Pickleball Phenom Anna Leigh Waters Set for International Debut in Vietnam
World No.1 pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters is poised to make her highly anticipated international debut next month at the PPA Tour Asia’s Hanoi Cup in Vietnam. The 19-year-old sensation, widely regarded as one of the sport's most dominant and transformative players, will compete in the tournament scheduled from April 1 to April 5. This event marks a significant milestone as pickleball continues its rapid expansion into global markets, attracting top talent like Waters to showcase the sport on an international stage.
Who is Anna Leigh Waters?
Anna Leigh Waters is celebrated as pickleball's biggest star and one of the most exceptionally talented players the sport has ever produced. At just 19 years old, she holds the prestigious world No.1 ranking in women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, a rare trifecta that underscores her versatility and skill. Born on January 26, 2007, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Waters moved with her family to Clinton, North Carolina, before settling in Delray Beach, Florida, in 2015.
Her athletic prowess is rooted in a strong sporting family background. Her mother, Leigh Waters, is a former college tennis player, while her father, Stephen Waters, played college golf, both having competed at the University of South Carolina. Before discovering pickleball, Waters was involved in competitive soccer. Her introduction to pickleball came in 2017 during a family evacuation from Florida due to Hurricane Irma, when they stayed with her grandparents in Pennsylvania. It was there that her father and grandfather introduced her to the sport, sparking a journey that would lead to global recognition.
Achievements and Records
Waters has amassed one of the most remarkable records in professional pickleball history. She has collected an astounding 181 gold medals and 39 triple crowns, the highest number achieved by any professional player in the sport. Her dominance is evident across both the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP), where her fast-paced, aggressive playing style has revolutionized how the modern game is played.
Her rise to prominence began at an incredibly young age. At just 10 years old, she won her first gold medal in pickleball. By 2019, at the age of 12, she became the youngest professional player and national champion in the sport's history, setting a precedent for early success that continues to inspire aspiring athletes.
Partnership with Her Mother
A unique and heartwarming aspect of Waters' journey is her partnership with her mother, Leigh Waters, who also serves as her coach and manager. Together, they have competed as the sport's only professional mother-daughter duo, introducing a more aggressive and dynamic style of play that quickly garnered attention on the professional circuit. This collaboration has not only strengthened their bond but also elevated Waters' performance, making her a standout figure in pickleball.
In Major League Pickleball, Waters was selected as the top draft pick for the New Jersey 5s, further cementing her reputation as one of the sport's most valuable and influential players. This selection highlights her strategic importance and the high regard in which she is held within the competitive landscape.
International Debut in Vietnam
Waters will now make her first international appearance at the PPA Tour Asia’s Hanoi Cup, scheduled from April 1 to April 5 in Vietnam. The tournament will be held at the My Dinh Indoor Athletics Arena in Hanoi and is an integral part of the Professional Pickleball Association's global ranking system. Champions at this event will receive 1,000 ranking points, adding significant stakes to the competition.
For this debut, Waters is expected to compete in women’s doubles alongside Anna Bright and in mixed doubles with Ben Johns. Her participation is eagerly awaited by fans and competitors alike, as it represents a key moment in the globalization of pickleball and the continued ascent of one of its brightest stars.
