Mixed Doubles Pickleball Team: For the first time in nearly a year, Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters suffered a defeat in mixed doubles. The dominant duo fell to Anna Bright and Dekel Bar in a thrilling semi-final match on Saturday at Carvana Mesa Cup, breaking a 340-day winning streak.
A Shocking Upset in the Semi-Finals
Johns and Waters, considered the top mixed doubles team in pickleball, last lost a match on March 18, 2024, at the PPA Austin Open. In both losses, one player remained the same—Anna Bright. Previously, Bright teamed with Andrei Daescu to hand them a rare defeat. This time, alongside Bar, she did it again.
The semi-final match was an intense battle lasting nearly an hour and a half. Bright and Bar started strong, taking an early 8-4 lead in game one.
However, Johns and Waters fought back, eventually gaining a 10-9 advantage with a game point opportunity. Bright and Bar refused to back down, scoring three consecutive points to secure a 12-10 victory in the opening game.
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Johns and Waters Respond in Game Two
Determined to regain control, Johns and Waters dominated the second game, winning 11-7. Their ability to bounce back suggested they were ready to take over the match, a pattern they had followed in previous tight contests.
Game three started with Johns and Waters jumping to a quick 5-1 lead. Bright and Bar struggled with consistency, particularly on serve, leading to quick side outs. Just as the match seemed to be slipping away, Bright and Bar went on a five-point run, earning the side switch at 6-5.
Seizing the Moment in Game Three
Johns and Waters were not done yet. They rallied to a 9-7 advantage, putting themselves just two points away from another final. But Bright and Bar found another gear, winning four consecutive points to close out the match and complete the upset.
Unfortunately for Bright and Bar, their run ended in the gold medal match. On Sunday, JW Johnson and Jorja Johnson defeated them to claim the championship. Despite the loss in the final, Bright and Bar’s victory over Johns and Waters was a defining moment in the tournament.
What This Means for Pickleball’s Top Mixed Doubles Teams
Even though they didn’t win gold, Bright and Bar made a powerful statement. Anna Bright, in particular, has now defeated Johns and Waters twice in the past year and a half, cementing her status as the second-best mixed doubles female player in the world.
Despite the setback, Johns and Waters remain the gold standard in mixed doubles pickleball. The loss may serve as motivation for them moving forward, as every team in the sport continues to chase their dominance.
News in Brief: Mixed Doubles Pickleball Team
Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters’ 340-day winning streak ended as Anna Bright and Dekel Bar defeated them in the semi-finals at the Carvana Mesa Cup. The intense match lasted nearly 90 minutes, with Bright and Bar winning in three games. Despite their victory, Bright and Bar fell in the gold medal match to JW Johnson and Jorja Johnson.