Rafael Lenhard Advances to Quarterfinals: Rafael Lenhard, the No. 61 seed, advanced to the men’s singles quarterfinals at the Select Medical Orange County Cup after defeating No. 13 seed Noe Khlif on Thursday. The match took place at Life Time Rancho San Clemente and ended with a score of 7-11, 11-0, 11-7.
Lenhard Keeps Up Winning Form
Following his earlier upset over top-ranked Ben Johns and a tough win over Zane Navratil, Rafael Lenhard continued his impressive run. He lost the first game to Noe Khlif but bounced back quickly. He dominated the second game 11-0 and closed out the match by winning the third.
Rafael Lenhard explained how he stays focused in each round.
“It’s the same that it’s been the last two rounds, and the same since I started playing pickleball. I believe in my skills, and I work hard. You’ve just gotta believe in yourself that you can win and trust your shots. That’s the mentality.”-(Rafael Lenhard)
Next Match: Christian Alshon Awaits
Now in the quarterfinals, Rafael Lenhard will face No. 8 seed Christian Alshon. It’s a matchup that Lenhard has been looking forward to since he started playing pickleball.
“It’s really exciting. When I first got into pickleball and I saw him play, I remember thinking that he might be my toughest matchup because he hits so big. He plays a similar style—he has a big forehand, with finesse on the backhand.”-(Rafael Lenhard)
This match is expected to be a challenge for both players, especially given their similar styles and strengths.
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A Strong Showing for the Underdog
Rafael Lenhard’s journey shows how a low seed can make a big impact with confidence and hard work. His progress so far in the tournament proves that strong belief and preparation can lead to success, even against top-ranked players.
Fans will be watching closely as he takes on Christian Alshon for a chance to reach the final four in Southern California.
News in Brief: Rafael Lenhard Advances to Quarterfinals
Rafael Lenhard beat Noe Khlif in three games (7-11, 11-0, 11-7) to move into the men’s singles quarterfinals at the Select Medical Orange County Cup. The No. 61 seed now faces Christian Alshon. Lenhard’s strong play and mindset continue to surprise fans at Life Time Rancho San Clemente.
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