Callie Smith and Etta Tuionetoa pulled off a major upset at the CIBC Texas Open presented by Fasenra, defeating top-seeded Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau in women’s doubles action at the Courts of McKinney in McKinney, Texas. The No. 5 seeds battled back for a 4-11, 11-8, 11-8 victory in challenging wind conditions.
A Stunning Comeback
Waters and Parenteau appeared in control early, taking the first game 11-4 and racing to a 5-0 lead in Game 2. However, Smith and Tuionetoa found their rhythm, fighting back to win the second game and forcing a decisive third.
Down 4-8 in the final game, Smith and Tuionetoa staged another rally, scoring seven straight points to seal the win. The loss marked the first of 2025 for Waters and Parenteau.
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Wind Plays a Key Role
The match was heavily influenced by the wind, with Smith and Tuionetoa capitalizing when playing into it. The duo made their decisive final run from the ‘good’ side, where controlling shots was easier.
As the wind intensified in Game 3, Waters requested that the match be moved indoors but was denied. Several of her and Parenteau’s shots drifted long due to the wind.
“We’ve had to deal with some weather today, but I feel like Etta and I hung tough,”. “I would like to play [Anna Leigh and Catherine] again in fair weather when things are a little more even on both sides, but I’m happy that we fought hard.”(Callie Smith)
Looking Ahead
With the upset win, Smith and Tuionetoa advance to the semifinals, where they will face No. 6 seeds Lea Jansen and Lucy Kovalova. The victory gives the duo momentum as they aim for a spot in Championship Sunday.
News in Brief: Callie Smith and Etta Tuionetoa
Callie Smith and Etta Tuionetoa shocked top-seeded Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau at the CIBC Texas Open, winning 4-11, 11-8, 11-8. Overcoming an early deficit and windy conditions, they advanced to the semifinals to face Lea Jansen and Lucy Kovalova. Waters/Parenteau suffered their first loss of 2025.
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