With some of the more notable names in the sport missing in action this week it opened the door for some new names to walk through and make a Championship Sunday. Let’s take a look at what took place on a competitive Friday in Minnesota.
Mixed Doubles Final: (1) Thomas Wilson/Vivienne David vs (12) Federico Staksrud/Rachel Rohrabacher
Thomas Wilson and Vivienne David were the hottest mixed doubles team heading into the tournament and no one was able to slow them down today as they didn’t drop a game en route to Sunday’s final. They were able to take down (6) Jay Devilliers/Callie Smith and (13) Dekel Bar/Tina Pisnik and will be looking for their first mixed PPA gold together after one 2nd place and two 3rd place finishes to start the year.
The bottom half of the draw was a lot less straightforward as the #2 seeds Anna Bright and Collin Johns fell in a marathon quarterfinal to Hayden Patriquin and Lea Jansen 12-10, 12-14, 11-13 after having several match points to book their ticket to the semifinals.
(3) Jack Sock/Catherine Parenteau, (7) Christian Alshon/Hurricane Tyra Black and (12) Federico Staksrud/Rachel Rohrabacher battled for the final semifinal spot and it was Staksrud and Rohrabacher who were able to advance even after dropping the first game in both their round of 16 and quarterfinal matches. In the semifinals it was more of the same as they came from behind to defeat Patriquin and Jansen. This is a brand-new partnership and for them to make a final in only their 3rd tournament together speaks volumes to how quick they have gelled as a team.
The final will be an interesting contrast of styles as Wilson likes to fly around and use his forehand to attack the right-side female but Rachel’s hands are elite so he will have to find the right times to attack.
On the Horizon
Gender doubles day kicks off tomorrow morning at 11AM CT and Rohrabacher will be looking to make another final with partner Anna Bright as the #2 seeds in women's doubles. Federico Staksrud will also be looking to keep his triple crown hopes alive as he and partner Pablo Tellez are the #2 seeds in men’s doubles. It should be another phenomenal day of pickleball so didn’t miss any of the action on PickleballTV and the PPA Tour’s YouTube Channel.
