Leigh Waters Returns from Injury: After more than two years apart, Anna Leigh Waters and her mother, Leigh Waters, are reuniting in Women’s Doubles for the first time in 2024 at the Daytona Beach Open next weekend. The legendary duo, known for their dominance in the early days of Anna Leigh’s career, are returning to the PPA Tour with hopes of rekindling their winning chemistry.
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A Legacy of Success
The partnership between Anna Leigh Waters and Leigh Waters has been one of the most iconic in pickleball history. Together, they won 19 medals, including 8 golds, in their time competing as a team. Their bond on the court is not just a testament to their skill but also to the deep family connection that has made their partnership special.
Anna Leigh, who is now one of the top-ranked pickleball players in the world, shared in an interview that the decision to reunite with her mother for the Daytona Beach Open came about after some reflection.
“I finished the season a couple of weeks ago and then asked her. She wasn’t sure at first, but by the day before the deadline, she was all in.” – (Anna Leigh Waters)
The decision to return together was driven by a combination of nostalgia and an eagerness to get back to competing alongside her mother, with Anna Leigh noting that,
“It just made sense, we’re going to show everyone that we can still play.” – (Anna Leigh Waters)
The Comeback Tour
For the first time in years, the Waters family duo will team up in Women’s Doubles once again at the Daytona Beach Open. The event, presented by ROAR Organic, is set to take place next weekend, and fans are eagerly awaiting their return to the court.
While Anna Leigh Waters has continued her dominant career, Leigh Waters has not played professionally since an injury two years ago, which kept her off the courts for a period of time. “She tore a seal two years ago, and she’s getting older,” Anna Leigh joked, adding a lighthearted remark about her mother. Despite not competing recently, Leigh is excited to return to the court for the Daytona Beach Open.
The pair’s reunion in Daytona Beach is more than just about winning. Anna Leigh expressed that, regardless of the outcome, the main goal is to have fun and enjoy their time on the court together. “It will still be fun if we lose. We’re just going to grip and ride the ball, and see what happens,” Anna Leigh said, emphasizing the importance of their bond and shared passion for the sport.
Looking Ahead: Fun, Legacy, and the Future
The reunion of Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters is not only about the excitement of their return but also about preserving their legacy. Their connection as one of pickleball’s most iconic teams has inspired countless fans and players.
As they take the court together once again, their return sends a message to the pickleball community: that the sport is about more than just competition—it’s about passion, family, and making memories.
The Daytona Beach Open marks the beginning of their return to professional play together, and though they’re not sure of the outcome, their bond and love for the game will be on full display. With a legacy of success behind them, it’s clear that Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters are ready to embrace this new chapter in their pickleball journey.
Fans and fellow players are excited to see the Waters family duo reunite on the court. It is a reminder that pickleball is a sport that brings people together, whether it’s through teamwork, legacy, or the joy of simply playing the game.
News in Brief: Leigh Waters Returns from Injury
After more than two years, Anna Leigh Waters and her mother, Leigh Waters, are reuniting for Women’s Doubles at the 2024 Daytona Beach Open. The duo, known for their dominance early in Anna Leigh’s career, have won 19 medals together, including 8 golds. Despite Leigh’s time off due to injury, the pair is excited to return to the court, focusing on fun and preserving their legacy in the sport.
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