The picturesque JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix acts as the home for this week’s action!
MIXED DOUBLES:
It goes without saying that several PPA superstars are making a concerted effort to knock off Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. Riley Newman and Jessie Irvine’s attempt fell short at the Hyundai Masters, but they have swapped partners for this tournament. This week, Newman and Anna Bright ostensibly pose the biggest threat to Johns/Waters. Newman lives in Phoenix, so they have home advantage if they face Johns and Waters. Newman and Bright might try to push Waters off the court with dinks until they can get an opening to smash a winner. Catherine Parenteau and Tyson McGuffin, one of this week’s teams to watch, implemented this strategy with some success against Johns/Waters at the Hyundai Masters. Other teams to keep an eye on are Matt Wright/Lucy Kovalova, Vivienne David/Thomas Wilson (our bronze medalists at the Masters) and Lindsey Newman/James Ignatowich.
MEN’S DOUBLES:
Ben Johns/Collin Johns and Riley Newman/Matt Wright seem likely to continue to dominate and give fans yet another compelling final. However, both of these untouchable teams had an extremely tough match prior to the final at the Hyundai Masters, thanks to the talent and power posed by JW Johnson/Dylan Frazier and DJ Young/Jay Devilliers. Interestingly enough, both of these two partnerships will be playing together again in Phoenix, so the top two duos had better look alive! Team Johns and Newman/Wright played one of the most epic first points of a match in pickleball history in Rancho Mirage. The Johns Brothers won the match in three games, but expect Riley Newman to step it up in front of his home crowd this week.
WOMEN’S DOUBLES:
Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright will split up for this event, despite a convincing performance in Rancho Mirage, but Waters still enters Phoenix as the favorite. Waters and Catherine Parenteau, who won gold together at last month’s Hertz National Championships, will reunite this week. Lucy Kovalova and Callie Smith haven’t beaten Waters in quite some time, but they’re hungry and playing well together. Waters had to battle from a game behind twice with Parenteau in Orlando, so look for Kovalova and Smith to take advantage this week. Bright has opted to team up with Vivienne David for this one, so that will be another partnership to keep an eye on.
MEN’S SINGLES:
Ben Johns won every game in men’s singles at last month’s Hyundai Masters in Rancho Mirage, so he’s coming into Arizona with plenty of momentum. Johns could easily do this again in Phoenix, but keep in mind that Johns did not win gold at the Desert Ridge Open last year. He was upset by Dylan Frazier, who made a strong run to the semifinals at last year’s event. Julian Arnold is another player who consistently gives Johns a run for his money. Arnold was the only player who gave Johns a tighter run at the Hyundai Masters, losing 11-8, 11-8. Second-ranked Tyson McGuffin also beat Johns down south near the end of last year at the Dallas Open, but unfortunately will not be attending this event due to a minor foot injury.
WOMEN’S SINGLES:
Fans of Anna Leigh Waters look forward to watching her work through the singles bracket this week, hopefully ending at the top of the podium. The top-ranked singles superstar blazed through the Hyundai Masters draw just a few weeks ago, something we could see repeated in Phoenix. She’ll need to watch out for fifth-ranked Irina Tereschenko, however, who is on her side of the bracket. Meanwhile, the projected semifinal on the bottom half of the bracket should keep fans on the edge of their seats since it will likely feature Catherine Parenteau and Lea Jansen. The rivalry between these two players continues to produce fireworks, and these two go to a deciding game almost every time they meet. At the most recent tournament, the match was dead even until Jansen pulled away with short, penetrating groundstrokes past Parenteau at the kitchen line and lights-out putaways.
Don’t miss a second of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Open, which will be telecast from Thursday, February 2 to Sunday, January 5 on PPA TV. Tennis Channel will also broadcast matches on Saturday and Sunday. Check out our TV Guide for all watch times.
The post Preview to the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Open appeared first on Professional Pickleball Association.