Jhonnatan Medina Alvarez pulled off a major upset today at the PPA Tour North Carolina Cup Men’s Singles Pro Main Draw, defeating the 6th seed Jaume Martinez Vich in a thrilling three-game match. The final score was 3-11, 11-8, 11-6. Before this match, he defeated the jack sock in the 32-round match.
Martinez Vich dominated in the First Game
Jaume Martinez Vich dominated the opening game. Vich won the coin toss and elected to serve, but Medina Alvarez quickly broke serve to take a 1-0 lead. Medina Alvarez struggled to find his rhythm throughout the first game, as Martinez Vich continued to put pressure on and force errors. Martinez Vich capitalized on his opportunities, eventually winning the first game 11-3.
Medina Alvarez Fights Back in the Second Game
The second game was considerably more competitive. Medina Alvarez took control of the game from the start, and both players exchanged points back and forth, but no one could establish a significant lead. Martinez Vich called a timeout at 7-7 to regroup. At 7-7, Medina Alvarez started to play offensive shots, winning four straight points to take the lead 11-8.
Martinez Vich Fights Back, But Falls Short
Martinez Vich didn’t go down without a fight in the third set. He battled back from a 5-3 deficit to tie the set at 5-5. However, Medina Alvarez proved too strong again, winning the third game by five points to take the set 11-6 and claim the victory.
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Match Stats
- Jhonnatan Medina Alvarez won 56% of the total points played.
- Jaume Martinez Vich won 44% of the total points played.
- Medina Alvarez had a higher first-serve percentage than Martinez Vich.
- Winner: Jhonnatan Medina Alvarez (43rd seed)
- Loser: Jaume Martinez Vich (6th seed)
- Score: 3-11, 11-8, 11-6
What’s Next
Jhonnatan Medina Alvarez will move on to the quarterfinals of the North Carolina Cup. Next up is a quarterfinal on Friday with number 4 seeded Connor Garnett. Jaume Martinez Vich’s tournament run comes to an end.
Medina-Alvarez knew he had to play aggressively against Jaume’s speed changes. “I found a rhythm,” he explained, “and that allowed me to relax and place my shots perfectly.”
Victories over Jack Sock and Martinez Vich are impressive, and Medina-Alvarez appreciates the opportunity. “These are pros,” he acknowledges while talking after the match with pickleballtv, “but I can just enjoy the competition. That takes the pressure off.” “I started as a qualifier; look at me now!” Medina-Alvarez laughs. I have to ask my boss for more PTO days, though.
