2024 PPA Atlanta Slam Women's Doubles Gold Medal Match

 

The Girlies Dethrone the Queens: Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher Clinch PPA Atlanta Slam Victory

A Thrilling Upset in Women's Doubles as the #2 Seed Topples the Dominant Waters-Parenteau Duo

The 2024 PPA Atlanta Slam witnessed a seismic shift in the women's doubles pickleball landscape as Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher, affectionately known as "The Girlies," dethroned the seemingly invincible duo of Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau. In a match that epitomized the sport's growing intensity and popularity, the second-seeded team showcased remarkable resilience, strategic brilliance, and raw talent to secure their first Grand Slam title together. 

• Matty Pickles: Anna Bright Interview/Analysis
• Raise The Bar Podcast: Rachel Rohrabacher Interview

00:00 Game 1

The opening game set the tone for what would be an electrifying match. Bright and Rohrabacher came out of the gates with unprecedented intensity, catching the top seeds off guard.

Highlights:

• Rohrabacher's aggressive cross-court attacks put immediate pressure on Parenteau
• Bright's exceptional hand speed at the net neutralized Waters' typically dominant play
• The underdogs' strategic use of the middle created confusion for Waters and Parenteau

6:09 Highlight: A series of rapid-fire exchanges at the net showcased the incredible reflexes of all four players, with Bright and Rohrabacher eventually coming out on top.

7:31 Highlight - Fire Fight: An extended rally featuring multiple defensive gets and offensive blasts, ending with a perfectly placed winner by Rohrabacher.

The game concluded with a dominant 11-3 scoreline in favor of Bright and Rohrabacher, sending shockwaves through the arena. Their aggressive play and strategic targeting of Parenteau's backhand proved highly effective, while Waters and Parenteau struggled to find their rhythm.

13:27 Game 2

The second game saw Waters and Parenteau attempting to regroup and mount a comeback. However, Bright and Rohrabacher maintained their momentum.

Highlights:

• Waters began to assert herself more, showcasing her powerful groundstrokes
• Parenteau improved her net play, making several crucial resets
• Rohrabacher's serve became a weapon, consistently putting pressure on the receivers

19:01 Highlights: A sequence of points featuring Bright's exceptional court coverage, making several improbable gets to keep rallies alive.

23:47 Highlights Rachel: Rohrabacher unleashed a series of devastating cross-court winners, leaving Waters and Parenteau scrambling.

28:34 Highlight ALW/CP: Waters and Parenteau executed a perfect poach and putaway, demonstrating their championship pedigree.

33:41 Highlight AB/RR: A marathon point ended with a brilliant around-the-post winner from Bright, bringing the crowd to its feet.

35:01 Game 2 Last Point Recorded (7-9)

Despite a late surge from Waters and Parenteau, Bright and Rohrabacher held their nerve to close out the game 11-9, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the match. The underdogs' ability to withstand the pressure and continue executing their game plan was a testament to their mental fortitude.

35:15 Game 3

With their backs against the wall, Waters and Parenteau came out with renewed determination in the third game.

Highlights:

• Waters elevated her play, demonstrating why she's considered the best in the world
• Parenteau found her rhythm at the net, making several crucial blocks and volleys
• Bright and Rohrabacher faced their first real adversity of the match

39:01 Highlight: A phenomenal exchange of dinks, showcasing the touch and control of all four players, eventually won by Waters with a perfectly disguised drop shot.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. 

52:32 Highlight Game Point: In a dramatic turn of events, Waters saved a match point with an incredible around-the-post winner, swinging the momentum in their favor.

Waters and Parenteau managed to clinch the third game 11-9, keeping their hopes alive and setting the stage for a thrilling fourth game. Their resilience and ability to perform under pressure were on full display, reminding everyone why they've been the dominant force in women's doubles.

58:01 Game 4

The final game of the match was a showcase of high-level pickleball, with both teams leaving everything on the court.

Highlights:

• Bright and Rohrabacher regained their aggressive form from the first two games
• Waters continued to hit impressive winners, keeping her team in contention
• Parenteau stepped up her defensive play, making several crucial gets

The game remained close in the early stages, but Bright and Rohrabacher began to pull away midway through. Their relentless pressure and strategic shot selection proved too much for Waters and Parenteau to handle consistently.

1:12:25 Match Point: On their second match point opportunity, Rohrabacher unleashed a powerful backhand winner, sealing the victory and the championship for The Girlies.

