PPA Atlanta Slam Day 3 Highlights: Day 3 of the CIBC Atlanta Slam presented by Vizzy was dampened by rain, forcing all matches indoors. Despite the weather challenges, the PPA adeptly adjusted, ensuring the Round of 16 matches proceeded as scheduled. Thursday’s play showcased thrilling upsets and set the stage for an exciting Friday of quarterfinals.
Goldin’s Stellar Performance
In a standout moment of the day, #50 seed Grayson Goldin delivered an impressive performance against the heavily favored #2 seed Ben Johns in men’s singles. Known for his aggressive, hard-hitting style, Goldin overcame Johns with a decisive 11-5 win in game one. Johns, plagued by an ankle injury, retired from the match, allowing Goldin to advance. Although ranked #50, Goldin’s performance suggests he’s a serious contender for the title.
Surprising Advances and Unpredictable Matchups
Goldin wasn’t the only lower seed making waves. The men’s singles quarterfinals will feature #20 Hunter Johnson versus #22 Naveen Beasley, ensuring that one of these lower seeds will reach the semifinals.
Additionally, #21 Gabe Tardio and #18 Yates Johnson will also compete in the quarters, underscoring the unpredictability of men’s singles at this event.
Anna Leigh Waters: An Unstoppable Force?
The question of whether anyone can stop Anna Leigh Waters seems almost rhetorical. In singles, Waters has lost just 14 points over two matches, and in women’s doubles, paired with Catherine Parenteau, she’s lost only six points. In mixed doubles, despite partner Ben Johns being less than 100% due to his injury, Waters has yet to lose a game.
Waters will face #5 Salome Devidze on Friday, who might offer one of the few challenges that can match her baseline prowess.
Match of the Day
The most attracting match on Thursday was the battle between #14 Julian Arnold/Hunter Johnson and #3 Federico Staksrud/Matt Wright. Arnold and Johnson emerged victorious with scores of 11-1, 10-12, 14-12 after Staksrud and Wright fought off four match points.
The match was a showcase of fast-paced pickleball with numerous drives and speed-ups. Arnold and Johnson will face #8 Riley Newman/Christian Alshon in the quarterfinals, promising another thrilling encounter.
Friday’s Quarterfinal Highlights
Looking ahead to Friday’s quarterfinals, several matches are poised to deliver high-quality play. Notably, #2 Ben and Collin Johns will take on #6 Andrei Daescu/Gabe Tardio. Daescu and Tardio have recently bested the Johns brothers; will they continue their streak? In women’s singles, #1 Anna Leigh Waters faces #5 Salome Devidze, a player who has previously given Waters a tough challenge. Finally, in mixed doubles, #3 Jorja and JW Johnson will compete against #6 Tina Pisnik and Dekel Bar in what is expected to be a closely contested match.
News in Brief : PPA Atlanta Slam Day 3 Highlights
Day 3 of the CIBC Atlanta Slam was marred by rain, forcing all matches indoors but still featuring notable performances. #50 Grayson Goldin upset #2 Ben Johns in men’s singles. Lower seeds like #20 Hunter Johnson and #22 Naveen Beasley advanced, adding unpredictability to the quarterfinals. Anna Leigh Waters continued her dominant form across singles, doubles, and mixed play.
Thursday’s highlight was #14 Arnold/Johnson’s narrow win over #3 Staksrud/Wright. Friday’s quarterfinals promise exciting matchups, including #2 Johns vs. #6 Daescu/Tardio and #1 Waters against #5 Devidze.
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