Round of 16 action got underway today at the PPA Mesa Arizona Cup and fans were treated to spectacular matches across all five events. From start to finish there was drama all around the grounds so let’s get into results and take a look at who will made their way into the quarterfinals.
Men’s Singles: Sock Setups Clash with Cinderella Story
Jack Sock started off the day with an impressive performance as he took down singles stalwart Tyson McGuffin. Sock’s forehand gave McGuffin all sorts of problems as he eventually pulled away in the third to take the match 11-2 in the deciding game. It setups a very intriguing QF with Cason Campbell, the Cinderella story of the tournament thus far. The 17 year old has defeated both Collin Shick and Dylan Frazier to get to this point but going up against Sock on center court tomorrow will be a different type of challenge for him.
Women’s Singles: Parenteau Impressive in Opening Round
Catherine Parenteau is back in the singles draw after taking singles off at the PPA Desert Ridge. She put together a business-like effort defeating Ekaterina Biakina in two games, dropping just five total points. She will face #5 seed Salome Devidze tomorrow for the right to play the winner of Mary Brascia and Lauren Stratman.
Mixed Doubles: Sock & Parenteau Advance to QF
Sock & Parenteau made quick work of Devilliers/Smith 4 &2 today and will take on the #1 seeds Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters tomorrow. The last time Johns and Waters did not walk away with the trophy in mixed doubles was back at the PPA Mesa last year. Can Sock & Parenteau dethrone what has been an unbeatable mixed team for the last 12 months? Out of all the teams in the draw they are the greatest threat on paper so make sure to tune into that one tomorrow. On the bottom half of the draw, we have a few rematches from the Hyundai Masters as Ignatowich/Bright will face McGuffin/Dizon and David/Wilson will go head-to-head with Newman/Jackie Kawamoto.
Men’s Doubles: Johns Brothers Defeat Opens up Draw
Andrei Daescu and Gabe Tardio came into their round of 16 match as big underdogs but they didn't play like it at all. They were very aggressive from the jump and had the Johns brothers on their heels the entire match. They walked away with an 11-6 11-5 victory in an absolute shocker to cap off the night session. The door is now open for the likes of Dylan Frazier and JW Johnson, who have proven themselves to be the #2 men's doubles team over the past year.
Women’s Doubles: Brascia’s Win the Selkirk Sister Showdown
Mary Brascia was the difference maker in the Selkirk sister showdown today. She played a much more aggressive right side as she and sister Maggie defeated the Kawamoto twins, after two prior defeats to start the year. The draw doesn’t get any easier as they will face Meghan Dizon/Etta Wright tomorrow. On the top half of the draw Waters/Parenteau defeated Braverman/Maddox 2 &2. They will get Rane/Oshiro in the QF who are fresh off an APP title in Punta Gorda.
On the Horizon
Quarterfinal matches will begin at 1PM EST on Pickleball TV and the PPA’s YouTube Channel. Make sure to follow the PPA on all social media platforms for updates on the schedule and order of play.
