This was one of the more exciting mixed doubles days I can remember. The depth in pro pickleball on both the men's and women's side continues to grow which is making the early round matches more and more entertaining to watch. Let’s breakdown some of the matchups we saw today.
Mixed Doubles Final TBD:
The PPA has air time on both ESPN and CBS Sports tomorrow so the semifinals will be played tonight and aired tomorrow on those networks. Make sure to tune first thing in the morning as both matchups feature some of the game’s best players.
On the top half of the draw, we have (1) Ben Johns/Anna Leigh Waters who had a much tougher day than anticipated. After taking out (16) Lauren Stratman/Erik Lange 11-6, 11-5 they had to fight in their QF match to beat (8) Dylan Frazier/Mary Brascia in three games. The final score was 11-7, 10-12, 11-1. Frazier’s mixed game is rising to another level of late as he is showing why he is the most versatile male in pro pickleball right now
Ben & Anna Leigh will face off against (4) Riley Newman/Lindsey Newman who had a strong performance in their hometown state despite a tough draw. They faced (13) Jade Kawamoto/Dekel Bar which was a tightly contested two games that ended 12-10, 11-8. In the QF they hit a different gear and took care of (5) Lucy Kovalova/Matt Wright 11-4, 11-7 as Riley’s athleticism and court coverage was too much to handle.
On the bottom half of the draw, we have (2) James Ignatowich/Anna Bright who had to battle all day to secure their SF spot. In round two they dropped the first game to (15) Hayden Patriquin/Maggie Brascia 11-8 before winning the next two handily 11-0, 11-3. In the QF (23) Christian Alshon/Hurricane Tyra Black gave them all they could handle erasing a game two deficit to force a game 3. They found themselves up 7-2 shortly after the end change but it was the experience of James & Anna that prevailed in the end as they closed it out 11-9.
Bright/Ignatowich will go head-to-head with (6) Thomas Wilson/Vivienne David who defeated (11) Devilliers/Glozman 11-2, 11-7 and (3) Johnson/Johnson 11-9, 11-2. Impressive showing from those two as the Johnson’s are coming off a title together at the Beer City Open just last weekend.
What’s On Deck:
Gender doubles kicks off tomorrow and we have plenty of brand new partnerships to keep am eye on.
On the men’s side look out for (11) Ignatowich/Hewett as Hewett is fresh off a men's silver medal at the Beer City Open and (4) Newman/Arnold as this is Riley's first tournament since the news broke that he will be splitting up with Matt Wright.
On the women’s side the second round match of (7) Jackie Kawamoto/Vivienne David vs Hurricane Tyra Black will be must see TV. (8) Brascia/Brascia are also on a collision course with (1) Waters/Bright in the QF.
