The Atlanta Slam round of 16 matches got underway today at the Lifetime Fitness in Peachtree, Georgia. Rain forced action indoors but all five progression draws were completed. Let’s take a look at who was able to advance.
Men’s Singles: Injury forces top seed to withdraw
The day started with a major headline. Ben Johns had to withdraw in game one of his match against Grayson Goldin because of an apparent ankle injury. Johns looked noticeably uncomfortable but he was able to complete his doubles matches. Dylan Frazier also withdrew. This comes after Christian Alshon and Quang Duong withdrawals earlier in the week. The draw now runs through top seed Federico Staksrud who is on another collision course with Connor Garnett in the semifinals.
Women’s Singles: Brascia into quarters, will face Todd
Mary Brascia had a red-hot start to the singles year. This may be the tournament she makes another run at a final but she’ll have to get through Parris Todd. Todd mounted a monster comeback against Kate Fahey who has been pretty much unbeatable of late. Other heavy hitters left include Anna Leigh Waters, Lea Jansen, Brooke Buckner and Kaitlyn Christian who all advanced today.
Mixed Doubles: Rohrabacher and Parenteau move on
Rachel Rohrabacher and Federico Staksrud played phenomenal down the stretch against Hayden Patriquin and Lea Jansen to win their round of 16 match in three games. Their reward will be Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters who haven’t lost since March. Johns not being 100% is something to keep an eye on. Meanwhile on the bottom half of the draw Christian Alshon and Catherine Parenteau put together another complete performance and look to be the favorites to make the final after James Ignatowich and Anna Bright fell to Lacy Schneemann and Tyson McGuffin 11-8, 11-3.
Men’s Doubles: Can Frazier and Johnson get back on track?
It’s been a while since JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier won a gold medal, June to be exact. The main reason being the rise of right siders Gabe Tardio and Christian Alshon. They’ll have a chance to make a statement tomorrow as they face Hayden Patriquin and Pablo Tellez in the quarters. Lurking on the bottom half of the draw is another matchup of the Johns brother’s vs Andrei Daescu and Gabe Tardio. Julian Arnold and Hunter Johnson pulled the lone upset of the day over Federico Staksrud and Matt Wright.
Women’s Doubles: Top seeds in top form
Two teams have won all but one of the women’s doubles title this year. It’s Anna Leigh Waters/Catherine Parenteau and Anna Bright/Rachel Rohrabacher. Both teams took care of business quickly today. The Brascia sisters pulled off a big win over Jade Kawamoto/Andrea Koop. They’ll get Bright/Rohrabacher in a must watch match tomorrow.
On the Horizon
Don’t miss any of the quarterfinal’s action kicking off on PickleballTV at 11am EST tomorrow. Grandstand court will be streamed on the PPA’s YouTube Channel.
