2024 APP Newport Beach Open🎉WATCH PARTY🎉 Semi-Finals Men's Doubles Featuring Tanner Tomassi - On The Court and Mic

 

A summary article of the men's doubles match analysis by Tanner Tomassi:

Men's Doubles Match Analysis: Koszuta/Tomassi vs Howells/Kawka 2024 APP Newport Beach Open 

In a highly competitive men's doubles semifinal match at the 2024 APP Newport Beach Open, the underdog team of Kyle Koszuta and Tanner Tomassi faced off against Will Howells and Patrick Kawka. Tomassi provided insightful analysis of the match dynamics and strategy throughout.

Game 1 started strongly for Koszuta/Tomassi, who jumped out to an early lead and won 11-4. Tomassi highlighted their effective strategy of keeping the dinks moving to different locations to keep their opponents guessing. He also emphasized the importance of dropping the third shot to the middle of the court rather than wide to limit angles.

Game 1 Recap:

1. Koszuta/Tomassi started strong, jumping out to an early 3-0 lead.
2. Tomassi emphasized their strategy of constantly moving the dinks around to different locations, keeping their opponents guessing.
3. They consistently dropped the third shot to the middle of the court, which Tomassi highlighted as a key tactic to limit opponents' angles.
4. Koszuta/Tomassi maintained their lead throughout the game, showing patience and waiting for the right opportunities to attack.
5. They won the game convincingly with a score of 11-4.
6. Tomassi noted that they were playing loose and free, with an aggressive mindset as the underdogs.

In Game 2, Howells/Kawka made adjustments and tightened up their play. The game was much closer, with momentum shifts throughout. Tomassi noted that he and Koszuta may have tightened up mentally after winning the first game, playing more passively instead of maintaining their aggressive style. Howells/Kawka eventually won Game 2 to force a decisive third game.

Game 2 Recap:

1. Koszuta/Tomassi started well again, building a 4-0 lead.
2. However, Howells/Kawka began to make adjustments and tightened up their play.
3. The game became much closer, with several momentum shifts throughout.
4. Tomassi observed that he and Koszuta may have tightened up mentally after winning the first game, playing more passively instead of maintaining their aggressive style.
5. There were some crucial moments where Tomassi felt they made tactical errors or failed to capitalize on opportunities.
6. Howells/Kawka started to elongate points more, which worked to their advantage.
7. The score reached 10-6 in favor of Howells/Kawka.
8. Koszuta/Tomassi managed to save a few game points, but ultimately couldn't prevent Howells/Kawka from winning the game.
9. The final score of Game 2 wasn't explicitly stated, but Howells/Kawka won to force a decisive third game.

In Game 3, Tomassi emphasized the importance of maintaining an aggressive mindset and avoiding compounding errors. He also noted that Howells/Kawka's patient play and ability to extend rallies were key factors in their success in the final game. The recap showcases how momentum and mental toughness played crucial roles in the outcome of the match.

Game 3 Recap:

1. The game started with Koszuta/Tomassi taking an early 2-0 lead, but Howells/Kawka quickly tied it up at 2-2.
2. Tomassi noted that he and Koszuta were making unforced errors, including missing two drops in a row to start the game. He emphasized that these types of errors are critical to avoid in high-pressure situations.
3. Howells/Kawka began to take control of the game, going on a 7-0 run to take a 7-2 lead. Tomassi observed that they were elongating points and being more patient, which was working to their advantage.
4. At 7-2, there was a 32-shot rally that exemplified the patient play of Howells/Kawka. Tomassi noted this as a key factor in their success.
5. Howells/Kawka continued to extend their lead to 9-2. Tomassi admitted that he and Koszuta were "doing everything the wrong way right now," indicating they were struggling to adjust to their opponents' strategy.
6. There were several match point opportunities for Howells/Kawka. Tomassi and Koszuta managed to save a few, but their mental state was described as "not at an all-time high."
7. Tomassi highlighted a crucial moment where his partner, Koszuta, missed a ball that should have been his, indicating the mental pressure they were under.
8. The game ended with Howells/Kawka winning, 11-2.

Throughout the game, Tomassi emphasized the importance of maintaining an aggressive mindset and avoiding compounding errors. He also noted that Howells/Kawka's patient play and ability to extend rallies were key factors in their success in the final game. The recap showcases how momentum and mental toughness played crucial roles in the outcome of the match.

Key observations from Tomassi's analysis:

• The importance of mental toughness and maintaining an aggressive mindset
• Effective use of dink placement and third shot drops to the middle
• Reading opponents' tendencies and adapting strategy accordingly
• The value of patience in extended rallies vs. choosing the right moment to attack
• How small adjustments and momentum shifts can impact a close match

Tomassi provided candid self-criticism of moments where he felt they made tactical errors or failed to capitalize on opportunities. He emphasized the need to stay aggressive and put pressure on opponents, especially as underdogs in a high-stakes match.

The analysis offers valuable insights into high-level doubles strategy and the mental aspects of competing in a major tournament semifinal. Tomassi's commentary highlights the constant tactical adjustments and psychological battles taking place throughout a competitive match at this level. (Check out Tanner's July 12, 2024 Newsletter: We beat the number 1 seed)

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Kyle Koszuta Instagram Post

thatpickleballguy

 Had my best finish (4th place) at the APP Newport Open last weekend, and it was an unforgettable day, playing alongside @tanner.pickleball . The guy is a beast on court and was an incredible teammate.

Some don’t know I started out playing 3.5 without some illustrious tennis background. I was a basketball guy, and I worked my way up from 3.5 to eventually, entering pro events. Notice I said “entering.” 😂

Because with any journey like that, losing, a lot — is inevitable. And that losing often leads to doubt?

Will I ever win those close matches?

Will I ever be good enough to compete at that level?

Should I even keep pursuing this dream?

And I know these doubts aren’t unique to me.

If you’re trying to move up levels right now. Or win your in-town league, or shoot — just chase any dream in your life, these are often the doubts that creep into our minds.

The truth is, I’m still no where close to where I want to be. But moments like last Saturday are a good reminder of progress. And my encouragement for you (and for me), is to remember this from James Clear when he talks about mastery:

“Mastery requires both impatience and patience. The impatience to have a bias toward action, to not waste time, and to work with a sense of urgency each day. And the patience to delay gratification, wait for your action to accumulate, and to trust the process.”

Keep working everyone!