Jessie Irvine and Gabriel Tardio: Jessie Irvine and Gabriel Tardio delivered a commanding performance to outlast Mari Humberg and Pablo Tellez, ending their impressive run in the tournament with a hard-fought 11-8, 7-11, and 11-6 victory. The match presented an intriguing dynamic, especially with Tellez, a left-hander, positioned on the right side of the court, directly across from Tardio. This setup led to some intense crosscourt dink rallies, particularly between Humberg and Tardio on the left side and Tellez and Irvine on the right.
Irvine and Tardio quickly capitalized on these rallies, jumping out to an early 5-0 lead in the first game. Despite a valiant effort from Humberg and Tellez, the No. 6 seeds held their ground, taking the first game 11-8.
A Strong Response
Not to be outdone, Humberg and Tellez mounted a strong comeback in the second game, reminiscent of their resilience in earlier matches. They managed to even the match, closing out the second game with a 6-2 run. This surge was driven by an uptick in their play and a momentary lapse in discipline from Tardio and Irvine.
“Jessie kept telling me to play high percentage, and we just weren’t doing that in the second game,” Tardio reflected, acknowledging the shift in momentum during the second game.
Decisive Third Game
In the final game, Irvine and Tardio regained their focus and composure. They benefited from several unforced errors, including missed serves from Humberg and Tellez, which helped them build a commanding 10-4 lead. Despite facing multiple match points, the No. 6 seeds eventually closed out the match on their eighth attempt, securing their place in the final.
View this post on Instagram
The Challenge of Bright and Ignatowich
This victory capped off an impressive Friday for Irvine and Tardio, who secured four wins, including a notable win over the No. 2 seeds, Jorja and JW Johnson, while only dropping one game. Humberg and Tellez, despite the loss, can hold their heads high after an exceptional tournament debut, having defeated two top-ten teams. They still have a shot at the bronze medal if they can overcome the No. 23 seeds, Mary Brascia and Jaume Martinez Vich.
For Irvine and Tardio, the final challenge awaits in the form of the top-seeded duo, Anna Bright and James Ignatowich. A victory on Sunday would give Tardio his first career PPA mixed doubles title and mark Irvine’s return to the top, securing her first PPA gold since 2022.
News in Brief: Jessie Irvine and Gabriel Tardio
Jessie Irvine and Gabriel Tardio defeated Mari Humberg and Pablo Tellez in a thrilling three-game match, winning 11-8, 7-11, and 11-6. The victory, marked by intense crosscourt rallies and strategic play, earned them a spot in the final against top seeds Anna Bright and James Ignatowich.
Humberg and Tellez, who upset two top-ten teams in their debut tournament, still have a chance for bronze. Irvine and Tardio’s win highlighted a strong Friday performance, including a significant victory over No. 2 seeds Jorja and JW Johnson.
ALSO READ: Matt Manasse’s ‘3-Ball Concept’: The Pickleball Tip You Need to Know
