Women’s Pro Doubles Recap: Leigh Waters made a victorious return to the PPA Women’s Doubles tour, partnering once again with her daughter, Anna Leigh Waters. After more than two years recovering from a torn ACL, Leigh helped secure a gold medal at the 2024 Daytona Beach Open. The mother-daughter duo defeated the young team of Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black in the final, 3-11, 11-3, 11-4.
A Challenging Comeback
Leigh Waters’ return to the court marked a significant moment in pickleball. Her ACL injury in 2022 had put a pause on her partnership with her daughter, who went on to play with other partners before settling with Canadian player Anna Bright in August 2023. The duo has since become one of the most dominant teams on the tour.
While the game has evolved since Leigh last played, with more power and aggressiveness defining women’s doubles, her experience with defensive play and resets was a key factor in her return. The Waters entered the tournament as the No. 2 seeds and faced little resistance in the early rounds.
The Waters’ Road to the Final
In the quarterfinals, they met their toughest challenge yet, facing the Brascia sisters. The Waters came from behind to win 3-7, advancing to the semifinals to face Tina Pisnik and Allyce Jones.
In a tactical shift, the Waters swapped positions during the match, alternating between left and right. This strategy paid off, and they fought their way to the final.
The Gold Medal Match
The final featured a challenging matchup against No. 3 seed Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black. Johnson’s aggressive playing style, which focused on attacking every volley, posed a clear challenge for the Waters.
After losing the first game, the Waters found their rhythm and dominated the next two games, cruising to a 11-3, 11-4 victory to claim the gold medal.
Leigh Waters’ return to the PPA tour not only marked a personal triumph but also reminded the pickleball community of her skill and tenacity. As she and her daughter celebrate this victory, they look ahead to future tournaments, where their legacy as one of the top teams on tour continues to grow.
News in Brief: Women’s Pro Doubles Recap
Leigh Waters made a successful return to the PPA Women’s Doubles tour after recovering from a torn ACL, winning a gold medal with her daughter, Anna Leigh Waters, at the 2024 Daytona Beach Open. They defeated Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black in a thrilling final, showcasing their resilience and skill.
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