Anna Bright on Partnerships, Paddles and Pickleball Dreams
The fast-rising pickleball pro spoke openly about her on-court chemistry, equipment troubles, and what it takes to compete at the highest level.
As the pickleball world converges on San Clemente for the final event of the 2023 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season, all eyes are on one of the sport’s brightest new talents.
23-year-old Anna Bright first burst onto the pro scene last year, but she has quickly become one of the most dominant and creative players on the women’s tour. On the ‘Tennis Sucks’ podcast, Anna discussed her rapid rise, on-court chemistry with partners, the trouble with pickleball paddles and her big plans for the future.
1. Intro & When Graham Met Anna (00:00)
The podcast kicks off with host Graham D’Amico reminiscing on first meeting Bright at a Florida pickleball tournament, where a bold Graham tried convincing her to partner with Travis Rettenmaier.
“You were like - okay but I've gotten a whole lot of offers today I'll get back to you,’” laughs Graham. “Seriously so Savage of me,” admits a sheepish Bright. Little did they know this scrappy young player would soon be one of the sport’s biggest stars.
2. Drafting Rachel on the Orlando Squeeze (03:31)
A key part of Bright’s success has been her on-court chemistry with doubles partner Rachel Rohrabacher. Bright reveals she drafted the fiery Rohrabacher onto her MLP franchise — the Orlando Squeeze — based almost solely on watching a few of her matches online. “I knew of Rachel from junior tennis...she was so annoying, she was so loud,” laughs Bright.
3. Thoughts on Upcoming MLP Final (08:28)
With the Squeeze set to face the DC Tridents in the MLP Finals on December 4th, Bright is laser focused on solving the team’s kryptonite — sisters Jade and Jackie Kawamoto. “We have to beat the freaking Kawamotos... I can’t stand them,” she says, clearly relishing the matchup against her friendly rivals. Bright believes controlling the blazing speed of the Kawamotos is key: “It happens too fast — it needs to work immediately.”
4. PPA Invitational (10:10)
Bright also discussed innovations in the upcoming PPA Invitational event, where top players will be drafted All-Star style to compete in a unique team format. She was initially set to partner with arch-rival Riley Newman, but now will play mixed doubles with familiar partner James Ignatowich. “It would have been hilarious if Riley had picked me,” muses Bright, clearly disappointed not to have a shot at defeating her Dallas nemesis.
5. Partners for 2024 - Jack Sock? (13:05)
Looking ahead to 2024 partnerships, Bright admits even she is in the dark on where new male phenom Jack Sock will end up. She expects Sock to immediately jump into the Top 5 on the men's tour thanks to his explosive power, but believes it may take him longer to master the finesse skills needed to dominate mixed doubles with the women. As for Bright, it certainly seems she will be keeping partner James Ignatowich for the foreseeable future.
6. Now Training with Connor (15:02)
Seeking every edge possible on tour, Bright has now linked up with leading pickleball trainer Connor Derrickson. She hopes the mobility and strength work can add even 5% of improvement to her game. However, Bright confesses that she still hates the pain and exhaustion that comes along with intense physical training. “Lifting things up in the air and putting them down to me is like — it doesn’t spark,” she quips.
7. Anna’s Mental Game (17:51)
According to Bright, staying mentally locked-in during matches comes naturally to her intense on-court persona. She focuses on controlling her breathing rather than specific visualization techniques. In contrast, mixed partner James Ignatowich is nearly always seen wearing headphones and entering a deeply meditative state even between points, listening to “nonsleep deep rest” content. It seems the zen-like Ignatowich and intense Bright balance each other out perfectly on the court.
8. Sponsorship with Joola (22:03)
As her profile has risen, Bright has also attracted a high-profile sponsorship deal with paddle manufacturer Joola. She cites instantly connecting with their paddles from first touch, and wanting to represent the company in its early growth phase in pickleball. While Ben Johns has significant input into designing paddles tailored exactly to his game, Bright is content for now trusting Joola to craft custom designs for her as surprises.
9. Take on Paddle Testing (26:24)
Amidst swirling controversy around paddle testing standards and failures at key events, Anna expressed frustration at the inconsistent standards between events, mysterious changes seemingly overnight, and desire for more transparency in the testing process. “Just a more organized system with player representatives attending would really help us move on from talking about paddles so much,” offers Bright.
10. Talk Sh** About Travis (38:33)
Producer Luke Burton jumps in to ask Bright’s candid thoughts on outspoken co-host Travis Rettenmaier, absent from this episode. She compliments his consistency and court coverage skills, but feels he plays the game in a stiff, linear style more suited to a past era. “I kind of call him budget-JW Johnson,” jokes Bright. However, she cites impressive versatility from Rettenmaier in more casual tournament play, unleashing nasty shots and aggression unseen in his normal conservative pro matches.
11. Favorite Player on Tour (41:10)
When pressed to name favorites on tour, Bright showers praise on Jorja Johnson, she is “so great,” and Bobbi Oshiro for having “the most beautiful technique on tour” with creativity flowing through his compact, smooth strokes. However, she shocks co-hosts by naming low-key Graham as her personal favorite. Bright fondly recalls loudly cheering during his Cinderella run earlier this year. “I was going crazy — it would just be so funny if they won,” she laughs.
12. James and Anna Moving? (42:54)
Looking into the future, Graham probes on whether Bright and partner Ignatowich may consider moving away from their current central Florida pickleball community. She confirms they have discussed options, but will stay put in Boca Raton area for 2024. After that, Bright indicates an openness to relocating: “There’s not too many places where there’s genuinely good practice.” Sounds like a recruiting war for the sport’s hottest new power couple could be on the horizon.
- 00:00: Intro & When Graham Met Anna
- 03:31: Drafting Rachel on the Orlando Squeeze
- 08:28 Thoughts on up-coming MLP Final
- 10:10: PPA Invitational
- 13:05: Partners for 2024 - Jack Sock?
- 15:02: Now Training with Connor
- 17:51: Anna’s Mental Game
- 22:03: Sponsorship with Joola
- 26:24: Take on Paddle Testing
- 38:33: Talk shit about Travis
- 41:10: Favorite player on tour
- 42:54: James and Anna moving?
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