Jackie Kawamoto and Riley Newman: In a thrilling display of strategy and resilience, No. 11 seeds Jackie Kawamoto and Riley Newman advanced to the mixed doubles quarterfinals at the Stratusphere Gin PPA Virginia Beach Cup after a nail-biting 9-11, 11-5, 11-9 victory over Rachel Rohrabacher and Federico Staksrud. This match was not just about the points scored but also about the tactical shifts that turned the tide in their favor.
A Game of Adjustments
After a shaky start that saw them drop the first game, Kawamoto and Newman made a bold decision to swap positions, placing Newman on the right side and Kawamoto on the left. This strategic move proved pivotal.
“When I was on the left, Rachel and Fed got into patterns that they really liked. In the crosscourt rallies, Fed would kind of look to go middle and poach and be big, so I felt like I could kind of negate that if I was in front of him. It kept him more honest where he had to cover more of his line, and it kept him out of the middle.” – (Riley Newman)
This shift not only disrupted the rhythm of their competitors but also energized Kawamoto and Newman. They rallied to take Game 2 and clawed back from a 4-8 deficit in the decisive game, showcasing their determination and skill to clinch the win.
Looking Ahead
With this hard-fought victory, Kawamoto and Newman are set to face the formidable No. 4 seeds Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon on Friday. As they aim for a spot in the semifinals, the duo will need to use their newfound synergy and strategic insights to overcome their next challenge.
News in Brief: Jackie Kawamoto and Riley Newman Fight Back
Jackie Kawamoto and Riley Newman advanced to the mixed doubles quarterfinals at the Stratusphere Gin PPA Virginia Beach Cup with a thrilling 9-11, 11-5, 11-9 victory over No. Rachel Rohrabacher and Federico Staksrud.
After dropping the first game, they made a key tactical adjustment by switching their positions, allowing them to turn the match around. They will face Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon on Friday, seeking a spot in the semifinals.
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