Bright and Rohrabacher closed out the match with an 11-5 win in the fourth game, completing their remarkable upset victory. The final moments saw an outpouring of emotion from the winners, while Waters and Parenteau graciously acknowledged their opponents' superior play on the day.

1:13:22 Interview

Q: Rachel, you had the walk-off counter on the backhand side at Championship Point. Walk us through what's running through your mind in that pivotal moment. What did you see?

A: Rachel Rohrabacher: "I definitely was shaking a little bit because I kind of messed up the first match point we had. I know Dave was getting his tally out from last time because it took us a couple more match points last time. So I just wanted to be solid and nothing extra, and just keep doing what we were doing the whole match."

Q: Anna, this is your sixth title together this season, but the first one you've won in a grand slam fashion over the team that rarely loses. You're the only team to beat them ever, twice now in Atlanta. How good does this one feel?

A: Anna Bright: "This one feels so good. I think we first beat this team in March (PPA Austin Open), and they're really so good. They're kind of the pinnacle of women's doubles, so this win really means a lot to us. It means a lot to win a grand slam. I want to say thank you to everyone who tuned in and cheered for us. It really, really helped, and for everyone watching at home, thank you."

Q: How would you describe what it feels like to play in this kind of atmosphere and environment with thousands of fans cheering you on from Center Court?

A: Anna Bright: "It's awesome. It's so exciting. I feel like pickleball's really kind of turning a corner. I spent a little extra time this morning on my makeup because I knew I was going to be on TV. So thank you to everyone tuning in to pickleball."

The interview concluded Rachel expressing her gratitude to their warm-up partners and support team, highlighting the collaborative nature of their success.

In conclusion, the 2024 PPA Atlanta Slam women's doubles final will be remembered as a watershed moment in pickleball history. Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher's victory over Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau not only showcased the incredible skill and athleticism of these athletes but also signaled a potential changing of the guard in the sport. Their aggressive playstyle, strategic acumen, and mental toughness proved to be the perfect combination to overcome the most dominant team in women's doubles.

This match served as a testament to the growing competitiveness and unpredictability of professional pickleball. It demonstrated that even the most established champions can be challenged and defeated on any given day. For Bright and Rohrabacher, this victory will likely be a springboard to greater success and recognition in the pickleball world.

As the sport continues to evolve and attract more talent, matches like this one will undoubtedly contribute to its growing popularity and appeal to both players and spectators alike. The 2024 PPA Atlanta Slam has set a new standard for excitement and quality in professional pickleball, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this thrilling rivalry.

00:00 Game 1 6:09 Highlight 7:31 Highlight - Fire Fight 11:45 Fight Fight Fight (Game Points) 13:27 Game 2 19:01 Highlights 23:47 Highlights Rachel 28:34 Highlight ALW/CP 33:41 Highlight AB/RR 35:01 Game 2 Last Point Recorded (7-9) 35:15 Game 3 39:01 Highlight 52:32 Highlight Game Point 58:01 Game 4 1:12:25 Match Point 1:13:22 Interviews

Match Key Points

- Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher (the #2 seed) defeated Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau (the #1 seed) to win the women's doubles title at the 2024 PPA Atlanta Slam.

- Final score: 11-3, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5

- This was a major upset, as Waters/Parenteau were the dominant team who had rarely lost. 

- Bright/Rohrabacher played aggressively and confidently throughout, with excellent offense and defense.

- Key moments included saving 5 game points in Game 3 before losing it, then rebounding to win Game 4.

- Rohrabacher hit the winning shot on match point with a backhand counter.

- This was Bright/Rohrabacher's first Grand Slam title together and only the second time they've beaten Waters/Parenteau.

- The match featured long, intense rallies and high-level play from both teams.

- The crowd was very engaged and the atmosphere was electric for this championship match.

- In their post-match interview, Bright and Rohrabacher were thrilled with the win and thanked their supporters.

- It was noted this was a big moment for pickleball, showcasing the sport on a national stage.

