
3 things to watch for on Friday at the PPA Masters
The Carvana PPA Masters powered by Invited continues Friday with quarterfinal action in all five pro events.
Here is the day’s order of play:
Now, let’s get into what to watch for.
- For the first time in his PPA Tour career, Jack Sock is into the quarterfinals in men’s singles, mixed doubles, and men’s doubles at the same tournament. The story here is his progression in doubles; he and Mari Humberg beat No. 7 seeds Jessie Irvine/Jay Devilliers in mixed, and he and Pablo Tellez beat No. 6 seeds Jaume Martinez Vich/Matt Wright in men’s to reach the final eight. The road won’t get any easier for the two-time Olympic medalist on Friday with matches against Federico Staksrud in singles, Anna Leigh Waters/Ben Johns in mixed doubles, and JW Johnson/CJ Klinger in men’s doubles.
- Though Anna Leigh Waters is making plenty of headlines with her Franklin paddle and Nike apparel, she has brought another new element to her game this week: the lob serve. The 18-year-old has occasionally used the lob serve in the past, especially in singles, but she has taken it to a new level in Palm Springs. She’s now incorporating it into her doubles matches and hitting the ball significantly higher than in the past, which prompted Zane Navratil to do a well-researched breakdown of the tactical advantages of the shot. Look for Waters to continue using the lob serve in her quarterfinal matches.
- Catherine Parenteau was forced to retire midway through her women’s singles Round of 16 match against Jorja Johnson on Thursday with an injury, but she was still able to compete in victorious efforts in both mixed doubles and women’s doubles later in the day. Her health will be worth monitoring on Friday as she and Gabe Tardio face No. 3 seeds Anna Bright/Hayden Patriquin in mixed doubles and she and Rachel Rohrabacher take on No. 5 seeds Etta Tuionetoa/Lacy Schneemann in women’s doubles.
Live broadcast coverage from Mission Hills Country Club begins at 10am PT on Pickleballtv.
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