Erik Lange and Pei’s Semifinal Showdown: Erik Lange and Pei were eliminated in the mixed doubles semifinals on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the APP Fort Lauderdale Major. Despite a strong tournament run, the duo lost to Jack Munro and Megan Fudge, a well-synced team that disrupted their rhythm. Lange and Pei will now compete for the bronze medal.
A Tough Semifinal Loss
Erik Lange and Pei faced a disciplined challenge in Jack and Megan during their semifinal match at the APP Fort Lauderdale Major. According to Lange, “Jack and Megan are a very disciplined team, with a lot of chemistry. They’re a very good mixed doubles team.”
He acknowledged their difficulty in executing their strategy against such a strong pair. “Jack in particular took over the middle,” Lange added. “They seemed to know what we wanted to do, and we couldn’t execute.”
Though they began to adjust late in the match, it was not enough to recover. “We kind of found a strategy towards the end of the match, but we’d already dug a bit of a hole,” said Lange.
Still, Lange remains optimistic. “I think with more time on the court with Pei we’ll have other options and other ways to win, but credit to them, they played well.”
Positive Outlook Despite the Loss
Lange emphasized that he’s proud of their performance overall and is motivated heading into the bronze medal match. “I’m still very satisfied with the day, and we’re gonna fight for a bronze medal,” he said.
A bronze would be a meaningful achievement for Lange. “I’ve never had a mixed doubles medal at the pro level, so this is still very important to me,” he said. “I would trade a bronze mixed for a first-round men’s loss any day of the week. (Sorry, Max!)”
He praised Pei’s performance and attitude. “Excellent day with Pei, her energy was great. We got tired there towards the end, but fantastic day and looking forward to gender doubles tomorrow, and then the bronze medal match on Sunday.”
Journey to the Semifinal
Earlier in the day, Lange and Pei won their quarterfinal in three games, with a strong finish. “It was 11-2 in game three,” said Lange. “We really came out firing.”
He credited the support of his friends during a hot and windy match. “Towards the end of game three, as we were staggering from the heat, I heard this little voice from the crowd say, ‘Come on, Erik!’ It was my good friend Yana,” Lange shared. “That extra encouragement really helped pull me through.”
Lange also praised Pei for keeping the energy high. “Pei played terrific,” he said. “I was staggering at times, trying to deal with the heat, but we made it through.”
Earlier Rounds Showed Promise
Lange and Pei’s first match of the day was against Susannah and Brandon, the tournament’s fourth-seeded pair. Despite losing game one, they rebounded with energy and aggression.
“We lost the first game, 11-8 on a let cord,” Lange said. “And then somehow found the energy… it was Pei, screaming and yelling and keeping me engaged.”
Lange responded to her enthusiasm. “I couldn’t let her down. So I think I reeled off some big serves right there towards the end of game two, gave us momentum for game three.”
Their chemistry showed as they won convincingly in the final game. “Really, commanding performance there at the end,” said Lange. “Pei is new to the scene… she’s going to be a tough horse on the APP Tour.”
A Fresh Partnership Built on Confidence
Lange first partnered with Pei on Friday, following a strong Thursday practice session. “She played lights out,” Lange said. “We’re working on stacking… she’s instinctually a terrific player.”
They discussed positioning and strategy ahead of their matches. “It feels like it gives us an assurance… that we know what we’re going to do for tomorrow,” he explained.
Lange was impressed by Pei’s singles play, which boosted her confidence. “I’m just gonna say, hey Pei, do what you do,” he said. “Let her play and turn her loose.”
Support Off the Court
Lange highlighted the importance of community and support at pro tournaments. “We probably had seven or eight main draw pros watching the qualifiers just supporting our friends,” he said.
He also touched on team dynamics and the realities of changing partners. “There are times you just realize that for both players, something fresh and new could be a good thing,” Lange noted. “You may still be great friends off the court.”
Staying Ready in Fort Lauderdale
Lange adjusted to the Florida heat and time zone after arriving from Portland via New York. He stayed with a group of eight players, managing rest and recovery with hydration, food, and stretching.
“We left the house about 6:45 this morning… took some Advil, got the body stretched out a little bit,” he said before their matches began.
He noted the Florida heat and wind as constant challenges. “It’s pretty hot, windy… both teams have to deal with the conditions,” Lange explained.
What’s Next
Lange and Pei will now vie for the bronze medal in mixed doubles on Sunday, April 6. Lange remains hopeful. With gender doubles matches on Saturday and a possible medal on Sunday, the tournament is far from over for them.
“I’m looking forward to gender doubles tomorrow, and then the bronze medal match on Sunday,” Lange said.
News in Brief: Erik Lange and Pei’s Semifinal Showdown
Erik Lange and Pei lost their mixed doubles semifinal at the APP Fort Lauderdale Major on April 4, 2025. Despite the loss, they’ll play for bronze on Sunday. Lange praised Pei’s play and said he’s proud of their run. He remains focused ahead of upcoming men’s and mixed matches.
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