Anna Leigh Waters once again proved why she is considered pickleball’s leading star, sweeping all three women’s titles on Championship Sunday at Brookhaven Country Club. The 19-year-old won Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Women’s Singles, successfully defending the Triple Crown she claimed last year despite playing the first two finals back-to-back.
Key Takeaways from the Opendoor Pickleball World Championships:
- Anna Leigh Waters secured her 46th Triple Crown, dominating Women's Singles, Mixed Doubles, and Women's Doubles.
- Waters and Anna Bright set a new PPA Tour record with their 18th consecutive Women's Doubles title together.
- JW Johnson and Tama Shimabukuro staged an epic five-game comeback to clinch their first Men's Doubles title.
- John Lucian Goins captured his second consecutive Men's Singles title, defeating Jack Sock in a tight final.
The Queen Reigns Supreme: Anna Leigh Waters' Unstoppable Run
Few athletes in any sport command the court like Anna Leigh Waters, and her performance at the Opendoor Pickleball World Championships was a masterclass in relentless excellence. Securing a Triple Crown – winning Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles at the same event – is a monumental feat, and Waters made it her 46th.
Mixed Doubles Mayhem: A Battle for the Crown
The day kicked off with a grueling mixed doubles showdown. Paired with the formidable Ben Johns, Waters faced the dynamic duo of Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson. Unlike their previous dominant win at the Veolia Chicago Cup, this match pushed them to their limits, resulting in a hard-fought 9-11, 11-6, 11-9, 3-11, 11-4 victory that spanned over two hours. It was a testament to their resilience and strategic depth.
Dominating the Women's Game: A Record-Setting Partnership
Next, the Waters-Bright express rolled on in Women's Doubles. Alongside partner Anna Bright, Waters dispatched Sofia Sewing and Catherine Parenteau in straight games, 11-4, 11-9, 11-5. This victory wasn't just another gold; it marked their 18th consecutive tournament title as a pair, smashing a new record on the PPA Tour. Their synergy is undeniable, a true force of nature in women's pickleball.
Singles Stunner: 300 Wins and Counting
Even after eight demanding doubles games, Waters showed no signs of slowing down in Women's Singles. She delivered a clinical performance against Kate Fahey, triumphing 11-3, 11-2. This dominant display not only secured her third title of the day but also marked her incredible 300th career PPA Tour singles win. It's a milestone that underscores her unparalleled consistency and mastery.
Men's Drama Unfolds: Epic Comebacks and New Victors
While Waters delivered consistent dominance, the men's side of the draw brought breathtaking drama, highlighted by incredible comebacks and new champions emerging from intense battles.
Doubles Thriller: Johnson & Shimabukuro's Heroic Reversal
The Men's Doubles final was arguably the match of the year. JW Johnson and Tama Shimabukuro found themselves two games down against the powerful duo of Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu, losing 5-11, 5-11. But fueled by an electric crowd, they mounted an extraordinary comeback, taking the final three games 11-4, 11-8, 11-4 to claim their first title as a partnership. For Shimabukuro, this victory comes shortly after his impressive runner-up finish in men's singles at the Hang Seng Bank Hong Kong Slam, adding another significant achievement to his resume.
Singles Glory: Goins Holds Off Sock in Gritty Final
In Men's Singles, John Lucian Goins proved he has the clutch gene, securing his second consecutive title. He faced former tennis star Jack Sock, who had an impressive run to the final, knocking out top talents like Federico Staksrud. In a tense final, Goins maintained his composure in critical moments, winning 11-5, 12-10, and earning the biggest title of his career. Sock showcased immense potential, but Goins demonstrated the mental fortitude of a true champion.
The Opendoor Pickleball World Championships delivered on every promise, from record-breaking performances to heart-stopping upsets. But ultimately, it was Anna Leigh Waters who etched her name deeper into the history books, reminding everyone why she remains the gold standard in professional pickleball.
