Kate Fahey Reaches Women’s Singles Semis at PPA: Kate Fahey entered the Kansas City Open as an underdog. Starting outside the main draw, she was a relative unknown in a field packed with established stars. But by the end of Thursday’s play, she had turned heads, pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. The No. 31 seed took down No. 2 seed Lea Jansen in a thrilling three-set battle, winning 8-11, 11-9, 11-1 to secure her spot in the Round of 16.
Playing with No Pressure
Fahey’s victory was marked by her calm and composed demeanor on the court. “I really just went out there with no pressure and was just trying to get as many points as I could, so I’m really happy with myself,” she reflected after the match. It was a strategy that paid off, as she outlasted one of the tour’s top players in a tense and closely contested match.
Fahey’s forehand was particularly lethal, as she consistently found angles that eluded Jansen, even when her opponent tried to neutralize the rallies by targeting the middle of the court. Her ability to turn defense into offense was on full display, as she dismantled Jansen’s game plan in the final two sets.
Rising Through the Ranks
Although Fahey doesn’t have extensive experience on the PPA Tour, her performances in Major League Pickleball (MLP) have set the stage for her breakout. As a key member of the St. Louis Shock, she’s gained valuable experience in high-pressure situations, which she credits for her success in singles play. “It just makes you tough in those really tense situations, especially in DreamBreakers,” Fahey shared. “I’m grateful for that opportunity, and it’s definitely helped me a lot out here on the PPA Tour, too.”
In the Round of 16, Fahey faced No. 17 seed Allyce Jones. Once again, she displayed remarkable poise and consistency, winning 11-8, 11-4 to move into the quarterfinals. Her ability to stay calm in tight moments has been a key factor in her success, a skill she attributes to her experience in Major League Pickleball. “It just makes you tough in those really tense situations, especially in DreamBreakers,” Fahey shared. “I’m grateful for that opportunity, and it’s definitely helped me a lot out here on the PPA Tour, too.”
Securing a Spot in the Semifinals
In the quarterfinals, Fahey faced Samantha Parker. Despite Parker’s efforts, Fahey proved too strong, winning 12-10, 11-4 in a match that highlighted her growing confidence and command on the court. With this victory, Fahey secured her place in the semifinals, where she will take on Mari Humberg.
As Fahey prepares to face Humberg in the semifinals, she continues to be one of the tournament’s most compelling stories. What began as an underdog journey has turned into a legitimate title challenge, and with each match, Fahey proves that she belongs among the sport’s elite.
View this post on Instagram
News in Brief: Kate Fahey Reaches Women’s Singles Semis at PPA
Kate Fahey entered the Kansas City Open as an underdog but quickly made her mark by upsetting No. 2 seed Lea Jansen in a thrilling three-set match, winning 8-11, 11-9, 11-1. Playing with no pressure, Fahey showcased her lethal forehand and ability to turn defense into offense. Her success continued as she defeated Allyce Jones 11-8, 11-4 in the Round of 16 and then secured a spot in the semifinals with a 12-10, 11-4 win over Samantha Parker. Fahey’s calm demeanor and experience from Major League Pickleball have propelled her to the semifinals, where she will face Mari Humberg, turning her underdog journey into a legitimate title challenge.
Also Read: Texas Ranchers Dominates MLP Salt Lake City Finale in Utah
