The men’s pro doubles final at APP Chicago this weekend was truly epic. Adam Stone and Jay Devilliers dug deep, but came up short against Zane Navratil and Altaf Merchant, who battled through the losers’ bracket all the way up to the gold medal match. They all had to contend with rain delays, communications mishaps, and momentum seesaws that tested their stamina and patience. Lighting malfunctions like this one were also disruptive and nerve-rattling:

In the end, Navratil and Merchant prevailed, 1-11,11-9,11-4,19-17. Devillier and Stone took silver. Rob Cassidy and and AJ Koller nabbed bronze.

This terrific celebratory shot of Navratil and Merchant speaks to the hearts of every pickleballer — amateur, rec player, and pro — who has given it all on the court. [Photo/video credit: The Dink Pickleball/Mayfield Pickleball on Instagram.] LET’S GOOOOOOO!!!!