James Ignatowich hits a pickleball backhand.
James Ignatowich and Anna Bright competing at the Selkirk Red Rock Open. PPA Tour

Bright, Ignatowich power way to Championship Sunday in Utah

ST. GEORGE, UT - Anna Bright and James Ignatowich captured mixed doubles gold at the Selkirk Red Rock Open in 2023, and they’re one match away from a repeat performance in 2024.

The No. 2 seeds ran through the draw on Friday, allowing no more than six points in any game.

One factor that’s certainly contributing to the pair’s success in Utah is Ignatowich’s full recovery from a nagging shoulder injury.

The 23-year-old played in two tournaments earlier in April, but he says he hasn’t felt truly back to winning form until now.

“I think those last two tournaments I wasn’t really myself,” he shared. “I think I came back a little too early, but I feel 100% now, and that’s all that matters.”

Ignatowich was especially sharp in the pair’s semifinal match against Martina Frantova and Andrei Daescu, with his big serve and drive combination making it nearly impossible for his opponents to successfully unwind the stack when returning.

That, combined with consistently smart play from Bright, helped the pair come away with an impressive 11-1, 11-3 victory.

They will take on No. 1 seeds Etta Wright and Ben Johns for the title on Sunday.