Judit Castillo Advances to Semifinals: No. 10 seed Judit Castillo delivered one of the biggest upsets of the PPA Tour: Select Medical Orange County Cup 2025 by defeating No. 3 seed Kaitlyn Christian in straight games 11-9, 12-10 in the women’s singles pro quarterfinals. The closely contested match, held on Court GS, showcased Castillo’s calm under pressure and her growing confidence as she powered her way into the semifinals.
Castillo Wins Key Points in High-Pressure Moments
Christian entered the match as the higher-ranked player and favorite, but Castillo played with poise from the start. She maintained consistent groundstrokes and patiently worked her way through long rallies to edge the first game 11-9. In the second game, Christian appeared to mount a comeback, forcing a series of tight points and extending the game past regulation. But Castillo stayed composed, took control in the final moments, and sealed the match with a 12-10 win—avoiding a third game and completing her upset victory.
A Semifinal Showdown With the Best in the Game
With the win, Castillo advances to Semifinal Saturday, where she will take on the tournament’s top seed, Anna Leigh Waters. Waters, widely regarded as the most dominant player in women’s singles, has cruised through the draw with powerful play and unmatched athleticism. Their upcoming semifinal matchup, set to take place in San Clemente, California, will be a major test for Castillo as she looks to continue her impressive run.
Momentum Builds for Castillo
This tournament marks a breakthrough moment for Judit Castillo, who has shown steady improvement throughout the season. By defeating a top-three seed in a high-pressure match, Castillo has proven her ability to compete with the sport’s elite. Her performance was marked by smart shot selection, mental strength, and the ability to close out games under pressure—qualities that will serve her well in her upcoming battle against Waters.
News in Brief: Judit Castillo Advances to Semifinals
Judit Castillo upset No. 3 seed Kaitlyn Christian in a close straight-game match (11-9, 12-10) in the women’s singles quarterfinals at the PPA Tour: Select Medical Orange County Cup 2025. The match took place on Court GS and saw Castillo control critical points to advance to the semifinals. She will now face top-seeded Anna Leigh Waters in San Clemente, California, in what promises to be an exciting semifinal clash.
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