It’s hard to get a breakthrough victory on the PPA Tour, especially in men’s singles.

It’s even more difficult to maintain a high level in the matches that follow.

But that’s exactly what we’ve seen Rafael Lenhard do this week at Life Time Rancho San Clemente.

The No. 61 seed has followed his upset of Ben Johns with three-game victories over No. 37 seed Zane Navratil on Wednesday and No. 13 seed Noe Khlif on Thursday.

In his most recent triumph, Lenhard dropped the first game before storming back to take the next two for a 7-11, 11-0, 11-7 win.

He spoke about the mindset he has going into each match.

“It’s the same that it’s been the last two rounds, and the same since I started playing pickleball. I believe in my skills, and I work really hard,” he shared. “You’ve just gotta believe in yourself that you can win and trust your shots. That’s the mentality.”

Up next for Lenhard is a bout against No. 8 seed Christian Alshon.

“It’s really exciting,” he said of his quarterfinal matchup. “When I first got into pickleball and I saw him play, I remember thinking that he might be my toughest matchup because he hits so big. He plays a similar style—he has a big forehand, with finesse on the backhand.”

Only time will tell if the qualifier makes it to the final four in Southern California.