Gold Medal, Match Point Nasty Nelson Sparks Pickleball Debate After Going Viral
Imagine this.
You're up 10-4. Game 3. Match point to win the gold medal at the US Open.
And you think, 'you know what, let's make this interesting.'
Instead of serving the ball in to play, you rip it directly at your unsuspecting opponent at the net.
Point. Game. Match. Gold medal secured.
Comments ranged from "bush league" to "best shot ever."
Mariana Paredes, who pulled off the successful Nasty Nelson and earned her and her partner a US Open gold medal, weighed in via The Dink Instagram:
"Hahaha THAT IS ME! And in my defense, they had been targeting my partner all day in that match. I apologized more than once, and sometimes it’s just part of the game. It was the first time I ever ended a game like that, but at that point, I was desperate to finish the match. I saw an opportunity and took it, nothing wrong with that! #nastynelsonqueen"
Speaking of Nasty Nelson, have you ever heard the legend of Tim Nelson, who's widely credited for inventing the shot?
What's your take? Fair, or foul?
Jamie Simon
Jamie is a 5.34 pickleballer from New York City. He is a rarity, with over 10 years of experience on the court. In addition to pickleball, Jamie follows Premier League Football and UFC.
