Interviewer: Congratulations on your win over Kaitlyn Christian. With the new year and a new ball, what was the discussion with your team before heading out to the Masters?
Anna Leigh Waters: Thank you! We talked about the tournament in general, focusing on preparation. I took a good break from pickleball, about three weeks and a couple of days without even touching the paddle. But in the last two weeks, I've been working hard, trying out new things and adjusting to the new ball.
Interviewer: You mentioned playing Kaitlyn since you were 12. Can you share some insights into your pickleball history with her?
Anna Leigh Waters: Absolutely. I've been playing against Kaitlyn since I was 12, and our first match was at Nationals in 2019, maybe even 2018. It's been a long history, and she was often my first-round opponent. It's interesting to see how much she has improved since then. She got a good lead on me in the match, but I'm glad to secure the win.
Interviewer: Facing Kaitlyn, who's known for her athleticism coming from the WTA tour, what adjustments did you have to make, especially with her covering the kitchen line so well?
Anna Leigh Waters: I knew she would come in after my shots, so I decided to start coming in as well. If she passed me, I'd have to stay back, but fortunately, towards the end, I could come in more. She has great passes, and being tall at the net adds to the challenge.
Interviewer: With the younger fans cheering for you on the sidelines, how important are the youngsters to the game, and how did you engage with them?
Anna Leigh Waters: It was fantastic to see the young fans. Initially, it made me a bit nervous, wanting to impress them. Eventually, I decided to have fun and engage with them during the match. It's crucial to involve youngsters in the sport for its growth.
Interviewer: Your mom mentioned you were coaching for most of the week. How was it having her on your bench this time, with the roles reversed?
Anna Leigh Waters: It was nice to have her on my bench. Although, I might like coaching better because I can just give instructions without executing them. It's a nice change, but she had to leave to coach Christian, her mix partner. Apparently, he has priority over me when they play together.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, you might face your mom in mixed later in the tournament. How do you feel about that potential matchup?
Anna Leigh Waters: Ben and I always go three with whoever my mom plays within mixed doubles. It's always a tough match, and while I'm excited to see it happen, it's also a bit nerve-wracking. But no coaching against me, that's the deal.
Interviewer: After a successful year with Triple Crowns and numerous wins, what are your goals for this year?
Anna Leigh Waters: Last year, I put pressure on myself not to lose a match, which got in my head. This year, I want to focus on learning new shots, trying out trickier stuff, and becoming mentally stronger. Ultimately, I aim to have fun because I have many more years of pickleball ahead in my career.
Interviewer: Thank you, Anna Leigh, and congratulations again on your win. Good luck in the rest of the tournament!
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