Kaitlyn Christian/Andrei Daescu became the first pairing to advance to the mixed doubles semifinals in the Sunshine State with a thrilling 5-11, 11-6, 13-11 victory over No. 4 seeds Catherine Parenteau/Dekel Bar.

The contest was all square at 10-10 in the deciding game, but the No. 6 seeds never trailed from that point on and eventually converted their sixth match point opportunity.

Even though this is the first time that Christian and Daescu have shared the court at a PPA Tour event, they have considerable experience competing together from the 2024 Major League Pickleball season, where they were teammates on the AZ Drive (now Phoenix Flames).

“Andrei is such a leader, and it’s just a real pleasure to be on the court competing with him,” Christian said of her former MLP teammate. “The energy is so high, and I have 100% trust in him, so it makes my job easier on the court.”

Christian/Daescu will take on No. 11 seeds Callie Smith/Jay Devilliers, who upset Tyra Black/Christian Alshon in straight games in the quarterfinals, on Saturday.