Max Freeman Stuns Connor Garnett: The 2025 PPA Tour Veolia Cape Coral Open Presented by Proton is quickly becoming a tournament of upsets and breakthrough performances, and Max Freeman delivered one of the biggest shocks yet. In a thrilling three-game battle, Freeman rallied from behind to defeat No. 2 seed Connor Garnett, winning 5-11, 11-9, 12-10 to advance to the Round of 16.
View this post on Instagram
Freeman’s Gritty Comeback Shakes Up the Draw
Garnett came into the match as the heavy favorite, and his dominance was on full display in the first game as he cruised to an 11-5 win. But Freeman, a recently signed PPA Tour player, refused to back down.
He adjusted his strategy in Game 2, keeping rallies longer and forcing Garnett into errors, eventually grinding out an 11-9 win to force a deciding third game.
Late-Game Heroics Steal the Show
Garnett looked ready to escape with the win in Game 3, building a 9-6 lead and seemingly in control. However, Freeman—a left-handed player with a fearless approach—mounted a comeback, saving match point and eventually clinching the win at 12-10 in dramatic fashion.
With this victory, Freeman not only takes down the No. 2 seed, but also earns the biggest singles win of his career on the PPA Tour.
Next Challenge: Another Upset in the Making?
Freeman’s reward for his stunning victory is a Round of 16 showdown with qualifier George Rangelov, who earlier in the day defeated No. 13 seed Gabe Tardio in another major upset. With both players riding high on confidence, their match promises to be an intense battle as Freeman looks to reach his first-ever PPA singles quarterfinal.
News in Brief: Max Freeman Stuns Connor Garnett
Max Freeman pulled off a massive upset at the PPA Veolia Cape Coral Open, defeating No. 2 seed Connor Garnett in a thrilling three-game comeback, 5-11, 11-9, 12-10. Freeman saved a match point and rallied from 6-9 down in the final game to secure the biggest win of his career. He will now face George Rangelov in the Round of 16, with a quarterfinal spot on the line.
