Waters Duo Strikes Gold: A Holiday Triumph in Daytona Beach
Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters Capture Victory in a Thrilling Women's Doubles Final at the PPA Daytona Beach Open
In a match brimming with emotion, resilience, and pure family chemistry, Leigh Waters and her daughter, world No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters, claimed the gold medal at the PPA Daytona Beach Open. Facing the formidable team of Jorja Johnson and Hurricane Tyra Black, the mother-daughter duo came from behind to secure a stunning 7-11, 11-8, 11-3, 11-4 victory.
This unexpected pairing, born from a spontaneous decision just weeks ago, turned into a heartwarming and triumphant story. Leigh Waters, stepping back into professional play for the first time since 2022, reminded fans why she was once the best in the game, while Anna Leigh proved why she continues to dominate the sport. Together, they delivered an unforgettable performance on Florida soil, leaving the crowd cheering for more.
Post Match Interview
Dave Fleming: Leigh Waters, you are the champions in Daytona! How in the world did this happen?
Leigh Waters: Honestly, Dave, I’m still pinching myself. This all started because Anna Leigh asked me a couple of weeks ago, “Mom, there’s a tournament in Florida. Let’s go play and have some fun.” And now, somehow, here we are with a gold medal! It’s been such an incredible ride, and I couldn’t be happier.
Dave Fleming: Anna Leigh, what was the difference today against such a talented team?
Anna Leigh Waters: The first game and a half, Tyra and Jorja were playing amazing. We weren’t having fun—we were putting way too much pressure on ourselves. Then my mom looked at me and said, “Anna Leigh, you’re playing with your mom. Just have some fun out there.” That totally changed my mindset. I had a couple of scrappy points, Mom hit some great speed-ups, and we found our rhythm. By the third game, I was even singing Hamilton to myself to stay loose. Once we settled in, everything just clicked.
Dave Fleming: Leigh, it’s been 25 months since your last PPA title. How did you hold up your end of the bargain today?
Leigh Waters: It’s all about knowing my role. When I try to be the star, that’s when things go wrong. But when I focus on being the supporting act—making my shots, setting Anna Leigh up, and waiting for my moment to speed up—that’s when we’re at our best. And really, I just wanted to savor this experience with her. Winning the whole thing? That’s the cherry on top.
Dave Fleming: Anna Leigh, I have to ask. You’ve won with Mom. Does this mean we’ll see this partnership again?
Anna Leigh Waters: (Laughing) Sorry, Catherine! No, I’m playing with Catherine Parenteau all next year. The only reason I asked Mom to play this event was that Catherine didn’t want to. But hey, if this tournament is around Christmas next year and Catherine doesn’t want to play again, maybe I’ll call Mom. I knew she still had it in her, and I’m just so grateful we got to share this moment together.
Dave Fleming: Leigh, what’s next for you? Back to coaching, or will we see you playing more often?
Leigh Waters: (Smiling) Coaching, for sure. This was so special, but my focus is on Anna Leigh’s career. A couple of tournaments a year might be fun, but I’m happy wearing the coaching hat most of the time. And trust me, it’s a lot less nerve-wracking than being out on the court myself!
Dave Fleming: Well, you both were phenomenal today. Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters, congratulations on an incredible victory here in Daytona. You’ve given us all a holiday memory to cherish.
Leigh Waters: Thank you so much, Dave, and thank you to everyone who came out to support us. It’s been an amazing week.
Anna Leigh Waters: Yes, thank you all so much! The crowd was incredible, and we’re so grateful for the support. It means the world to us.
Family Triumph: Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters Capture Gold at the PPA Daytona Beach Open
Mother-Daughter Duo's Incredible Comeback Ends with a Thrilling Women's Doubles Victory
Introduction:
Under the shimmering Florida sun at the PPA Daytona Beach Open, pickleball history was made. Leigh Waters, 45, and her daughter, Anna Leigh Waters, 17, defied expectations by winning the Women’s Doubles title in a gripping final against Jorja Johnson and Hurricane Tyra Black. With scores of 7-11, 11-8, 11-3, and 11-4, the mother-daughter duo not only claimed victory but also reignited the magic of their partnership after a two-year hiatus from playing together. The triumph showcased not just their skill but also their unique bond, leaving fans inspired and cheering for more.
