Anna Leigh Waters: Women's Singles Post-Match Interview

 

Waters Shines in Singles Return with Dominant Win Pickleball phenom Anna Leigh Waters showed she's still at the top of her game with a commanding victory yesterday. The 16-year-old defeated Dominique Schaefer in an efficient 27 minutes, winning 6-3, 6-2. In her post-match interview, Waters was upbeat and gracious as always, crediting her opponent's stellar play while analyzing her own performance. She cited Dominique's blistering down-the-line winner as the best shot of the match, even though it came against her. "I was running at a forehand angle, it bounced in the kitchen, and I thought I had a clean winner," Waters recalled. "But Dominique gets there and just cracks it down the line. I lost the point but it was an incredible shot." Waters had never faced Schaefer before but came in with a solid game plan she adjusted mid-match based on Dominiques aggressive baseline style. "You can't just aimlessly come to the net if they're hitting amazing passing shots," she noted. Waters' poise and adaptability paved the way for her straight sets win. The victory marked Waters' first Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) match since competing in Major League Pickleball (MLP). She discussed the key differences between the team and individual tours. "MLP matches are much shorter so you have to come out firing right away," she explained. "Here you get a chance to settle in which I like better since I'm a slow starter." Waters also unveiled her new signature paddle and logo design, created in partnership with Paddletek. The logo features a crown that doubles as the initial 'W' in her name. "I wanted something that nobody had done before," she said of the unique dual-meaning logo. As for her paddle, it's made of carbon fiber instead of her old fiberglass model. "Same dimensions and thickness but a completely different paddle," Waters noted. The paddle wasn't the only new gear on display. Waters sported a colorful new outfit from Girl Life and hinted we may not see her signature "Water Burger" shorts anymore. "I've worn them so many times I need something new," she said with a laugh. The bright blue top and skirt was one she hand-picked from several options that morning. Waters even helps select gear for mixed doubles partner Ben Johns to coordinate their look on court. "Ben has some interesting clothing decisions sometimes," she joked. "I usually send him photos and tell him which pink shorts to wear." With a smooth return to PPA singles, a fresh look and gear upgrades, Waters seems poised to continue her reign atop the sport. Her positive attitude and analytical approach to reviewing matches will no doubt power more interesting interviews. Waters remains a role model both on and off the court.