Spencer Smith and Michael Loyd at PPA Atlanta Slam: It seemed like Michael Loyd and Spencer Smith were on the verge of an early exit from the men’s doubles draw at the PPA Atlanta Slam. Down 5-10 in the deciding game of their Round of 64 matchup, the No. 17 seeds faced off against qualifiers Davis Daniel Carvalho and Brandon Fritze. With one match point already looming, it appeared that their journey might end prematurely.
The Turnaround Begins
Just when things looked bleak, the pair fended off the match point and regained the serve. What followed was an astonishing seven-point run that left their opponents stunned. The comeback was briefly interrupted at 10-10 when Carvalho and Fritze called a defensive timeout, but that pause did little to halt Loyd and Smith’s momentum.
With the serve in Loyd’s hands, they powered through to claim an improbable victory.
Mindset is Key
For Loyd, the turnaround was all about staying mentally sharp and focused in the moment.
“It’s about showing up and being a professional. You’re here for a reason. A lot of people would love to be in this situation, and it’s about taking that truth and using it to fuel you.” – (Loyd)
His approach paid off, as the duo kept their composure when it mattered most.
Building Momentum
This was the first time Loyd and Smith played together, but the chemistry was starting to click. After the match, Smith expressed optimism about their future performance in the tournament, especially after overcoming such adversity.
“It’s huge to get that first win. I think tomorrow we’ll play even better as we continue to get used to each other.” – (Smith)
They’ll need to carry that confidence into their next matchup on Wednesday, where they’ll face the No. 14 seeds Julian Arnold and Hunter Johnson. A spot in the Round of 16 awaits the winner.
News in Brief: Spencer Smith and Michael Loyd at PPA Atlanta Slam
Michael Loyd and Spencer Smith pulled off an incredible comeback in their Round of 64 men’s doubles match at the Atlanta Open. Trailing 5-10 and facing match point, the No. 17 seeds rallied to defeat Davis Daniel Carvalho and Brandon Fritze, winning seven consecutive points to secure the victory. This marks their first match together, and they are set to face No. 14 seeds Julian Arnold and Hunter Johnson next.
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