A Comprehensive Preview of Semi-Final Saturday at the PPA Tour Red Rock Open

The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour is trying out an innovative hybrid format this weekend in St. George, Utah for the Red Rock Open. This new structure combines elements of traditional and progressive draws, culminating in an action-packed Semi-Final Saturday. As pickleball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the matches, let’s dive into a detailed preview of each semi-final matchup and what we can expect from the day’s play.

Understanding the New Hybrid Format

Before we delve into the individual matchups, it’s important to understand the unique format being used for this tournament. Typically, PPA events follow one of two structures:

Open level tournaments (1,000 PPA Points for winners): Traditional draw with singles on Thursday, mixed doubles on Friday, gender doubles on Saturday, and Championship Sunday.
Cup level (1,500 PPA Points) and Slam level (2,000 PPA Points): Progressive draw where one round of every event is played each day, starting Tuesday and concluding with Championship Sunday.

The Red Rock Open introduces a hybrid of these formats. The tournament began with singles through the quarterfinals on Wednesday, followed by mixed doubles quarterfinals on Thursday, and gender doubles quarterfinals on Friday. This innovative approach sets the stage for an exciting Semi-Final Saturday, featuring matches across all disciplines.

Women’s Singles: (2) Kaitlyn Christian vs. (4) Parris Todd

The women’s singles semi-final between Kaitlyn Christian and Parris Todd promises to be a thrilling contest. Both players have impressive credentials and recent success on the tour.

Rankings and Ratings:

Kaitlyn Christian: #2 in The Race, #3 in Rankings, 5.958 DUPR
Parris Todd: #5 in The Race, #6 in Rankings, 6.117 DUPR

While Todd holds a slight edge in DUPR rating, Christian’s higher tour rankings suggest she may have an advantage in tournament play.

2025 Medal Count:

Kaitlyn Christian: 🥇🥇🥈🥈
Parris Todd: 🥇

Christian’s more extensive medal haul this year indicates strong recent form and could give her a psychological edge.

Head-to-Head History:

The players have split their four previous meetings evenly:

2025 PPA Mesa Cup: Christian won 8-11, 12-10, 11-8
2025 PPA Tucson: Todd won 11-2, 11-3
2024 CIBC Finals: Todd won 11-8, 11-5
2024 PPA Austin: Christian won 11-3, 12-10

Key Factors:

The altitude in St. George could play a significant role in this match. Both players will need to adjust their serves and returns to the thinner air. Christian, in particular, will need to minimize errors on these shots to stay competitive. The player who adapts more quickly to the conditions is likely to gain an early advantage.

Prediction:

Given the evenly matched nature of their previous encounters and Christian’s stronger recent form, I expect Kaitlyn Christian to win in a tight three-game match. However, Todd’s higher DUPR rating suggests she has the potential to upset if she can exploit any weaknesses in Christian’s game.

Men’s Singles: (2) Hunter Johnson vs. (5) Quang Duong

The men’s singles semi-final features Hunter Johnson, a consistent top performer, against Quang Duong, who has been steadily climbing the rankings.

Rankings and Ratings:

Hunter Johnson: #4 in The Race, #2 in Rankings, 6.986 DUPR
Quang Duong: #10 in The Race, #7 in Rankings, 6.882 DUPR

Johnson’s higher rankings and DUPR rating suggest he enters the match as the favorite.

2025 Medal Count:

Hunter Johnson: 🥇🥈
Quang Duong: 🥉

Johnson’s gold medal this year gives him an edge in recent accomplishments.

Head-to-Head History:

Since 2024, they’ve faced each other four times with an even 2-2 split:

2025 PPA Tucson: Johnson won 11-5, 11-0 (Duong retired)
2024 PPA Rate Championships: Duong won 12-10, 12-10
2024 PPA Texas Open: Johnson won 11-9, 11-6
2024 PPA Red Rock Open: Duong won 11-5, 13-11

Key Factors:

Health could be a decisive factor in this match. Johnson recently retired from a bronze medal match due to an ankle injury, while Duong has been dealing with multiple minor injuries. The player who can stay healthiest throughout the match will have a significant advantage.

Johnson’s playing style, which involves staying back more than most men’s players, could be challenged by the high altitude. His ability to keep his world-class passing shots on the court in these conditions will be crucial to his success.

Prediction:

Despite the health concerns, I expect Hunter Johnson to win in two close games. His higher ranking and recent gold medal suggest he has the edge in form and experience. However, if his ankle injury flares up or he struggles to adapt to the altitude, Duong could capitalize and force a third game or even an upset.

Women’s Singles: (1) Anna Leigh Waters vs. (3) Lea Jansen

This semi-final features the dominant force in women’s pickleball, Anna Leigh Waters, against the rising star Lea Jansen.

