Lea Jansen and Noe Khlif Fight Off Late Rally: Lea Jansen and Noe Khlif fought off a fierce comeback from Vivienne David and James Ignatowich to secure a hard-earned 7-11, 11-6, 12-10 victory in the mixed doubles round at the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, as the No. 17 seeds seemed to be on the verge of collapse in the deciding game but managed to hold on for the win.
A Dramatic Decider
Jansen and Khlif looked set to lose momentum as they found themselves trailing 8-0 in the final game. However, David and Ignatowich mounted a remarkable comeback, leveling the score at 8-8 and keeping the pressure on. The two teams then traded points back and forth in an intense battle for the win, but Jansen and Khlif managed to convert their fifth match point, closing out the match 12-10 in a dramatic finish.
Trusting the Process: Jansen’s Reflection
For Jansen, the key to victory in the tense final moments was simple: trust. “We knew we just wanted to play our game and try and go for it,” she said. Despite feeling a bit tentative at their match points, the No. 17 seeds found their composure at 10-10 and played aggressively to secure the win. Jansen credited Khlif’s energy and maturity as being pivotal to their success in such a high-pressure situation.
Praise for Khlif’s Play
Jansen also praised her mixed doubles partner for his resilience and growth throughout the year. “It’s his maturity and his energy. He’s always there with you, and for a mixed partner, that’s actually huge that he wants to be out there on court with you,” she explained, highlighting how Khlif’s steady presence and attitude on the court have made a difference in their partnership.
Looking Ahead
With their victory, Jansen and Khlif now look ahead to a matchup against No. 5 seeds Etta Wright and Christian Alshon in the mixed doubles quarterfinals. The match will be critical as they look to advance to the semifinals, and Jansen is confident in their ability to maintain the momentum. “We’re going to continue trusting ourselves and each other as we move forward,” she said.
News in Brief: Lea Jansen and Noe Khlif Fight Off Late Rally
Lea Jansen and Noe Khlif advanced to the mixed doubles quarterfinals with a 7-11, 11-6, 12-10 victory over Vivienne David and James Ignatowich at the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships. Despite a dramatic comeback from their opponents, Jansen and Khlif held on and converted their fifth match point to seal the win. Jansen credited her partner’s energy and maturity as key to their success. They will face No. 5 seeds Etta Wright and = next, with a semifinal spot on the line.
ALSO READ: Veroni Brings the Best of Italy to Dallas for the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships