Phenom Anna Leigh Waters Wins Historic Triple Crown at Pickleball Nationals
16-Year-Old Defends All Three National Titles in Dominant Fashion
The 2023 USA Pickleball National Championships made history last week, as 16-year-old phenom Anna Leigh Waters captured her unprecedented third consecutive triple crown. Playing in front of a raucous sold-out crowd of over 10,000 spectators in Dallas, Texas, Waters displayed her prodigious talent and preternatural mental toughness in winning the women’s singles, women’s doubles (with partner Catherine Parenteau), and mixed doubles (with partner Ben Johns) national titles.
1:28:50 - Nationals RECAP
The sheer dominance Waters displayed at Nationals was staggering, as she consistently shut down opponents’ best efforts. Facing championship point multiple times in the women’s singles final against Parenteau, Waters continually staved off defeat with stunning shot-making before eventually prevailing 12-10 in the deciding third game.
“I know Catherine is a great player but I also know that I can come back when I'm down,” said Waters afterwards, crediting her experience in past comebacks. Her steely resolve and perseverance in the face of adversity has become a trademark that belies her youth.
While Waters took top individual honors, the doubles tournaments also featured stellar play. Women’s doubles runner-ups Mary and Maggie Brasca scored impressive wins over top seeds on their Cinderella run to the final. Men’s champions Ben Johns and Collin Johns claimed their 26th career title together, overcoming what Ben termed “adverse events” along the way.
1:36:12 - Discussing Anna Leigh and CP Rivalry
Waters has built an intense singles rivalry with Catherine Parenteau in recent years.
“There was a point where it got a little chippy out there,” said co-host Caden Nemoff, referencing heightened emotions often seen in high-stakes singles matches. “Anything can set you off when you’re that drained.”
While Waters boasts the hardware, most expect the competition with Parenteau to continue driving women’s pickleball to new heights. With both poised to remain at the top of the game for years to come, their clashes could define the next era of the sport.
01:38:30 - We cold call NATIONAL CHAMPION JW Johnson!
The hosts closed out the podcast by cold-calling newly-crowned men’s singles national champion JW Johnson for an impromptu interview. Johnson discussed his strategic approach en route to the title.
“I kept on going for my drives for the most part and mixing up the shots a little bit with a couple more drops and tried to get into the kitchen more,” explained Johnson. The tactical adjustments he made during matches proved vital in securing his first National singles medal.
Waters Caps Dominant Year With More Hardware
In summary, Anna Leigh Waters commandeered the spotlight at the 2023 USA Pickleball National Championships. Showcasing both physical brilliance and preternatural mental fortitude belying her age, Waters claimed an unprecedented 21st career triple crown.
With Anna Leigh leading the youth movement, the future remains bright for professional women’s pickleball. All told, Waters’ jaw-dropping talent at just 16 years old portends continued record-breaking dominance as she solidifies her status as one of pickleball’s bonafide superstars.
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