Tennis Stars at Zimmer Biomet Masters: The Zimmer Biomet Masters powered by Invited kicks off this week at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA, with a packed mixed doubles draw featuring big names and exciting matchups. Among the intriguing tandems are former professional tennis stars Genie Bouchard and Jack Sock, competing together for the first time in this PPA Tour event.
Bouchard and Sock, seeded 20th, will face Camila Zilveti and Patrick Smith in the Round of 64 on Tuesday. With Sock’s previous mixed doubles success and Bouchard’s hunger for her first PPA medal, the duo hopes to make a deep run despite a challenging bracket.
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Top Seeds and Rising Stars
The favorites in the mixed doubles bracket are clear. Top-seeded Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns lead the pack as dominant contenders. Second-seeded siblings Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson are also strong threats.
Meanwhile, third-seeded Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin have their eyes on a gold medal. The question is whether they can outshine the top two teams and claim their spot on the podium.
Bouchard and Sock’s Path
As the No. 20 seeds, Bouchard and Sock face a tough road to the podium. If they advance past Zilveti and Smith, they could meet Meghan Dizon and AJ Koller in the Round of 32. Success there may lead to a showdown with Catherine Parenteau and Federico Staksrud in the Round of 16.
Sock brings valuable pickleball experience, having won a mixed doubles title with Anna Leigh Waters at the OS1st North Carolina Open in May 2023. Bouchard, however, is still searching for her first PPA medal and sees this event as a chance to prove her transition to pickleball is progressing well.
What Experts Are Saying
The chemistry between the two could also be a factor. Sock’s past success in mixed doubles could give them an edge in key moments, while Bouchard’s competitive spirit will likely push them through the early rounds.
Looking Ahead
The Zimmer Biomet Masters promises high-level pickleball and thrilling matchups as the tournament progresses. Broadcast coverage begins Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET on Pickleballtv, ensuring fans won’t miss any action.
With so much talent in the draw, including seasoned champions and rising stars, the event highlights the continued growth of pickleball as a professional sport. For Bouchard and Sock, the tournament offers an opportunity to showcase their skills and add a new chapter to their athletic careers.
News in Brief: Tennis Stars at Zimmer Biomet Masters
The Zimmer Biomet Masters at Mission Hills features a packed mixed doubles draw, including former tennis stars Genie Bouchard and Jack Sock. Top-seeded Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns lead the field. Bouchard and Sock, seeded 20th, face a tough bracket, aiming to showcase their skills in this high-profile PPA Tour event.
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