DALLAS, TX - With how early we are into the 2024 season, it seems silly to be talking about ‘Match of the Year’ candidates.

But one may have taken place under the desert sun at the PPA Masters Friday afternoon.

In the mixed doubles quarterfinals, No. 4 seeds Vivienne David and Thomas Wilson took down No. 5 seeds Jackie Kawamoto and Riley Newman in an epic, 13-15, 11-9, 11-8.

Within the first five minutes of the match, it looked like David and Wilson might make quick work of the new partnership, jumping out to a 9-2 lead.

From there, though, Kawamoto and Newman slowly grinded their way back into the first game.

The first-time partnership and Major League Pickleball teammates eventually took that first game after 30 minutes.

Some, if not most, teams might fall apart mentally after giving up such a big lead. It’s a good thing, then, that David and Wilson’s focus in 2024 is on mentality.

“We decided that this year is all about energy and staying positive,” Wilson explained. “We had some blips, but we got it together a lot quicker than we’re used to.”

This focus on the game’s mental side helped David and Wilson stay engaged going into Game 2, and the pair found their form at the crucial moments of each game to seal the victory.

They will take on No. 1 seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns in the semifinals on Saturday. 

The other mixed doubles semifinal will feature No. 2 seeds Anna Bright and James Ignatowich taking on the new partnership of Meghan Dizon and Tyson McGuffin.