The Journey to Victory
Leigh and Anna Leigh’s path to the championship was nothing short of remarkable. The duo hadn’t competed together in a professional setting since 2022, making their return at this tournament all the more special. Anna Leigh’s regular partner, Catherine Parenteau, opted out of the event, giving Anna Leigh the perfect opportunity to coax her mother back onto the court. “Mom, there’s a tournament in Florida. Let’s go play and have some fun,” Anna Leigh recounted during the post-match interview. What began as a fun holiday outing turned into a golden performance that captivated the crowd.
The Quarterfinals and Semifinals: Building Momentum
In the quarterfinals, the Waters duo faced sisters Mary and Maggie Brascia, delivering a commanding 11-3, 11-7 victory. Leigh, who had been away from professional competition for two years, displayed an impressive range of shots, from forehand speed-ups to overhead slams. Anna Leigh, already the world’s top-ranked player, seamlessly adjusted her aggressive style to complement her mother’s game. “We move pretty seamlessly on the court together,” Anna Leigh said. Their synergy proved unstoppable as they advanced to the semifinals.
Against formidable opponents in the semifinals, the Waters faced even greater challenges but stayed true to their philosophy of playing with joy. “When we’re having fun, that’s when we play our best,” Leigh explained. The pair’s chemistry and resilience were evident as they clinched their spot in the finals, thrilling fans with their dynamic play.
The Final Showdown
The championship match against Jorja Johnson and Hurricane Tyra Black tested the Waters’ resolve. The first game slipped away as their opponents came out swinging, taking it 7-11. “We weren’t having fun; we were putting too much pressure on ourselves,” Anna Leigh admitted. But everything changed after a mid-match pep talk. Leigh encouraged her daughter to embrace the moment and enjoy playing together.
From the third game onward, the Waters found their rhythm. Anna Leigh’s powerful drives and Leigh’s strategic setups created a winning combination. By the final game, the duo was unstoppable, dominating 11-3 and 11-4 to secure the gold. Anna Leigh, ever the competitor, even credited a loop of Hamilton songs running through her head for keeping her calm under pressure.
The Emotional Victory
For Leigh, the victory was deeply personal. It marked her first title in 25 months, a drought she had hardly expected to end with a win alongside her daughter. “I just wanted to have a blast out here with her,” Leigh said. “Never expected to win the darn thing, but here we are.” The win was a poignant reminder of the bond they share, both as family and teammates.
Anna Leigh’s post-match reflections were equally heartfelt. “I asked her to play because I knew she had it in her to come out here and win the thing. She’s a baller,” Anna Leigh said, thanking the crowd for their unwavering support throughout the tournament.
A Holiday to Remember
The PPA Daytona Beach Open will be remembered not just for its thrilling matches but for the heartwarming story of Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters. Their journey from a casual decision to play together to winning a gold medal is a testament to the power of family, teamwork, and perseverance. As the holiday season continues, fans are left wondering: Could this iconic duo take the court together again?
In-Depth Summary
Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters’ victory at the PPA Daytona Beach Open was more than a win; it was a story of resilience, joy, and family unity. After a two-year hiatus, Leigh returned to professional pickleball to partner with her daughter, the world’s top player. Despite initial nerves and a slow start in the finals, the pair found their stride, blending skill and strategy to overcome tough opponents. Leigh’s role as the steadying force and Anna Leigh’s aggressive play proved to be the perfect combination.
The tournament highlighted not only their on-court prowess but also the unique dynamics of their relationship. From Anna Leigh’s Hamilton-inspired focus to Leigh’s strategic mindset, the duo demonstrated that fun and connection can lead to greatness. Their victory is a shining example of what can happen when talent meets heart, leaving fans inspired and eager for more appearances from this legendary team.
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