CARY, NC – Second-seeded mixed doubles duo Anna Bright and James Ignatowich are back playing together. 

When Ignatowich was sidelined with an injury, Bright teamed up with Andrei Daescu and enjoyed success. Together, they defeated No. 1 seed Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns to claim gold at the Veolia Austin Open.

 Ignatowich and Bright battled Ivan Jakovljevic and Pierina Imparato in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, posting a swift 11-6, 11-6 victory.

“James’ style is very different than Andrei’s, but we’ve been practicing. We’re so familiar with each other,” shared Bright. “Mixed is a pretty reactionary game. You just react to whatever your male partners are doing. Bascially, if he moves, I get out of the way. It doesn’t matter if it’s James or another partner, I just adapt.”

On Thursday, Bright and Ignatowich will face Maggie Brascia and Todd Fought in the Round of 16.

“Repeating a gold is always tough,” said Bright. “But, I’m confident we’ll make it through our half of the draw.”