Women’s Doubles Finale Thriller at Veolia Milwaukee Open: At the 2024 PPA Veolia Milwaukee Open, Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher managed to hold off a strong challenge from Jackie Kawamoto and Jade Kawamoto, clinching the Women’s Pro Doubles gold in an epic five-game battle that left fans on the edge of their seats. The match, which featured a dramatic shift in momentum, was the latest chapter in a highly competitive season, with the Kawamoto sisters putting up an intense fight for their first gold medal together since September 2023.
Bright and Rohrabacher Dominate the Early Rounds
With Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters opting out of the event, Anna Bright and Rohrabacher entered as the #1 seeds and quickly made their way to the final without losing a game. They dominated the top side of the bracket with ease, leaving Callie Smith and Vivienne David in their wake.
Meanwhile, the Kawamoto sisters, Jackie Kawamoto and Jade Kawamoto, faced tough competition on the bottom side. After an exciting semifinal where they bested the Brascia sisters (Mary Brascia and Maggie Brascia), the Kawamoto sisters advanced to the gold medal match, looking to claim the title for the first time in months.
Kawamoto Sisters Stun in Game One
In the final, Jackie Kawamoto and Jade Kawamoto started with a bang, stunning the top seeds with an 11-4 victory in game one. They set the tone early, outplaying Bright and Rohrabacher with aggressive offense and solid defense.
However, Bright and Rohrabacher quickly adjusted, winning the next two games with relative ease. Anna Bright, who typically plays on the left side, moved to the right for much of the match, adding variety to the game. The top seeds were back in control, leading 2-1.
The Kawamoto Sisters Refuse to Quit
Game four turned the tide again. Bright and Rohrabacher held match point at 10-8, but Jackie Kawamoto and Jade Kawamoto showed incredible resilience, fighting off the championship point and going on a 4-point run to win the game 12-10. The Kawamoto sisters had leveled the match at 2-2, setting up a thrilling fifth game.
Controversy: Medical Timeout Sparks Debate
The deciding game saw a bit of drama when Rachel Rohrabacher took a medical timeout, citing a stomach issue. The timeout sparked a fair amount of debate on social media, with some questioning whether the break was an attempt to interrupt the momentum of the Kawamoto sisters. Rohrabacher explained afterward that it was a legitimate injury, but the timing of the break led to mixed opinions among fans and commentators.
Despite the delay, Bright and Rohrabacher came back strong, playing with renewed focus. They managed to hold on to a slight lead throughout the fifth game, eventually earning championship point at 10-6. The Kawamoto sisters weren’t done yet, though, saving a crucial point and earning back the serve. However, Bright and Rohrabacher weathered the storm, regaining control and securing a hard-fought 11-6 victory to take the title.
Medalists
- Gold: Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher
- Silver: Jackie Kawamoto and Jade Kawamoto
- Bronze: Allyce Jones and Tyra Black
News in Brief: Women’s Doubles Finale Thriller at Veolia Milwaukee Open
In a tense five-game final, Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher claimed the Women’s Pro Doubles gold at the 2024 PPA Veolia Milwaukee Open, fending off a determined Jackie Kawamoto and Jade Kawamoto.
The match featured a controversial medical timeout, but Bright and Rohrabacher held firm in the final moments to win 11-6 in the fifth game. The Kawamoto sisters earned silver, while Allyce Jones and Tyra Black took the bronze.
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