role in his career, highlighting the brand's significant impact on his development as a top-tier athlete. This poignant farewell was shared through an emotional Instagram post, where Staksrud reminisced about his tenure with the company and the invaluable experiences gained during this partnership.

“It’s been amazing to grow with them over the past two and a half years,” Staksrud shared, his gratitude evident. “It’s kind of like a sad moment for me, but I love them, and they’re always going to be kind of like part of my family. I only wish them the best for many years to come.”

Federico Staksrud Results

Federico Staksrud started the 2025 season with a bang, securing his first title of the year with a decisive 11-7, 11-2 victory over No. 7 seed Jaume Martinez Vich in the men’s singles final at the PPA Masters.

Martinez Vich, who had been in stellar form throughout the tournament with wins over Michael Loyd, Julian Arnold, and Connor Garnett, found himself outmatched as Staksrud delivered one of his cleanest performances to date.

Championship Sunday marked the first time Staksrud competed for gold in all three events at a single PPA tournament. While he narrowly missed achieving the coveted Triple Crown, walking away with two silver medals in doubles events, he gained firsthand experience of the physical toll required to excel across multiple divisions.

“This match was a lot about energy management—I really didn’t want to get into crazy points with [Jaume] because I was tired,” Staksrud admitted. “This system is definitely tough. If you really want to compete in all three divisions, it’s hard. What Anna Leigh Waters does is unbelievable. I don’t think people realize how hard that is.”

Staksrud’s run at the PPA Masters wasn’t just another tournament—it reinforced his dominance on the pickleball court. The singles gold medal marked the 14th of his career, a milestone that speaks volumes about his consistency and skill.

Federico Staksrud’s remarkable performance at the PPA Masters is just the latest chapter in his already impressive career. But how did this Argentine sensation rise to the pinnacle of pickleball? Let’s take a closer look at Staksrud’s journey, from his early beginnings to becoming the #1 singles player in the world.

Who is Federico Staksrud?

Federico Staksrud is a professional pickleball player originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was born on February 15, 1996, and began his athletic journey at a young age, starting to play tennis when he was just five years old. His early exposure to racquet sports laid a strong foundation for his later success in pickleball.

Staksrud's tennis career was notable; he was ranked among the top ten in Argentina's U18 rankings, achieving a peak position of seventh. He played college tennis at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he honed his skills further and earned recognition as the Conference Player of the Year during the 2015-16 season.

Transitioning to pickleball, Staksrud quickly made a name for himself in the sport. He has participated in numerous professional tournaments, showcasing his talent and competitive spirit. Notably, he won back-to-back silver medals at the PPA Masters and JW Marriott Desert Ridge Open, marking significant achievements in his pickleball career.

Currently, he resides in Fort Myers, Florida, where he continues to train and compete at a high level. His journey from tennis to becoming a rising star in pickleball reflects his dedication and passion for racquet sports.

Staksrud turned professional in pickleball in 2021, shortly after being introduced to the sport. His rapid ascent in the pickleball world is marked by significant achievements, including winning gold medals at prestigious tournaments such as the PPA Atlanta Open and the APP SoCal Open. He has also secured silver and bronze medals in various competitions, demonstrating his versatility and skill in both singles and doubles formats.

With a storied career and an impressive track record, Federico Staksrud's departure from JOOLA marks not just the end of a partnership but the beginning of exciting new possibilities. As the #1 Men's Singles Player in pickleball, Staksrud is now perfectly positioned to attract a range of sponsorship opportunities. Let’s explore what might be next for this rising star.

What Paddle Does Federico Use?

Federico Staksrud uses the JOOLA Perseus paddle, which is recognized for its performance and is also favored by other top players like Ben Johns. The JOOLA Perseus is designed to enhance control and power, making it suitable for competitive play.

What are the potential new sponsorships for Federico Staksrud?

After parting ways with JOOLA, Federico Staksrud, the #1 Men's Singles Player in pickleball, is poised to explore various new sponsorship opportunities. Here are some potential avenues he might consider:

Other Equipment Manufacturers

Staksrud could look into partnerships with other leading pickleball paddle manufacturers. Companies like Selkirk, Paddletek, and Onix are known for their high-quality products and may be interested in sponsoring a top player to enhance their brand visibility.

Athletic Apparel Brands

With the growing popularity of pickleball, athletic apparel brands are increasingly looking to sponsor players. Brands such as Nike, Under Armour, or specialized pickleball apparel companies could see value in associating with a prominent athlete like Staksrud.

Health and Wellness Brands

Given the physical demands of pickleball, health and wellness brands, including those focused on nutrition, supplements, or recovery products, may find it beneficial to partner with Staksrud. His endorsement could help promote their products to a health-conscious audience.

Local and Regional Sponsors

Staksrud might also consider local businesses or regional sponsors that want to increase their visibility through sports marketing. This could include gyms, sports clubs, or even local restaurants that wish to engage with the pickleball community.

Technology Companies

As technology continues to play a role in sports, companies that develop sports analytics, wearable technology, or fitness apps may be interested in collaborating with Staksrud to promote their innovations in the pickleball space.

Media and Streaming Services

With the rise of pickleball's popularity, media companies and streaming services that broadcast pickleball events might seek to partner with top players for promotional campaigns, enhancing their reach and engagement with fans.

Event Sponsorships

Staksrud could also explore opportunities to sponsor or co-host pickleball tournaments, which would not only provide financial backing but also enhance his visibility and brand as a leading player in the sport.

As he transitions from JOOLA, Staksrud's next steps in securing sponsorships will likely depend on his performance in upcoming tournaments and his ability to leverage his status as a top player in the pickleball community.

As Staksrud transitions into this exciting new chapter, his trajectory highlights the evolving landscape of pickleball sponsorships. His story mirrors the meteoric rise of Anna Leigh Waters, who has become a household name in the sport. Dive into her incredible journey and how she’s reshaping pickleball’s future in our feature on Anna Leigh Waters net worth.

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