Christian Alshon and James Ignatowich’s Fierce Rivalry: Every sport has its defining rivalries, and in professional pickleball, Christian Alshon and James Ignatowich show this dynamic. Their mutual fight has become a talking point among fans and players.
Origins in Tennis
The roots of this rivalry stretch back to their tennis days, where both athletes first crossed paths. Christian Alshon, the more outspoken of the two, often references their history, highlighting a competitive edge that has fueled their rivalry.
“It all started with us knowing each other back in tennis. He actually used to train at my academy, MTA, for a very short period and then he left. We used to play each other every now and then, and I’ve never lost to him in tennis.” – (Christian Alshon)
“One of the main reasons I actually started playing pickleball is because I saw that this kid, James Ignatowich, who I knew from junior tennis, was playing pickleball and he was doing well. I was like, ‘If this guy can do well, so can I.’” – (Christian Alshon)
Once Christian Alshon picked up a paddle, he sought guidance from James Ignatowich, who surprisingly offered encouragement.
“I don’t think he knew what type of competition was coming into the sport by telling me that.” – (Christian Alshon)
The Rise of Rivalry
From that point forward, their relationship evolved into a comedic exchange of tweets and playful jabs, primarily instigated by Christian Alshon.
“I definitely think there should be rivalries in pickleball. Why would you watch any sport where there’s no rivalry and no competition? Rivalries don’t work when they’re super one-sided. The rivalry has to have a back-and-forth chance of beating each other.” – (Christian Alshon)
Sometimes I don’t want to train but I go train and keep in mind that I can get a PPA title before James Ignatowich.
— Christian Alshon (@TweenerKing) January 18, 2023
A Complicated Partnership
“Partnerships get planned out way, way in advance, and when I came into pickleball, he was starting to do very well in men’s and mixed, so I was willing to play with him. Despite the beef, we care more about winning.” – (Christian Alshon)
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If their rivalry can transform into teamwork, they could achieve great success. In Virginia, the duo faced a disappointing exit in the Round of 16, losing to Rafa Hewett and Riley Newman.
“We lost to a team that we shouldn’t have lost to, and we didn’t play well in that match. I think we could be better if we practiced together, but we haven’t really practiced together and we’re figuring it out.” – (Christian Alshon)
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Building Team Chemistry
Christian Alshon’s coach, Leigh Waters, has emphasized the importance of off-court bonding to strengthen their partnership.
“Coach Leigh thinks that one of the best things that we could do to become a good team is to hang out off the court to get over the beef. I joked and said, ‘Oh, so we have to go on a date?’” – (Christian Alshon)
Following the example of undefeated pair Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin, who have built chemistry through camaraderie, Christian Alshon and James Ignatowich may discover the winning formula through practice and social interaction.
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As they prepare to reunite for the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships, Christian Alshon remains optimistic about their potential improvement.
Amid the competitive tension, one particular tweet has become a memorable highlight of their rivalry—the infamous wooden spoon comment.
“I was just in a sh*t talking mood with James, and it really came from the heart and it was sincere. I stand by that. If I play James with a wooden spoon, I’d like to see what would happen. It’s one of my best comments.”
I don’t think I’m overconfident, but I do believe I could beat James Ignatowich in pickleball with a wooden spoon.
— Christian Alshon (@TweenerKing) January 24, 2023
News in Brief: Christian Alshon and James Ignatowich’s Fierce Rivalry
The rivalry between Christian Alshon and James Ignatowich has captured attention in the professional pickleball scene, stemming from their competitive tennis history.
Despite their rivalry, the pair recently teamed up at the Stratusphere Gin Virginia Beach Cup, but lost in the Round of 16. As they prepare for the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships, Christian Alshon expressed hope for improvement in their partnership.