Kunimoto upsets the No. 6 seed, earns first quarterfinal appearance in

Kunimoto upsets the No. 6 seed, earns first quarterfinal appearance in Minnesota

Pickleball’s future is taking center stage in Minnesota today in the Round of 16, as multiple players under 18 shake up the draw, including Selkirk’s 17-year-old Kiora Kunimoto.

All eyes on Kunimoto

Kiora Kunimoto has been on an incredible trajectory since the end of 2025. After earning multiple PPA Challenger medals, she is now chasing her first PPA Tour medal and looks poised to get there.

Kunimoto took down one of the top seeds in the women’s singles draw, No. 6 Zoey Wang, in a commanding performance. The powerful No. 19 seed was in full control throughout the match, dictating points and running the No. 6 seed across the court. Kunimoto needed just 20 minutes to dismantle Wang, 11-1, 11-1.

Kunimoto now earns her first quarterfinal appearance, where she will face No. 2 Brooke Buckner for the fifth time. The two met at the Masters just last week, where Kunimoto narrowly missed the win, 9-11, 11-5, 9-11.

Kiora's Gear

Paddle: Selkirk LABS Boomstik Elongated in Regal

Shoes: CourtStrike Pro 2.0s in White

Three quarterfinals for Parenteau

Catherine Parenteau looked dominant in singles with a win over the formidable No. 12 seed, Milan Rane. This was their second meeting, and Parenteau was able to stay ahead for most of it without issue. With the 11-3, 11-6 win, Parenteau moves on to play No. 4 seed, Parris Todd.

After a tough loss in the quarterfinals of the Masters last week, Parenteau and Rachel Rohrabacher are back in form. The duo played the No. 22 seeds, Marcela Hones and Giovanna Morelli, and walked away with an 11-1, 11-4 victory. They’ll face the winner of Tina Pisnik/Cailyn Campbell and Zoey Wang/Brooke Buckner.

In mixed doubles, Parenteau and Gabe Tardio automatically advanced to the quarterfinals following the withdrawal of Mari Humberg and Augie Ge. The duo will face the No. 8 seeds, Tina Pisnik and Noe Khlif, in the quarterfinals, who are coming off a strong run at the Masters.