Martin Emmrich hits an overhead.
Martin Emmrich competing at the Carvana Mesa Arizona Cup. PPA Tour

Emmrich, De la Rosa into quarters after upset win over Ignatowich, Staksrud

ROCKWALL, TX - Martin Emmrich and Daniel de la Rosa are into the quarterfinals at the CIBC Texas Open powered by TIXR after a thrilling 11-8, 4-11, 11-9 victory over James Ignatowich and Federico Staksrud.

The No. 16 seeds came out strong to take Game 1 behind a commitment to playing aggressively and driving from the baseline.

That strategy took a backseat as the pair dropped the second game, but they found their form again to close out the match.

“The game style changed a bit in the second game, and we weren’t driving as well,” Emmrich explained. “We got into more dink rallies, which we didn’t really want. I had focus on driving more down the line so that Daniel could take over in the middle in the final game.”

Another key component of the victory was the trust that the Brooklyn Aces teammates have in each other.

“We have a really good relationship off the court—Martin’s like my older brother,” De la Rosa shared. “He always reminds me that win and lose together. That’s one of the things that keeps our partnership strong and positive.”

The pair will face No. 5 seeds Tyson McGuffin and Jaume Martinez Vich in the quarterfinals.