Anna Leigh Waters Shatters Records: Zane Navratil, an American pickleball professional, made headlines after saying that Anna Leigh Waters is more dominant in pickleball than Serena Williams was in tennis. Navratil’s comment has sparked a wave of conversation in the sports world. Waters, only 18, is currently ranked number one in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
Waters’ Rise to the Top
Anna Leigh Waters has won a total of 176 medals — 54 in singles, 65 in doubles, and 57 in mixed doubles. She recently partnered with tennis legend Andre Agassi, who announced his professional pickleball debut for the 2025 US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida.
Even though Andre Agassi is 55 and past his prime, he saw Waters as the perfect teammate.
“It was very apparent that Anna Leigh Waters was very tired of winning. She wanted to add a little spice to her life and make it quite the difficult challenge,”(Andre Agassi).
A Bold Statement from Zane Navratil
Zane Navratil praised Anna Leigh Waters and made a strong comparison between her and Serena Williams.
“In the smaller pond of pickleball, Anna Leigh Waters is a bigger fish than Serena Williams was at her peak — and it’s not close,” (Zane Navratil).
He said that while Serena Williams’ achievements were incredible, Anna Leigh Waters’ success in pickleball stands out even more. Navratil posed a question to fans, asking which athlete they would trust to win under pressure — Serena Williams in 2013 or Anna Leigh Waters in 2024. He chose Waters, saying she was stronger in that situation.
Starting a New Chapter with Agassi
Andre Agassi and Anna Leigh Waters played their first match together earlier this year. They won against a teenage couple but were later defeated by another team. Despite the loss, Agassi was impressed by Waters’ talent and drive. He noted her need for new goals and challenges.
Waters’ journey continues to impress fans and experts in the sport, as she keeps pushing the limits of what a young player can achieve in pickleball.
Waters’ Impact on the Sport
Anna Leigh Waters is showing what is possible for young athletes in fast-growing sports like pickleball. Her partnership with Andre Agassi and praise from Zane Navratil have brought more attention to her career and to pickleball itself. Fans are eager to see what she will do next in the 2025 season.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters Shatters Records
Pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters, 18, was compared to Serena Williams by Zane Navratil, who said Waters’ dominance is unmatched. With support from partner Andre Agassi and a record of 176 medals, Waters is already making sports history. The pair will compete at the 2025 US Open Pickleball Championships.
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