Anna Leigh Waters On the Top of the Pickleball World: After a tough start to Championship Sunday, Anna Leigh Waters proved her resilience, turning a loss in women’s doubles into a dominant victory in women’s singles. The top seed, Waters, faced a challenging match against No. 9 seed Kate Fahey, but ultimately won with a strong 11-7, 11-8 victory, securing her second title of the day at the prestigious Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships.
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Kate Fahey’s Early Push
It seemed like Fahey would take control early on. She built a 7-3 lead in the first game, using her powerful baseline drives and precise volleys to keep Waters on the defensive.
However, Waters wasn’t fazed. With determination, she reeled off eight straight points, turning the game around to claim a dramatic 11-7 victory.
A Tight Second Game
The second game saw Fahey continue her aggressive play, taking an 8-6 lead with her relentless drives. Yet, Waters again found her rhythm and mounted a counterattack.
The 17-year-old closed out the game with five unanswered points, securing the match and her second title of the day.
Acknowledging the Rising Competition
Waters, who has quickly become one of the sport’s most formidable players, was quick to recognize the increasing depth of talent in pickleball.
“I was just happy to be in all three finals. The competition is getting so much tougher—I’m playing players like Kate throughout the tournament, so it’s definitely tough to get here.” – (Anna Leigh Waters)
A Physical Battle
Sunday’s women’s singles final was one of the most physically demanding matches of the day. Both players exchanged powerful shots from the baseline, each looking to gain the upper hand. Waters, who had already played two matches earlier in the day, never slowed down.
“I think there were some moments where we both thought we had hit winners, and then the other player would come back and hit a winner themselves. Singles is getting so physical now—it’s really a question of who can last longer on the court.” – (Anna Leigh Waters)
In the end, it was Waters who defeated her opponent, earning her 43rd career singles title on the PPA Tour.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters On the Top of the Pickleball World
Anna Leigh Waters bounced back from a loss in women’s doubles to win the women’s singles title at the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships. She defeated No. 9 seed Kate Fahey 11-7, 11-8 in a physical match, securing her second title of the day.
Waters highlighted the growing competition in pickleball and the increasing physical demands of singles play. The victory marked Waters’ 43rd career singles title on the PPA Tour.