Rio Newcombe and Jalina I secured a commanding victory in the mixed doubles pro qualifier quarterfinals at the PPA Tour Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open in St. George, Utah, on March 25, 2025. The duo triumphed over Braden Jacobson and Elsie Hendershot in straight sets, winning 11-1, 11-0.
Newcombe and Jalina showcased their dominance from the outset, quickly taking control of the match. Their aggressive play and precise shot-making left little opportunity for their opponents to counter. Jacobson and Hendershot struggled to find their rhythm, falling behind early in both sets.
Strong Start Sets the Tone
From the first serve, Newcombe and Jalina dictated the pace. They executed sharp volleys and well-placed drop shots, forcing errors from Jacobson and Hendershot. The first set ended swiftly at 11-1, as Newcombe’s strong serves and Jalina’s net play proved too much to handle.
The second set saw even greater dominance, with Newcombe and Jalina maintaining flawless execution. They capitalized on every opportunity, preventing their opponents from scoring a single point and sealing the match 11-0.
Tournament Implications
With this win, Newcombe and Jalina advance to the next round of the tournament, where they will face tougher competition. Their strong performance in this match highlights them as serious contenders for the title. Meanwhile, Jacobson and Hendershot will look to regroup and improve in future events.
Growing Interest in Pickleball
The PPA Tour continues to showcase high-level pickleball, attracting top players and growing the sport’s popularity nationwide. Events like the Red Rock Open provide a platform for emerging talents to make their mark in the competitive scene.
News in Brief: Rio Newcombe and Jalina I
Rio Newcombe and Jalina I dominated the mixed doubles pro qualifier quarterfinals at the PPA Tour Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open, defeating Braden Jacobson and Elsie Hendershot 11-1, 11-0. Their strong performance advances them in the tournament, reinforcing their status as top competitors in the event.
ALSO READ: Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open: Can New Champions Emerge?