Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters in Semis of PPA: In professional pickleball, few names command as much respect as Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. As they continue to dominate the courts, their recent performance in mixed doubles at the PPA Bristol Open is yet another testament to their unparalleled skill and synergy as a team.
Quarterfinals: A Near-Perfect Display
The quarterfinals saw Johns and Waters facing Federico Staksrud and Rachel Rohrabacher, a pairing known for their tenacity. However, Johns and Waters quickly established their dominance, taking the first game with an overwhelming 11-2 score. The second game proved more competitive, but Johns and Waters maintained their composure, closing it out 11-9. The third game wasn’t necessary, as their opponents were unable to mount a comeback, allowing Johns and Waters to advance to the semifinals with a 2-0 victory.
Round of 16: A Commanding Performance
Earlier, in the Round of 16, Johns and Waters faced Chao Yi Wang and Pablo Tellez. The match was a show of precision and power, as the top-seeded pair dismantled their opponents with a swift 11-0, 11-7 victory. The second game saw a brief resurgence from Wang and Tellez, but it was not enough to derail the momentum of Johns and Waters.
Round of 32: Setting the Tone
The journey to the semifinals began in the Round of 32, where Johns and Waters squared off against Martin Emmrich and Kaitlyn Christian. From the outset, it was clear that Johns and Waters were in peak form, as they dispatched Emmrich and Christian with an 11-3, 11-5 scoreline. The win set the tone for the rest of the tournament, establishing Johns and Waters as the team to beat.
As Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters continue their march through the PPA Bristol Open, their opponents are left grappling with a simple fact: stopping this duo is no small feat. The semifinals await, but if their previous performances are any indication, Johns and Waters are more than ready for the challenge.