
Black, Alshon shine as Alshon makes second final in Tucson
Tyra Black/Christian Alshon closed out Friday’s action at Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club with an 11-5, 11-9 victory over No. 5 seeds Maggie Brascia/JW Johnson.
The pair’s complementary game styles were on full display in the bout; Alshon used his length to crash off of aggressive third shots, while Black provided necessary pressure at the kitchen line with her reach and counters.
For Alshon, he’s into his second final of the week after also making it to the title match in men’s singles.
He spoke about the experience of switching from singles to doubles from day to day.
“I mean, they’re two completely different sports. Coming in today after a full day of singles, it felt kind of weird to just stand at the kitchen and have balls get hit straight to me because that doesn’t really happen in singles,” he explained.
Black/Alshon will face top seeds Anna Leigh Waters/Ben Johns in Sunday’s final, which will be a rematch of their epic semifinal clash at last month’s PPA Masters—that Waters/Johns won after saving four match points against.
Black isn’t putting too much pressure on herself going into the highly anticipated rematch.
“I don’t think we did anything wrong the last time we played them. We went for our shots and did things right, so I’m really happy with it,” she said. “It doesn’t make a difference to me if we win or lose—I’m just here to have fun and work my hardest, and that’s what I’m gonna do on Sunday.”
Related articles

PPA Tour Asia announces LT Pro 48 as official ball
This comes as welcome news for the US-based pros who frequently compete overseas, as the PPA Tour and PPA Tour Asia will now use the same ball.
4 hours ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

'Goldin' moment: Grayson Goldin claims first PPA Tour title six months after stroke
Half a year after his career was halted as a result of suffering two strokes, Grayson Goldin captured his first career PPA Tour title at the Skechers Shenzhen Open.
1 day ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Why is Anna Leigh Waters so dominant? Zane Navratil explains
There are countless factors that separate her from the rest of the field.
4 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Which state is America’s most pickleball-obsessed?
The answer just might surprise you.
4 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy