Age Is Just a Number: Former Champ Anna Shirley Soars in Masters Pickleball
What's the Score?
Anna Shirley, a former year-end #1 on the Champions Tour, is making a significant impact in the 2025 APP/AARP Masters Tour women’s doubles scene. Following a standout performance at the APP Fort Lauderdale Open, Shirley has climbed to a career-high #3 ranking. Now competing in the 50+ and 60+ circuits, her recent success demonstrates the continued high level of competition and talent within the Masters divisions of professional pickleball.
Hit it deeper!
Anna Shirley's ascent in the 2025 APP/AARP Masters Tour rankings is a testament to her enduring skill and competitive spirit. Her performance at the APP Fort Lauderdale Open served as a catalyst for her impressive climb to the #3 spot in women’s doubles. Having previously held the top ranking in the Champions Tour year-end standings, Shirley has now transitioned to competing on the 50+ and 60+ circuits, where she continues to achieve significant success.
The APP/AARP Champions Tour provides a platform for seasoned players to continue competing at a high level, and Shirley's recent ranking reflects her ability to excel in this competitive environment. Other players on the APP Masters Tour have also seen ranking movements, such as Steve Dawson, who surged to No. 8 in the men's rankings after his triumph at the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open. Similarly, Alka Strippoli has soared into the Top 10 of the AARP Champions Mixed Doubles Rankings. These ranking shifts highlight the dynamic nature of the APP Masters Tour and the ongoing achievements of its participants.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Anna Shirley's remarkable rise in the APP/AARP Masters Tour rankings underscores the depth of talent and the ongoing competitiveness within the senior levels of professional pickleball. Her ability to reach a career-high ranking after transitioning to the 50+ and 60+ circuits is an inspiring example for athletes of all ages. The success of players like Shirley demonstrates that age is no barrier to achieving high levels of performance in pickleball, and the APP Masters Tour provides a vital platform for these accomplished athletes to continue their competitive careers.