Next up for the marquee matchup was the tandem of Trang Huynh-McClain and Len Yang, both highly talented players. After a quick 5-0 start, Agassi and Waters won the first game 11-7, but couldn’ t maintain that pace, losing the following two games.
“ It’ s disappointing, but at the same time, I felt that we proved what we wanted to prove. I’ m sure Andre is very proud of himself, but we’ re both still disappointed and we’ re both such competitors. I’ m proud of what we were able to accomplish,” said ALW.
Waters’ mom, Leigh, was courtside offering coaching tips throughout the match, and despite the loss, felt it was a big win for the sport of pickleball.“ Of course, everybody wanted to see them win, but one of the major goals was, let’ s put them out there and really grow the sport and let’ s reach eyeballs that haven’ t been reached yet.”
What was also reached was Andre’ s increased passion for the sport.“ Next time you see me, I’ m going to have this shot, and that shot!”
The shots kept coming for Megan Fudge, who was attempting to win the Triple Crown at this year’ s event. The last woman to do it was Parris Todd in 2023. Fudge was paired with Jack Munro, reaching the mixed doubles final where they met Riley Bohnert and Richard Livornese Jr. After jumping out to a 6-0 lead in the first game, Fudge / Munro cruised to an easy 11-7, 11-4 win to capture the gold medal.
Livornese and Munro were back out on the court to face each other with their respective partners in men’ s doubles action. Munro, who celebrated his 21st birthday during tournament week, was playing with Len Yang while Livornese shared the court with Ryler DeHeart, husband of Megan Fudge.
Yang and Munro had battled valiantly in their semifinals match against Armaan Bhatia and Harsh Mehta. After splitting the first two games, Munro / Yang made their way into the finals, winning the third game 12-10.
JACK MUNRO AND MEGAN FUDGE TAKE THE TITLE IN THE PRO MIXED DOUBLES DIVISION.
PHOTO BY BRUCE YEUNG; IG: @ YEUNGPHOTOGRAPHY
KARIN PTASZEK-KOCHIS IS GOLDEN IN THE SENIOR PRO WOMEN ' S SINGLES DIVISION.
PHOTO BY BRUCE YEUNG; IG: @ YEUNGPHOTOGRAPHY
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