Americans Alix Klineman and April Ross managed to beat a team of Cuba they had no experience facing before. The duo of Alix Klineman and April Ross defeated Cuba, their opponent in straight sets of their knockout opener. The opener match held on Monday paved a path for the Americans for reaching the quarterfinals in the Olympics being held in Tokyo. The quarterfinals would be a match between Alix Klineman and partner April Ross against the German Laura Ludwig and Maggie Kozuch.
In an interview, Alix Klineman praised her opponents Laura and Kozuch. She stated that she held respect in high regard for them and knew that they were going to be motivated. Adding to that she also said that adequate motivation would be seen from their end as well.
April Ross also stated that she has faced Ludwig many times over the years. It was in the Rio Olympics where Ludwig and her then-partner, Kira Walkenhorst managed to win it all. In the same tournament, April Ross and Kerri Jennings managed to win just a bronze medal.
Alix Klineman And April Ross Against The Cubans
It was just a day after two of the teams from the U.S were eliminated that Alix Klineman and her partner April Ross managed to secure a win against Leila Martinez and Lidy Echeverria. This has kept up the hopes of the Americans to win a medal. After Cuba lost the first set to the Americans, they did score the initial four points in the second round and were leading 9-5 when the deficit was reduced to two by the Americans.
At the time when the score was 9-7, Lidy landed below the net with Klineman above her. Although initially the point was given to Cuba, it was later transferred to the Americans after consultation between the chair referee and the second referee.
