Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns: In 2024, Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns continued to dominate the pickleball scene with incredible performances across multiple tournaments. Waters won 42 gold medals and four silver medals in 17 events, while Johns earned 32 golds, four silvers, and one bronze in 20 tournaments. Their remarkable achievements highlight their exceptional skills and dominance in the sport.
Anna Leigh Waters’ Record-Breaking Year
Waters’ performance in singles was nothing short of spectacular, winning 12 times in 13 tournaments. She only lost once, in a semifinal to Salome Devidze. Waters won 24 of 26 games in gold medal matches, frequently holding opponents to under 8 points in 20 of those games. She also had more “clean winners” than her opponents in 11 of those matches. In doubles, Waters teamed up with Catherine Parenteau to win 14 gold medals and three silvers, with most of their victories coming in three-game sweeps. Waters also excelled in mixed doubles, where she and Ben Johns took 16 gold medals in 17 tournaments. Waters’ Triple Crown count reached 30, with 10 of them coming in 2024, including a perfect run in Las Vegas.
Ben Johns’ Consistent Excellence
Ben Johns also had an impressive year, securing seven singles titles out of 16 tournaments and one bronze medal. His seven golds were the second-most on tour, only behind Federico Staksrud’s eight. Johns had an exceptional record in gold medal games, winning 78% of them. His victories in mixed doubles were even more impressive, with 18 gold medals, including 16 with Waters. The pair’s dinking skills were a key factor in their success, sweeping opponents in 11 finals and winning five games by “pickle.”
Notable Achievements for Both Players
Both Waters and Johns achieved numerous milestones in their careers. Waters enters 2025 with 130 titles, including 44 in singles, 41 in doubles, and 45 in mixed doubles. Johns is not far behind, with 141 titles, including 40 in singles, 43 in doubles, and 58 in mixed doubles. Their consistency and winning streaks set them apart in the pickleball world, with Waters maintaining a 12-tournament active winning streak in mixed doubles and Johns a 13-tournament streak.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Waters and Johns prepare for 2025, their continued dominance in pickleball is expected to shape the season. Both players have set high standards for future competitors, and their rivalry is likely to remain a key story in the sport. With multiple titles already under their belts, Waters and Johns will undoubtedly be key figures to watch in the upcoming tournaments. Their excellence on the court will continue to inspire both current players and future generations in the sport.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns
In 2024, Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns continued to dominate pickleball with incredible performances. Waters earned 42 golds and four silvers in 17 events, while Johns won 32 golds and 37 podium finishes across 20 tournaments. Both achieved remarkable success in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, with Waters earning 30 Triple Crowns and Johns securing 18 mixed doubles golds. Their ongoing dominance is set to define pickleball in 2025.