
Buckner reaches quarters behind three-game victory over Christian
ROSEVILLE, CA - Brooke Buckner rallied from a game down to beat No. 10 seed Kaitlyn Christian at the Veolia Sacramento Open presented by Best Day Brewing.
It took the No. 7 seed a little while to find her best stuff as she struggled to get going in Game 1, but she dialed in the powerful drives that define her gameplay from there to rally for a 5-11, 11-1, 11-6 victory.
One of the challenges for Buckner—and every player competing Thursday in northern California—was dealing with the extreme heat brought about by temperatures upwards of 100 degrees.
To her credit, though, the mom of three seems to be handling it about as well as anyone could.
“We’re out here playing pickleball, so it can’t be that bad,” she joked. “Ideally, you don’t go three in this weather, but [Christian’s] tough and to beat her in two is really difficult. I’m just happy to get the win.”
Buckner will face No. 21 seed Layne Sleeth with a spot in the semifinals on the line.
Related articles

Order of play for Carvana Championship Sunday at the Rate Las Vegas Open
Anna Leigh Waters can earn her 200th career PPA Tour title with wins in both the women's doubles and mixed doubles finals on Sunday.
1 hour ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Rematch set: Johns, Tardio to face Alshon, Daescu for men's doubles title in repeat of 2025 classic
The top two seeds will once again clash for men's doubles gold in Las Vegas nearly one year after delivering one of the most memorable matches in PPA Tour history.
6 hours ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Order of Play for Semifinal Saturday at the Rate Las Vegas Open
Federico Staksrud will take on Hunter Johnson in men's singles for the third straight tournament on Saturday.
21 hours ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Kunimoto, Campbell set sights on first career PPA final
Rising stars Kiora Kunimoto and Cailyn Campbell will have a unique opportunity when they face off in the women's singles semifinals on Saturday in Las Vegas.
1 day ago
-Pickleball.com Staff