In the newest episode of The James Ignatowich Show, Episode 29, James welcomes his on- and off-court partner Anna Bright back to the show. The two recap the exciting events at the PPA Takeya Showcase, where there were big upsets, bizarre paddle taps, and some shockingly bright outfits on center court.
Anna’s PPA Takeya Showcase recap:
Anna took home two medals over the weekend: a bronze in mixed doubles with James and another gold in mixed doubles with Anna Leigh Waters. Anna discusses the mental pressure that comes with partnering with the No. 1 player and gives a shout-out to James for earning enough mixed doubles medals to tie for second place with Riley Newman for males with the most mixed titles in 2023.
Gabriel Joseph Men’s Singles champ:
Gabriel Joseph, who was the No. 24 seed, surprised everyone by winning gold over Federico Staksrud. James says men’s singles is full of players like Gabriel who can “ruin anybody’s day at any given moment,” making it an unpredictable, difficult event. The duo also discusses Gabriel’s fashion choices on championship Sunday.
Hurricane Tyra Black had a weekend:
Hurricane Tyra Black had a spectacular weekend, taking out Anna Leigh Waters in the women’s singles quarterfinals. She went on to win women’s singles in three games against Yana Newell. She also won bronze in women’s doubles with her partner Allyce Jones. James and Anna talk over Tyra’s rapid improvement and what makes her a tough competitor.
Anna Leigh Waters scenario:
After Tyra beat Anna Leigh in women’s singles, Anna Leigh had a bizarre reaction which caused quite a stir on social media. (See the reaction in the last slide below.) James and Anna defend Anna Leigh’s reaction, stating it wasn’t “unsportsmanlike” as some people have said. However, James says that when you’re the No. 1 player, you have to expect critics.
Collin Johns injury:
James returns to his favorite discussion topic: Collin Johns. Collin sustained an injury during a mixed doubles match. Although he sat out the rest of mixed doubles day, he returned for men’s doubles with his brother Ben Johns. The pair again made it to Championship Sunday but lost in four matches to JW Johnson and Selkirk pro Dylan Frazier. James and Anna discuss whether the win will help JW and Dylan mentally prepare to succeed in the future or whether the Johns will continue to dominate after Collin has healed.
Grant Bond versus James’ left hand:
James boasts that he’s a solid left-handed player, ranking himself as a 5.5+ left-hander. After Championship Sunday events were over, James challenged Grant Bond to a skinny singles match where he would use his left hand. The match drew a lot of bets from fellow pros and after losing in the first game, James called for a double-or-nothing and won in the second.
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