Kate Fahey Rallies To Victory Over Parris Todd In Thrilling North Carolina Open Final

Kate Fahey capped off Championship Sunday at the Veolia North Carolina Open with a stirring three-game comeback, defeating No. 6 seed Parris Todd 4-11, 11-9, 11-6 to claim her first singles title of the 2025 season.

What began as a challenging outing for Fahey turned into a showcase of grit and determination. Todd came out firing, dominating the opening game with sharp passing shots that left Fahey struggling to establish her rhythm. The second game looked to be heading in the same direction, as Todd surged to a commanding 9-5 lead.

But the match turned in dramatic fashion.

Fahey, the former University of Michigan tennis standout, unleashed a six-point run to steal Game 2 and shift the momentum. That run carried into the decider, where Fahey stormed ahead to a 9-1 advantage behind a series of blistering drives and clean volleys at the kitchen line.

Todd, known for her own resilience, clawed back to 6-9, but Fahey held her nerve and closed out the match to secure the title.

“Parris is such a tough opponent,” Fahey said after the win. “Even with a big lead, I never felt safe. She's a relentless competitor, and I knew I had to stay locked in until the very last point.”

The victory was particularly meaningful for Fahey, who recently relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. With family and friends in the crowd, she found the extra boost needed to dig deep and deliver under pressure.

“I’ve never experienced a home crowd like this,” she shared. “Having my mom, dad, uncle, and fiancée here… it made all the difference. This feels like the beginning of something really special.”

In the bronze medal match, No. 5 seed Lea Jansen secured a podium finish—her fourth straight in singles—after No. 8 seed Salome Devidze withdrew ahead of their scheduled clash.

As Fahey lifts the trophy in her new hometown, this win could mark the start of a breakout season on the pro pickleball tour.