Carvana Mesa Cup Day 3 Recap: On Thursday, the Carvana Mesa Cup presented by Proton delivered an unforgettable men’s doubles match in the Round of 16. Riley Newman and James Ignatowich faced off against Augie Ge and Jaume Martinez Vich in a match that had fans on the edge of their seats, showcasing incredible grit, strategy, and a thrilling conclusion.
A Night to Remember
The match began after 6 pm, as the sun set over the Arizona desert. Despite the thinning crowd, the remaining fans were treated to an epic encounter.
The game began with both teams trading points in a highly competitive first game. Ge and Martinez Vich targeted Ignatowich’s forehand with speed-ups, putting Newman on the right side of the court and leaving Ignatowich to handle most of the action.
At one point, while broadcasting for PickleballTV, Michelle Esquivel suggested that Newman switch sides to counter the opponents’ strategy. Almost immediately, the duo made the change, which sparked a momentum shift. Newman and Ignatowich narrowly won the first game 14-12.
Ignatowich’s Injury and the Turn of Events
However, in the second game, Ignatowich’s back injury became a significant factor. After a 15-minute medical timeout, Ignatowich struggled to keep up with the pace, and Ge and Martinez Vich took full advantage. They closed out the second game with a dominant 11-4 score, evening the match at one game apiece.
A Thrilling Final Game
Heading into the third game, it seemed like the momentum was entirely in favor of Ge and Martinez Vich. With Newman appearing de-energized and Ignatowich still nursing his injury, the stage seemed set for an easy win for the challengers. However, Newman and Ignatowich had other plans.
As the game progressed, their small lead began to grow, and word quickly spread that an epic match was unfolding. Many other professional players, who could have been resting before their Friday matches, gathered in the stands to watch the thrilling contest.
Both teams fought back and forth, with every point drawing cheers from the crowd. At one point, it seemed like Ignatowich could not continue due to the pain in his lower back, but each time he appeared to be done, he managed to pull off an incredible shot. Newman, feeding off Ignatowich’s determination, upped his game as well.
Match Point Drama
With the score tight, Martinez Vich missed a key serve return, giving Newman and Ignatowich a match point. Yet, they were unable to convert, and Ge and Martinez Vich began to mount a comeback. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the score reached 10-8 in favor of Ge and Martinez Vich.
Despite all odds, Newman and Ignatowich won back the serve, and after an intense rally, Ignatowich sealed the win with a spectacular backhand counter, sending his team to the quarterfinals.
The Final Moments
The crowd erupted in cheers as Newman and Ignatowich secured the victory. The other pros in the stands lauded their effort, while Martinez Vich could only kick at the ball in frustration.
Ge, ever the professional, consoled his partner, while Newman celebrated with energy and enthusiasm. Ignatowich, on the other hand, was drained from the effort, clearly in pain but proud of the win.
It was an unforgettable moment, with Newman and Ignatowich demonstrating incredible resilience and teamwork. As the sun set and the desert evening cooled, the match came to an end, leaving everyone who witnessed it in awe. The crowd, the other professionals, and the players themselves knew that they had witnessed something truly special.
News in Brief: Carvana Mesa Cup Day 3 Recap
Riley Newman and James Ignatowich defeated Augie Ge and Jaume Martinez Vich in an epic men’s doubles match at the Carvana Mesa Cup on Thursday. The match featured incredible shot-making, strategy, and perseverance, with Newman and Ignatowich winning 14-12, 4-11, 11-10 despite Ignatowich’s back injury.