Anna Leigh Waters’ Toughest Win at PPA: In a gripping showdown at the PPA Virginia Beach Cup, top seed Anna Leigh Waters found herself pushed to the brink, battling No. 4 seed Brooke Buckner in a fierce three-game clash that tested both athletes’ limits. Ultimately, Waters emerged victorious, sealing the match with scores of 9-11, 11-9, and 11-6, marking her 10th women’s singles title of the season.
A Rare Challenge
It’s not often that Waters, the 17-year-old prodigy, faces such intense competition in singles, but Buckner’s relentless spirit transformed the match into a battle of wills. Waters, known for her resilience, was determined not to be denied, demonstrating a fighting spirit that has become her hallmark.
“Brooke played absolutely amazing. She’s a great competitor. She isn’t somebody who I want to play in the last match on Championship Sunday,” Waters acknowledged, reflecting on Buckner’s performance. With an impressive 42-3 record in singles finals on the PPA Tour, Waters’ win solidified her status as a formidable force in the pickleball sport.
“I was just fighting my heart out. I think I drank a whole thing of Coke to get some sugar, whatever I could to get my head into it. I was missing easy shots, just because my brain was like turning off. I was looking over at my mom, yelling at her to give me some more energy.” – (waters)
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The Physical Toll
The match wasn’t just a mental challenge for Waters; it was also a physically taxing endeavor. Having already claimed victory in women’s doubles and mixed doubles earlier in the day alongside Catherine Parenteau and Ben Johns, the fatigue began to set in.
“I felt like the first game when I was down [against Brooke], I wasn’t really having any energy. I was like, ‘I’m tired. This is the last thing I want to be doing right now,’ and I was just kind of giving up. I was like, ‘Anna Leigh, that is not who you are at all.’ I was just talking to myself, trying to get fired up.” – (waters)
In those moments of self-doubt, she drew strength from within, willing herself to continue fighting.
“I was saying some weird stuff that I don’t usually say. I don’t even know what was coming out of my mouth, but hopefully it was all positive. This Triple Crown probably means more to me than a lot, so I’m really proud and happy to be standing here right now.” – (waters)
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A Remarkable Achievement
Waters’ determination paid off as she secured her 29th Triple Crown title, a testament to her remarkable career.
“This Triple Crown probably means more to me than a lot, so I’m really proud and happy to be standing here right now.” – (waters)
Even in the face of physical challenges, Waters remained focused on her passion for the game. “I’m fighting like five injuries right now. I’m just happy I wasn’t feeling hurt in this match. I’m struggling, but I’m doing what I love, so I can’t complain too much,” she admitted, showing the resilience and dedication that define her journey.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters’ Toughest Win at PPA
Anna Leigh Waters secured her 10th women’s singles title of the season by defeating Brooke Buckner at the PPA Virginia Beach Cup with scores of 9-11, 11-9, and 11-6. This victory marked the 29th Triple Crown of her career.
Despite battling fatigue and multiple injuries, Waters demonstrated incredible determination. After already winning women’s doubles and mixed doubles earlier in the day, Waters proved her resilience in a demanding competition.
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