Thrilling Comeback Sends Christian and Daescu to Mixed Doubles Semis
Published: Dec 18, 2025
James Colin
Writer
Kaitlyn Christian and Andrei Daescu battled past the No. 4 seeds in a three-game thriller to become the first team into the mixed doubles semifinals in the Sunshine State.
Kaitlyn Christian and Andrei Daescu became the first team to secure a spot in the mixed doubles semifinals in the Sunshine State, rallying for a 5–11, 11–6, 13–11 victory over No. 4 seeds Catherine Parenteau and Dekel Bar.
The deciding game was deadlocked at 10–10, but the No. 6 seeds took control from there, never trailing again and converting their sixth match point to close out the contest.
The victory marked the duo’s first appearance together at a PPA Tour event, though the pair is no stranger to one another. Christian and Daescu previously competed as teammates during the 2024 Major League Pickleball season with the AZ Drive, now known as the Phoenix Flames.
“Andrei is such a leader, and it’s a real pleasure competing alongside him,” Christian said. “The energy is high, and I have complete trust in him, which makes my job easier on the court.”
Christian and Daescu will face No. 11 seeds Callie Smith and Jay Devilliers in Saturday’s semifinals. Smith and Devilliers advanced after upsetting Tyra Black and Christian Alshon in straight games in the quarterfinals.
