Anna Leigh Waters Pickleball Legacy: World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters spoke on the Pickleballers podcast about being considered one of the greatest players in pickleball. She discussed sharing this status with Ben Johns, how she views her place in sports, and what her future might hold as the game continues to grow.
Sharing GOAT Status
Podcast host Jared Paul said, “Sometimes I’ll say you and Ben [Johns] are the GOAT and people will respond and say, ‘It’s so early.’ But I truly believe there’s not going to be someone better, ever.”
Anna Leigh Waters replied, “When you throw around the term GOAT, greatest of all time, if you’re going by records, I think it’s going to be pretty hard for somebody to break Ben and I’s records. And I feel like the GOATs are the ones who have the best record. Maybe it has been easier for us because we got to do this sport at its infancy, but still we were able to do these things.”
Comparing with Other Athletes
Jared Paul asked if she sees herself on the same level as stars like Serena Williams and Caitlin Clark.
Waters responded, “I’m going to say no because not as many people know who I am as them, but if you’re talking about the sport, I’m the best in my sport, so technically I should be.”
Co-host Roscoe Bellamy asked if she wants to be as well-known as Serena Williams or Caitlin Clark.
“Yes and no. I don’t want it to affect my everyday life. I feel like they have to live a specific life which my mom has always warned me about. It’s not happening yet, but if pickleball continues to grow, I can’t go out to restaurants or go to the movies. That part of it, I’m not looking forward to. But if it gets to that point, I’m looking forward to being able to inspire that many people,” she said.
Advice from Leigh Waters
Her mom and coach, Leigh Waters, shared the pep talks she gives her daughter.
“What I’ve said to her is, ‘You’ve done a lot of the hard work. Look at what you’ve already done and maybe start thinking about pickleball not as much about wins and losses, but instead this is the catalyst for you to get to do so many freaking cool things that I could never do if I didn’t have the sport,’” said Leigh Waters.
Bellamy asked why Anna Leigh pushes herself for another Triple Crown, even though she has already won many.
Anna Leigh Waters explained, “I think it’s because deep down I know I can do it, so if I don’t do that, I feel like I’m letting myself down or not achieving my potential.”
Leigh Waters added, “Every time she’s lost, it’s been horrible for an hour or two after. But it’s always driven her to want to be better. That’s what I try to remind her in those hours of craziness, to use it. Every time this has happened, you’ve used it. And when it happens again, you’re going to use it. It’s not so practical anymore to win every single time. People are too good, paddles are too good. It’s going to get harder and harder. Not that you want to get used to losing, but you have to figure out a way to use it and make yourself better, which she has always done in the past.”
Her mom also said she often reminds her, “Have fun out there, and pickleball is just a gateway to your greatness.”
Looking Ahead
Anna Leigh Waters continues to raise the profile of pickleball while enjoying opportunities outside the court. Recently, she became the first professional pickleball player to attend the ESPY Awards, a sign of how much the sport is growing.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters Pickleball Legacy
Anna Leigh Waters spoke on the Pickleballers podcast about being considered a GOAT alongside Ben Johns. She compared her career to other athletes, shared thoughts on fame, and reflected on her mother Leigh Waters’ advice. Waters aims to keep inspiring others as pickleball’s popularity continues to rise.
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