
Dawson and Rohrabacher make Round of 16 with upset win over Wright and Kovalova
DALLAS, TX - The nonstop rain at the Hertz Gold Cup continues to bring with it tidal waves of upsets as play moves inside.
The latest to join the party? Callan Dawson and Rachel Rohrabacher, who bested No. 8 seeds Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova to book a spot in the mixed doubles Round of 16.
ADVERTISEMENT
Dawson and Rohrabacher jumped out to a 10-1 lead in the first game and narrowly avoided a collapse, pulling it out 11-7.
They didn’t look back from there and took the second game 11-3 to seal the win.
Though the win definitely helps the pair’s confidence going forward, Dawson is happier about he and Rohrabacher finding their groove at the right time.
“It’s a good win, but most importantly, it feels good playing with Rachel and figuring out how to be a good team on the court,” he said.
For Rohrabacher, she is relieved to have found her high level playing indoors.
“I played a little shaky in our first match,” she admitted. “It was weird being indoors, so I couldn’t get my dinks down, but against Matt and Lucy I made the right adjustments.”
Related articles

Pickleball pros share New Year’s resolutions
Chris Haworth, Jay Devilliers, and the Brascia sisters have some fun goals for 2026.
17 hours ago
-Victoria Radnothy

Bobby Edwards 'super grateful' to support Rohrabacher on pickleball journey
Rachel Rohrabacher’s future husband loves being her biggest cheerleader.
18 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy

Devilliers: 'Thankful to be here' after surviving life-threatening accident as a teenager
Back in 2011, Jay Devilliers suffered a skull fracture in a swimming pool in Spain.
25 days ago
-Matt Cudzinowski

Catherine Parenteau, Rachel Rohrabacher joining forces in 2026
The pair will play together on a full-time basis starting in January.
31 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff