Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns’ 35th career title: The mixed doubles final at the Orange County Cup presented by Fitvine Wine featured a clash between two contrasting teams: the top-seeded duo of Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns, and the resilient pair of Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon, seeded seventh. In a match that highlighted their exceptional synergy and skill, Waters and Johns swept to victory with a decisive 11-0, 11-7, 11-4 scoreline, clinching yet another title together.
Ben Johns’ Milestone
For Ben Johns, this triumph marked a significant milestone as his 50th PPA mixed doubles title, a statement to his enduring prowess and consistency in the doubles arena. The Waters/Johns partnership also celebrated their 35th career title together, showing their dominance and chemistry on the court.
Rising Stars in the Rankings
Christian Alshon’s strong performance alongside Catherine Parenteau did not go unnoticed in the rankings, as they moved up from No. 9 to No. 7 following their silver medal finish. Parenteau herself ascended from No. 8 to No. 7 on the women’s singles rankings, reflecting her continued impact in both disciplines.
Rachel Rohrabacher, who has been making waves since her return to singles competition, further solidified her position among the elite. Her quarterfinal run alongside Federico Staksrud propelled her into the Top Ten, rising from No. 12 to No. 10 and marking a significant comeback in her career.
Mixed Doubles Rankings:
Women’s Rank
Rank | Player | Country | Points |
1 | Anna Leigh Waters | USA | 21800 |
2 | Anna Bright | USA | 13350 |
3 | Vivienne David | USA | 11600 |
4 | Jorja Johnson | USA | 7200 |
5 | Jessie Irvine | USA | 6100 |
6 | Tina Pisnik | SVN | 5450 |
7 | Catherine Parenteau | CAN | 5125 |
8 | Marietta Wright | USA | 4625 |
9 | Lea Jansen | USA | 3850 |
10 | Rachel Rohrabacher | USA | 3775 |
11 | Tyra Hurricane Black | USA | 3700 |
12 | Lucy Kovalova | SVK | 3550 |
13 | Meghan Dizon | USA | 3500 |
14 | Callie Smith | USA | 2650 |
15 | Lauren Stratman | USA | 2425 |
16 | Jackie Kawamoto | USA | 2350 |
17 | Maggie Brascia | USA | 2275 |
18 | Jade Kawamoto | USA | 2200 |
19 | Allyce Jones | USA | 1875 |
20 | Mary Brascia | USA | 1825 |
Men’s Rank
Rank | Player | Country | Points |
1 | Ben Johns | USA | 22000 |
2 | Thomas Wilson | USA | 11600 |
3 | James Ignatowich | USA | 10650 |
4 | James Johnson | USA | 7150 |
5 | Riley Newman | USA | 5900 |
6 | Federico Staksrud | ARG | 5050 |
7 | Christian Alshon | USA | 5000 |
8 | Tyson McGuffin | USA | 4825 |
9 | Dekel Bar | ISR | 4400 |
10 | Hayden Patriquin | USA | 3700 |
11 | Matt Wright | USA | 3550 |
12 | Dylan Frazier | USA | 3250 |
13 | Connor Garnett | USA | 2825 |
14 | Julian Arnold | USA | 2600 |
14 | Travis Rettenmaier | USA | 2600 |
16 | Jay Devilliers | FRA | 2400 |
17 | Gabriel Tardio | BOL | 2162.5 |
18 | Collin Johns | USA | 2112.5 |
19 | Andrei Daescu | ROU | 2050 |
20 | Pablo Tellez | COL | 1950 |
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns, undeniably the leading mixed doubles team on the PPA Tour, reaffirmed their status with another flawless tournament victory. Their command on the court, coupled with their impressive track record, continues to set the standard in professional pickleball.
As the season unfolds, the challenge for other teams remains clear: finding a way to break the Waters/Johns juggernaut. Their chemistry, strategic prowess, and ability to perform under pressure make them a challenging force, setting the stage for compelling matchups and thrilling competitions in the world of mixed doubles pickleball.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns’ 35th career title
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns secured another mixed doubles title at the Orange County Cup with a dominant performance over Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon. Johns celebrated his 50th PPA mixed doubles title, while Waters and Johns marked their 35th career title together. Christian Alshon and Catherine Parenteau’s silver medal finish propelled them up the rankings, as did Rachel Rohrabacher’s impressive return to singles competition. Waters and Johns continue to lead the mixed doubles field, posing a challenge for competitors in the season ahead.
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