The Cape Coral Open kicked off today, with Team Selkirk dominating in the round of 64.
Shimabukuro earns the double pickle
Fifteen-year-old Tama Shimabukuro opened his Cape Coral singles campaign with a statement win over Tyson McGuffin. Shimabukuro, who recently earned three medals at the Tucson PPA Challenger, needed just half an hour to take down the former World No. 1 in three games. With an 11–0, 6–11, 11–0 scoreline, Shimabukuro moves on to face fellow Hawaiʻi friend and No. 7 seed Jaume Martinez-Vich. This will be the pair’s first meeting in PPA competition.
In doubles, Shimabukuro pairs up with soft tennis world champion Yuta Funemizu for their first tournament together. The duo looked sharp in their debut, taking down Luc Pham and Lucas Pascoe with ease, 11–4, 11–1. Shimabukuro/Funemizu will be tested tomorrow in a battle against the No. 8 seeds, Max Freeman and Tyson McGuffin.
Sparta Pros shine
Sparta Pro Rafa Lenhard earned an emphatic 11–2, 11–3 win over Wyatt Stone in singles. The recent PPA signee has a history of taking down some of the top players in the game and will test his skills against No. 14 seed Jay Devilliers tomorrow.
In doubles, Sparta Pro Anouar Braham teams up with Selkirk Emerging Pro Luca Mack. The duo delivered in the round of 64, taking down the No. 34 seeds, Yates Johnson and Jace Morris, 11–0, 11–8. Braham/Mack will need to bring their A-game tomorrow when they go up against the No. 2 seeds, Christian Alshon and Hayden Patriquin.
Kunimoto moves on
Kiora Kunimoto has been on a roll to start the 2026 season. The 18-year-old took down two top-10 players at the Indoor National Championships and earned a fourth-place finish. She will look to replicate that success in Cape Coral. With a quick 11–1, 11–0 win over Victoria Simon, Kunimoto will play lucky loser Brittni Tonnessen for a spot in the round of 16.
Business as usual for Parenteau
Catherine Parenteau and Gabe Tardio continue to build on their partnership as the No. 5 seeds in Cape Coral. Parenteau/Tardio faced a feisty duo in Luca Mack and Estee Widdershoven, taking the match 12–10, 11–2. They’ll now face a new pairing in Donald Young and Hannah Blatt.
Parenteau had a bye in singles and women’s doubles today. She will begin play tomorrow against rising talent Albie Huang in singles and will continue her partnership with Rachel Rohrabacher as they take on Mya Bui and Paula Rives in doubles.
Tune in
The Cape Coral Open will be broadcasting starting on Thursday at 10am PT on Pickleball TV. Tune in to the PPA livestream on YouTube to catch all the round of 32 action tomorrow!
