Garnett and Alshon Stage Comeback: Connor Garnett and Christian Alshon delivered a thrilling performance in San Clemente, securing a spot in the men’s doubles quarterfinals with a decisive 11-2, 11-9 victory over Jay Devilliers and Pat Smith, seeded ninth.
The sixth-seeded pair wasted no time asserting their dominance, capitalizing on their opponents’ mistakes to claim Game 1 swiftly in under ten minutes.
Test of Resilience
However, Game 2 proved to be a test of resilience. Devilliers and Smith rallied back, establishing a commanding 9-3 lead, hinting at a potential third-game showdown.
Yet Garnett and Alshon refused to yield. They mounted an impressive comeback, clinching the final eight points of the match to secure victory in straight sets.
Garnett on Adaptability
Garnett highlighted their adaptability as a key factor in their success. “I think the beauty of it is that two singles guys are doing well, on the doubles court, we both can the play the two sides,” noted Garnett, currently ranked third in singles by the PPA.
“There were a couple stretches in this match where we both needed to play different sides, which we were fortunately able to do.”–Garnett
Personal Satisfaction for Alshon
For Alshon, returning to competitive play after a recent medical procedure added a layer of personal satisfaction, reflected on being back on the court, he says
“You can take me out of pickleball, but you can’t take pickleball out of me,”
Their next challenge awaits in the quarterfinals against the winner of JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier versus Craig Johnson and Pesa Teoni, promising another exciting chapter in their journey through the tournament.
News in Brief: Garnett and Alshon Stage Comeback
In San Clemente at the Select Medical Orange County Cup, Connor Garnett and Christian Alshon secured a spot in the men’s doubles quarterfinals with a commanding 11-2, 11-9 victory over ninth-seeded Jay Devilliers and Pat Smith. The sixth-seeded pair dominated early, taking Game 1 swiftly. Despite a comeback attempt by their opponents in Game 2, Garnett and Alshon rallied impressively, scoring eight consecutive points to seal the match in straight sets.
Garnett highlighted their adaptability in switching roles seamlessly, crucial in critical moments of the match. For Alshon, returning to competitive play after recent surgery brought personal satisfaction, underscoring his passion for the sport. They now prepare to face the winners of JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier versus Craig Johnson and Pesa Teoni in what promises to be another intense quarterfinal showdown.
Our Readers Queries
Ques: Where is Christian Alshon from?
Ans: Christian Alshon is from Boca Raton, Florida.
Ques: When did Christian Alshon start playing pickleball?
Ans: Christian Alshon began playing pickleball in June 2021, shortly after winning the Division III NCAA championship for the University of Chicago. He started playing while growing up in Boca Raton, FL.
