
Black, Ge continue run to set semifinal clash with Waters and Johns
PHOENIX, AZ - Hurricane Tyra Black and Augustus (Augie) Ge came into Desert Ridge as the No. 21 seeds, but they’ve outplayed that position by a wide margin throughout Friday.
That was true for the lefty-righty combo going into their quarterfinal match against Lucy Kovalova and Matt Wright, but it became even more apparent as they took on the No. 7 seeds.
ADVERTISEMENT
Black and Ge got off to a hot start against the tour veterans and took Game 1 11-5 behind the heavy forehands of Ge.
Kovalova and Wright showed why they’re one of the top seeds in Game 2 and evened the match with an 11-4 response.
But the first-time pairing would not be denied their chance at a semifinal, and the tandem reset before the final game and again cruised to an 11-5 victory.
Ge took a moment to reflect on the day that has seen the tandem earn wins against the bracket’s No. 4 and No. 7 seeded teams.
“It’s unbelievable,” Ge told PickleballTV’s Dave Fleming. “I knew playing with Tyra that it was possible today, but the fact that it’s happened now just feels really, really good.”
To continue the run and make it to Championship Sunday, Ge and Black will have to beat No. 1 seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns, who have been pushed to three games in both their Round of 16 and quarterfinal matches.
Related articles

Pickleball stars share Spotify Wrapped with the world
Anna Bright, Hurricane Tyra Black, and Meghan Dizon have good taste in music.
6 hours ago
-Victoria Radnothy

Just shoot your shot: How Max Freeman is finding mixed doubles partners
The 27-year-old deserves a round of applause for his creativity and persistence.
8 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy

Best dressed at the Veolia Lakeland Open presented by Six Zero
The fashion choices in Florida were simply elite.
10 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy

Waters cruises past Wang for women’s singles title, fourth straight Triple Crown
Make that four straight Triple Crowns for Anna Leigh Waters.
11 days ago
-Will Daughton