Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters: Catherine Parenteau was caught off guard when Anna Leigh Waters ended their successful women’s doubles partnership the day after they lost in the final at the Veolia North Carolina Open.
The surprising phone call came on Monday, less than 24 hours after the pair fell to Tyra Black and Jorja Johnson in four games on Championship Sunday. Waters informed Parenteau she was ready for a change.
“On Monday, I got a call from Anna Leigh, and the call was a very nice call. She just explained to me that she was ready to try something different, and I respected her decision. It was very nice. Short and sweet,” explained Parenteau, during an appearance on The Hannah Johns Podcast. “Honestly, it was a little bit shocking. It’s not something I was aware of.”
A Dominant Team Ends
Parenteau and Waters were among the most dominant duos in pro pickleball.
Their record on the PPA Tour was 159 wins and just six losses. They won 31 titles together and set a high standard for women’s doubles.
Despite the unexpected split, Parenteau reflected on the partnership with pride and appreciation.
“I’m really grateful to have been able to play with Anna Leigh. We go way back, many years back. I played with her mom before, and I love the whole family. I’m really proud of our record. That’s something I’m going to be forever proud of, and I’m just super excited to see what the future holds,” said Parenteau.
End of an Era
The 30-year-old Canadian said the conversation was emotional.
“On the phone call, I was a little bit sad and didn’t really know how to express how I felt in that moment. Of course it’s very hard to say goodbye. We’re very good friends, on and off the court,” she added.
The sudden change marks the end of a powerful run. Waters and Parenteau had been one of the most consistent teams in pickleball.
What Comes Next
The impact of Waters’ decision could shift the doubles landscape on the PPA Tour. Fans will now watch closely to see who Parenteau and Waters team up with next.
Parenteau remains optimistic and focused on what lies ahead, but the emotional goodbye showed just how special the partnership had been.
News in Brief: Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters
Catherine Parenteau was surprised when Anna Leigh Waters ended their dominant women’s doubles partnership the day after their finals loss at the Veolia North Carolina Open. Despite 159 wins and 31 titles, Waters said she wanted a change. Parenteau called the split “shocking” but praised their strong bond and success.
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