Alexander Crum Stuns Federico Staksrud With Three-Game Upset In Men’s Singles
Source: Pickleball.com
In a dramatic Round of 64 showdown, Alexander Crum delivered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, defeating top seed Federico Staksrud in three compelling games – 11-9, 5-11, 11-6.
Crum’s path to the monumental victory was anything but straightforward. He fought through Monday’s qualifying rounds and had to overcome Todd Fought on Tuesday morning just to earn his spot against Staksrud. Despite the odds, the 33-year-old was far from surprised by his performance.
“I know this is probably a shocking result for most people watching, but for people who know my game and know what I’m capable of, I knew that if I returned well and volleyed well, I would have a good shot,” Crum said confidently after the match.
Crum’s Two-Handed Backhand Proves Pivotal
A crucial factor in Crum’s success was his formidable two-handed backhand, a weapon he used repeatedly to pass Staksrud at the kitchen line during pivotal points.
“The returns were so-so, and I knew I had to go big on them,” Crum explained. “I didn’t pass as much as I would have liked, but I basically categorize myself as a shorter, less consistent, slower version of Chris Haworth, and that’s still sometimes pretty good.”
It’s a notable comparison for Crum, considering Haworth’s recent success against Staksrud, having beaten him in their last three encounters. Crum’s ability to mirror some aspects of Haworth’s style paid off in a match where few expected him to prevail.
Keeping The Momentum Alive
Despite the magnitude of the victory, Crum remains grounded and focused on his next challenge. He is set to face No. 27 seed Mota Alhouni in Wednesday’s Round of 32.
“Obviously, I’m thrilled with the win. What Federico has done on the singles side is pretty incredible, so I’m kind of at a loss for words. I’m just gonna try and keep it rolling,” he said, reflecting on the significance of the victory.
For Crum, Tuesday’s performance wasn’t just a statement win – it was a validation of his potential to compete with the sport’s elite. All eyes will be on him as he steps onto the court again, aiming to maintain his momentum and continue his remarkable run.
