Campbell and Morris Stun Rivals With Emotional Mixed Doubles Comeback at 2025 Red Rock Open
In a thrilling display at the Red Rock Open, Campbell and Morris electrified the St. George crowd with an improbable mixed doubles quarterfinal comeback. Playing at 2,800 feet elevation, the duo adapted to the challenging conditions and utilized the high-altitude atmosphere to their advantage. Despite the absence of top players like Ben Johns and Anna Bright, the tournament’s intensity remained fierce. The victory marks a defining moment in the 900-player event, with more drama yet to unfold.
While many top players are especially absent from this year’s Red Rock Open, the mixed doubles division is shaping up to be a thrilling showcase of both veteran talent and rising stars. The tournament, held at the Little Valley Sports Complex in St. George, Utah, has drawn over 900 participants despite notable absences like Ben Johns, Anna Bright, and Tyson McGuffin.
JW and Jorja Johnson entered as top seeds, fresh off their recent streak of finals appearances. But at 2,800 feet above sea level, the high-altitude conditions in St. George have been known to humble even the most seasoned players. The thin air adds an extra layer of challenge for those not used to the elevation. Warm-up routines become especially critical at this altitude to prevent injury and maintain peak performance.
The tournament’s new format, spreading singles, mixed doubles, and gender-specific doubles across different days, has given competitors more recovery time between events. Thursday’s mixed doubles matches, in particular, delivered intense rallies and unexpected momentum shifts that kept PickleballTV viewers on the edge of their seats. Genie Bouchard enters the competition with mixed doubles partner Jack Sock, adding star power to an already impressive field.
The partnership of Tuionetoa/Staksrud showed promise early on, leveraging their experience from back-to-back tournament appearances. R.Newman and L.Jansen, still stinging from a close loss in their previous event, came ready to prove themselves on the court. 1,000 Tour points are on the line for the winners of each discipline. Even without Anna Leigh Waters in the mixed doubles draw, the competitive field remained fierce.
FOX’s national coverage will showcase the championships on Sunday from 4:30-6:30 pm Eastern, bringing professional pickleball to mainstream audiences. Until then, fans can catch the action through PickleballTV’s extensive coverage of the preliminary rounds. The semifinals on Saturday will set up Sunday’s dramatic finale.
For those lucky enough to attend in person, the Little Valley Sports Complex offers a stunning backdrop of Utah’s red rock landscape. Some spectators have opted for the exclusive CIBC VIP experience, complete with catering and lounge access.
Though let’s be honest – the real action is happening on the courts, where altitude-adjusted local players might just have a sneaky advantage over their sea-level competitors.
