Top Players Withdraw Veolia Open: Several top players have withdrawn from the singles competition at the Veolia North Carolina Open, currently taking place at Cary Tennis Park in Cary, North Carolina. Notable withdrawals include Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, Catherine Parenteau, Kaitlyn Christian, Quang Duong, Gabe Joseph, Travis Rettenmaier, AJ Koller, and Tam Trinh.
Key Withdrawals and Announcements
The tournament, a major event on the pickleball calendar, has seen an unexpected wave of withdrawals. Gabe Joseph has opted out of all events, while other players have cited various reasons for not competing. On Tuesday evening, Waters addressed her withdrawal on social media, providing further insight into her decision.
Ben Johns, a top-ranked player, was expected to be a major contender in the singles bracket, making his absence a significant shake-up in the competition. Similarly, Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters, both highly ranked in women’s singles, will be missed in this week’s matchups.
I decided to not play singles in the NC PPA because the rollout court surface is not safe to play singles on. I sprained my ankle on this surface last year in Vegas and I don’t think it’s worth potential injury.
— Anna Leigh Waters (@AnnaLeighWaters) April 2, 2025
Impact on the Tournament
With several high-profile players out, the tournament’s singles landscape has shifted. New contenders have an opportunity to shine in the absence of some of the sport’s biggest names. The withdrawals could also affect rankings and momentum for future competitions.
The Veolia North Carolina Open remains a key event, with doubles and mixed doubles play still set to feature top-tier matchups. Fans will be watching closely to see which new faces emerge in the singles competition amid these last-minute changes.
News in Brief: Top Players Withdraw Veolia Open
Several top players, including Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters, have withdrawn from singles competition at the Veolia North Carolina Open in Cary, NC. The tournament will see a reshaped singles field, giving other players a chance to step up. Waters explained her decision on social media Tuesday evening.