Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns Claimed Mixed Doubles Gold: Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns delivered a stellar performance to clinch the mixed doubles gold at Life Time Rancho San Clemente, defeating Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon in straight sets, 11-0, 11-7, 11-4.
The top-seeded duo showcased their resilience earlier in the semifinals, where they fought back from a 4-10 deficit in Game 3, saving five match points against Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson to secure their spot in the final.
Reflections on Victory
Reflecting on their journey to victory, Johns expressed gratitude for overcoming challenges in route to their fiftieth mixed doubles title, a record-setting achievement in pickleball history.
“I was happy to get out of a real tight one yesterday, and of course, if you’re lucky to be in the final, then you’re going to make the most of it,” Johns shared, “I’m just fortunate that I’m in the sport and enjoying every day of it.”
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Motivation and Contribution
For 25-year-old Johns, the joy of competing and contributing to pickleball’s evolution is a constant motivation.
“I don’t think about the accolades too much, but it’s really cool for anybody to be in a sport like this where it’s growing so fast and where every kind of achievement you have is part of PPA history,” he emphasized.
While Ben Johns concludes his day with another milestone, Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau will return to the court later Sunday afternoon to battle for the women’s singles title, highlighting their versatility and competitive spirit in the pickleball community.
Bronze Medal Match
In the bronze medal match, siblings Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson secured third place with a dominant 11-1, 11-1 victory over No. 16 seeds Vivian Glozman and Hayden Patriquin, adding another chapter to the day’s competitive showcase at Life Time Rancho San Clemente.
As the tournament wraps up, Waters and Johns’ commanding victory underscores the thrill and camaraderie found in pickleball, cementing their place as top contenders in mixed doubles and inspiring future generations of players.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns Claimed Mixed Doubles Gold
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns secured the mixed doubles gold at Life Time Rancho San Clemente, defeating Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon 11-0, 11-7, 11-4. Their journey included a dramatic comeback in the semifinals, saving five match points to advance. Johns, reflecting on their record-setting fiftieth title, expressed gratitude for their success and contribution to pickleball’s growth. As Johns celebrates his milestone, attention turns to Waters and Parenteau’s upcoming women’s singles final. Meanwhile, siblings Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson claimed bronze with an 11-1, 11-1 victory. The tournament showcased competitive spirit and camaraderie, highlighting Waters and Johns as pickleball’s top contenders and inspiring future players.
Our Readers Queries:
Ques: Are Waters and Johns a couple?
Ans: Yes, Waters and Johns are in a relationship together. They have both acknowledged that their dynamic on the court has improved significantly now that they are no longer opponents.
Ques: Are Hannah and Ben Johns twins?
Ans: No, Hannah and Ben Johns are not twins. They are siblings, with Ben being the middle child of seven children. Hannah Johns works for the PPA Tour as a sideline reporter and senior content editor.
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