Game 1 * Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher dominated the first game, winning 11-3. * They played aggressively and confidently, with excellent offense and defense. * Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau struggled to find their rhythm and were unable to mount a comeback. Game 2 * The second game was much closer, with Bright/Rohrabacher winning 11-9. * Waters/Parenteau fought hard to stay in the game, but ultimately came up just short. * The game featured several long, intense rallies and high-level play from both teams. Game 3 * Waters/Parenteau finally found their footing in the third game, winning 11-9. * They played more aggressively and took advantage of some errors by Bright/Rohrabacher. * The game was marked by several dramatic moments, including a few disputed line calls. Game 4 * Bright/Rohrabacher rebounded from their loss in Game 3 to win the fourth game 11-5. * They played with renewed confidence and aggression, taking advantage of some mistakes by Waters/Parenteau. * The game featured several key moments, including a few crucial errors by Waters/Parenteau. Interview with Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher * After the match, Bright and Rohrabacher were interviewed by Michelle McMahon and Dave Fleming. * They were thrilled with their win and thanked their supporters. * They noted that this was a big moment for pickleball, showcasing the sport on a national stage. * They also praised their opponents, Waters/Parenteau, for their skill and sportsmanship. Summary * Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher pulled off a major upset, defeating Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau to win the women's doubles title at the 2024 PPA Atlanta Slam. * The match featured high-level play from both teams, with several dramatic moments and intense rallies. * Bright/Rohrabacher played with confidence and aggression throughout, taking advantage of some mistakes by Waters/Parenteau. * The win was a big moment for pickleball, showcasing the sport on a national stage.

Not Diamond.AI Created

Underdogs Triumph in Pickleball Upset: Bright and Rohrabacher Dethrone Reigning Champions A Thrilling Four-Game Battle Showcases the Sport's Growing Appeal and Competitive Edge In a stunning display of skill, strategy, and sheer determination, Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher again etched their names into pickleball history yesterday, clinching the women's doubles title at the 2024 PPA Atlanta Slam. The duo, seeded second, toppled the seemingly invincible pairing of Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau in a nail-biting four-game match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats and showcased the sport's burgeoning popularity. The air was thick with anticipation as the final match of the 2024 PPA Atlanta Slam women's doubles commenced at the Lifetime Peachtree Corners. The crowd, a mix of die-hard pickleball enthusiasts and curious newcomers, settled in for what promised to be an epic showdown between the sport's titans and their ambitious challengers. Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau, the reigning queens of pickleball, entered the arena with an air of invincibility. Their track record was nothing short of phenomenal, having lost only once as a team. On the other side of the net stood Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher, the plucky underdogs with dreams of dethroning the champions. From the outset, it was clear this wasn't going to be a typical match. Bright and Rohrabacher came out swinging, their aggressive playstyle catching Waters and Parenteau off guard. The first game was a statement, with the challengers dominating 11-3. The crowd, initially expectant of another Waters-Parenteau victory, began to buzz with excitement at the prospect of an upset. The second game saw Waters and Parenteau regain some of their composure, but Bright and Rohrabacher's momentum was unstoppable. In a tense back-and-forth, the underdogs clinched the game 11-9, putting themselves one game away from a historic victory. But champions don't go down without a fight. Waters and Parenteau, their backs against the wall, dug deep in the third game. The intensity on the court was palpable as both teams traded powerful shots and delicate dinks. In a display of why they've been at the top for so long, Waters and Parenteau took the third game 11-9, keeping their hopes alive. The fourth and final game was a masterclass in pickleball. Bright and Rohrabacher, sensing victory within their grasp, played with renewed vigor. Their synergy was evident in every point, their communication flawless. Waters and Parenteau fought valiantly, but the challengers' relentless assault proved too much. With a final score of 11-5, Bright and Rohrabacher sealed their victory and their place in pickleball history. The aftermath was a scene of jubilation and disbelief. Bright and Rohrabacher embraced, their faces a mix of joy and shock at what they had accomplished. Waters and Parenteau, gracious in defeat, congratulated their opponents on a well-fought match. In the post-match interview, an elated Rohrabacher struggled to contain her excitement. "I definitely was shaking a little bit," she admitted, reflecting on the match point. "I just wanted to be solid and nothing extra and just keep doing what we were doing the whole match." Bright, equally thrilled, emphasized the significance of their victory. "This one feels so good," she beamed. "We first beat this team in March, and they're really so good. They're kind of the pinnacle of women's doubles, so this win really means a lot to us." The match was more than just a victory for Bright and Rohrabacher; it was a watershed moment for pickleball. The intensity, skill, and drama on display showcased why this sport has been capturing the hearts of athletes and spectators alike. As Bright noted, "Pickleball's really kind of turning a corner." Indeed, with matches like this, pickleball is proving it can deliver the excitement and competitive edge of more established racquet sports. The 2024 PPA Atlanta Slam women's doubles final will likely be remembered as a pivotal moment in the sport's journey from recreational pastime to serious athletic pursuit. As the sun set on Atlanta, and Bright and Rohrabacher hoisted their trophy, one thing was clear: in the world of pickleball, a new era has dawned. The queens have been dethroned, and the court is wide open for new champions to make their mark.