Mixed Worlds Preview: Who Will Secure the Fourth Place?

In a departure from the previous world championship, this year’s mixed division will be contested concurrently with the men’s and women’s divisions, compelling teams to make strategic decisions.

Do we allocate our top talent to the men’s or women’s divisions? Is our best chance of success in forming a formidable mixed team, or should we maximize national representation across all categories?

Let’s delve into the choices made by the teams.

Mixed - Who Will Secure the Fourth Place?

Is this a provocative headline, Jakub? Not at all. It’s an informed, analytical projection. Barring any unforeseen weather disruptions (always a possibility in England), the medals are likely to be claimed by the two US teams - Hui/Gross (World Mixed Champions ’22), Pierson/Rose - and the Swiss duo Kunzelmann/Felix (Runner-up Worlds Mixed ’22).

Kunzelmann is widely acknowledged as the best women’s player globally, consistently triumphing in Europe’s most prestigious tournaments. Her partner, Felix, brings half a decade of experience and a serving technique that applies relentless pressure on opponents.

Conversely, the American teams will aim to avoid each other in the semifinals, setting the stage for a thrilling final. Pierson/Rose (known as “Chalked” in the US) have dominated this STS season, winning four out of five mixed events and finishing second in the other. Rose, with additional two mixed titles under his belt, has cemented his status as North America’s mixed division king.

Rose’s exceptional serving, which also propelled him to the top of the men’s division this season (currently ranked 1st with P. Clifford in team “Numb”), combined with Pierson’s solid fundamentals, positions them as favorites for the world title. However, Hui/Gross and Kunzelmann/Felix are formidable contenders who will not concede easily.

Other Contenders

With Leybourne (🇦🇹) opting to compete in the women’s division with her partner Kadlec (Tiramisu) - detailed in the women’s preview - the powerhouse mixed team of Uniley (Leybourne/Dziruni 🇦🇹) will not defend their 3rd place finish from ’22.

This opens the field significantly, or does it?

Haas/Kanis (🇩🇪) are a seasoned mixed team with multiple European tournament victories. They were quarterfinalists at the last world championship, falling to eventual winners Hui/Gross (🇺🇸), and are eager for redemption. Kanis, who has played most of the mixed season with Paysan (🇫🇷) while managing injuries, is known for his deceptive, spin-heavy serves. The question remains whether this will suffice for a deep tournament run.

Haas, recognized as one of Europe’s most consistent women’s players, could be the key to their success. Naturally, the second German team, Riedelsheimer/Schirop, could also create some upsets, yet they will play without any pressure.

Additionally, Duport/Lecrosnier (🇫🇷) are a well-established team, consistently finishing in the top 8 at major tournaments. Lecrosnier, a challenging left-handed server, has been honing his skills, earning a spot among France’s elite men’s players. Duport, often overshadowed by Alt/Paysan (formerly Puces & Dives), has been quietly making strides in Europe. Let’s see if the “Bad Salmons” (their team name) will have enough energy after swimming through the English Channel😉.

Moreover, the Canadian team Vallée/Prince is a significant contender for a top 4 finish. Competing as “Princess,” they secured an STS Challenger victory in Boston this year and placed 3rd at the Richmond major. Prince’s 4th overall ranking as a mixed-individual player in North America underscores their potential.

Can Someone Outside of North America and Europe Break into the Top 8?

The Australian Fatt and the Finnish/British player Beeks, who resides in the US, will carry the Union Jack’s hopes. Fatt, a seasoned women’s player in Europe, represented Australia at the last Worlds. This summer, Fatt/Beeks secured a 3rd place finish out of 7 teams at ETS Helsinki, providing the UK with a glimmer of hope.

Beeks, a prominent roundnet influencer, is still striving for recognition from his peers as a player, having never been the leading figure in his few successful tournament runs. Fatt’s versatility, experience, and her successful tournament history with E. Ekman 🇸🇪 could be the key factors in the UK´s duo performance.

Given the limited data on non-European, non-North American teams, predictions are challenging. However, one team that stands out is Bastos/Lima 🇧🇷. Bastos, who studies in the US, has managed to finish on the podium and in the top 6 twice this STS season, playing with American Fowler. While Fowler’s shoes may be large to fill, Lima has the potential to rise to the occasion.

Lastly, anything can happen, especially given the tournament system (one game till 21), which favours heavily the non-elite teams, since it can be over in a heartbeat. The 57 mixed teams promise to deliver extraordinary rallies, athletic plays, and a high level of parity in the middle of the bracket, as most teams will be facing each other for the first time.