Lefty Showdown at Red Rock Open: One of the most intriguing matchups at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open took place in the men’s doubles Round of 16, where #11 seeds James Ignatowich and Max Freeman faced off against #7 seeds Riley Newman and Augie Ge. The match was unique as it featured a rare lefty vs. lefty showdown between Freeman and Ge.
High-Paced Action and Tactical Challenges
The match delivered fast-paced hands battles, with both teams displaying quick reflexes and sharp exchanges at the net. However, both teams struggled with positioning, particularly in unwinding the stack—a challenge made trickier by having two left-handed players needing to return to their preferred court sides.
Freeman’s Rise in the Pro Circuit
At 26 years old, Max Freeman is still relatively new to professional pickleball. He transitioned to a full-time career in the sport just a year ago but has quickly made a name for himself. Interestingly, Freeman and James Ignatowich were childhood tennis rivals in New England before reconnecting through pickleball. Ignatowich played a key role in introducing Freeman to the game, helping him make the leap into professional play.
News in Brief: Lefty Showdown at Red Rock Open
The Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open featured a rare lefty vs. lefty battle in the men’s doubles Round of 16, as Max Freeman and Augie Ge went head-to-head. The match saw high-speed hands battles and tactical challenges, especially with court positioning for two lefties. Max Freeman, a rising star, was introduced to pickleball by childhood friend James Ignatowich, with whom he now competes at the pro level.
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