Rankings and Ratings:

Anna Leigh Waters: #1 in The Race, #1 in Rankings, 6.565 DUPR
Lea Jansen: #4 in The Race, #5 in Rankings, 5.976 DUPR

Waters’ top rankings and significantly higher DUPR rating underscore her status as the heavy favorite.

2025 Medal Count:

Anna Leigh Waters: 🥇🥇🥇🥇
Lea Jansen: 🥈🥉

Waters’ perfect gold medal record this year demonstrates her dominance on the tour.

Head-to-Head History:

Since 2024, Waters has won all six of their encounters:

2025 PPA Texas: Waters won 11-8, 11-6
2025 PPA Cape Coral: Waters won 11-3, 11-7
2024 PPA Atlanta Slam: Waters won 11-0, 11-2
2024 PPA North Carolina: Waters won 11-9, 11-9
2024 PPA Mesa Cup: Waters won 11-5, 11-3
2024 PPA Masters: Waters won 11-2, 11-7

Key Factors:

The altitude in St. George could potentially level the playing field somewhat, as both players will need to adjust their games to the thinner air. The cool temperatures when they play could also affect ball flight and bounce.

With only two matches played to reach the semi-finals due to the small draw, both players should be relatively fresh. This could benefit Jansen, as fatigue is less likely to be a factor against the extremely fit Waters.

Prediction:

While Anna Leigh Waters remains the clear favorite, I expect Lea Jansen to put up a strong fight and potentially win her first game against Waters since June 2023. However, Waters’ exceptional skills and mental toughness should see her through to victory in three games.

Men’s Singles: (3) Connor Garnett vs. (7) Jack Sock

This semi-final pits the consistent Connor Garnett against the former tennis pro Jack Sock, who has been making waves in pickleball.

Rankings and Ratings:

Connor Garnett: #6 in The Race, #3 in Rankings, 6.867 DUPR
Jack Sock: #9 in The Race, #11 in Rankings, 6.778 DUPR

Garnett’s higher rankings and DUPR rating suggest he has a slight edge.

2025 Medal Count:

Neither player has won a medal in 2025, making this match crucial for both as they seek their first podium finish of the year.

Head-to-Head History:

Since 2024, Garnett has won three of their four meetings:

2025 PPA Rate Championships: Garnett won 11-9, 11-1
2024 PPA Indoor Championships: Garnett won 3-11, 11-6, 11-7
2024 PPA Mesa Cup: Garnett won 11-2, 11-3
2024 PPA Masters: Sock won 4-11, 11-9, 11-2

Key Factors:

Garnett’s tendency for slow starts could be a crucial factor. If Sock can capitalize on this and build an early lead, it could set the tone for the match. Sock’s demeanor will also be important to watch – when he’s having fun and engaging with the crowd, he tends to play his best pickleball.

Sock has already pulled off an upset in this tournament, defeating the top-seeded Federico Staksrud in three games. This could give him confidence and momentum heading into the semi-final.

Prediction:

Despite Garnett’s head-to-head advantage, I’m predicting an upset victory for Jack Sock in two games. Sock’s recent form, including his upset over Staksrud, suggests he’s playing at a high level. If he can start strong and maintain his positive energy, he has a good chance of advancing to the final.

Mixed Doubles: (2) Catherine Parenteau/Christian Alshon vs. (4) Hurricane Tyra Black/James Ignatowich

This mixed doubles semi-final features two strong teams with different partnership histories.

Rankings and Ratings:

Catherine Parenteau: #5 in The Race, #4 in Rankings, 6.195 DUPR
Christian Alshon: #3 in The Race, #3 in Rankings, 7.135 DUPR
Hurricane Tyra Black: #4 in The Race, #9 in Rankings, 6.175 DUPR
James Ignatowich: #9 in The Race, #5 in Rankings, 6.716 DUPR

Parenteau and Alshon have a slight edge in rankings and ratings.

2025 Medal Count:

Catherine Parenteau: 🥈🥉
Christian Alshon: 🥈🥉🥉
Hurricane Tyra Black: 🥈🥉
James Ignatowich: None

Parenteau and Alshon have a slight advantage in recent medals, but Black’s success is notable.

Head-to-Head History:

These teams have never played each other, as Black and Ignatowich are a new partnership. However, Alshon has won medals with both Black and Parenteau this year, adding an interesting dynamic to the match.

Key Factors:

James Ignatowich’s performance could be pivotal. While he has the lowest floor of the four players, he’s been playing exceptionally well in Utah. Black and Ignatowich have been dominant in their matches so far, winning their last two 11-3, 11-3.

Parenteau and Alshon’s experience as a team could be an advantage, especially if they can control the pace of the game and exploit their opponents’ weaknesses.

Prediction:

Despite Black and Ignatowich’s impressive run, I expect Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon to win in three games. Their experience and slightly higher rankings should give them an edge in what promises to be a closely contested match.