Louisville Native Shocks the World: Alexander Crum Upsets Top-Ranked Pickleball Player at Atlanta Championships
Louisville Native Shocks the World: Alexander Crum Upsets Top Pickleball Player at Atlanta Championships
ATLANTA — In a stunning display of skill and determination, Louisville native Alexander Crum, a proud alumnus of St. Xavier High School, pulled off a remarkable upset at the Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships on Tuesday. The 33-year-old, ranked No. 65 in the tournament, triumphed over the world’s top-ranked player, Frederico Staksrud of Argentina, in a thrilling match that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
The match, part of the tournament’s round of 64, showcased Crum’s tenacity and strategic prowess. He clinched the first set with a narrow 11-9 victory, only to see Staksrud bounce back and take the second set 11-5. However, Crum wasn’t deterred. In a nail-biting tiebreaker, he seized control and secured the match with an 11-6 win, sending shockwaves through the pickleball community.
“I know this is probably a shocking result for most people watching, but for those who know my game and what I’m capable of, I knew that if I returned well and volleyed well, I would have a good shot,” Crum told Pickleball.com after his victory.
Crum’s momentum didn’t stop there. On Wednesday morning, he continued his impressive run by defeating No. 27 seed Mota Alhouni in another gripping three-game match. Overcoming a daunting 3-7 deficit in the deciding game, Crum showcased his resilience and skill, advancing to the round of 16.
Looking ahead, Crum is set to face off against No. 49 Zane Navratil, with a coveted spot in the quarterfinals on the line. As he continues to defy the odds, fans and fellow players alike are eager to see how far this Louisville star can go in the tournament.
With his remarkable journey unfolding, Alexander Crum is not just making headlines; he’s inspiring a new generation of pickleball enthusiasts back home in Louisville and beyond.
