Waters Makes History, Asia Unites, OC Cup Delivers Shocks

Good morning, pickleballers - yet another new week!

If you missed last week's World Pickleball Podcast, you can catch up with it below.

There are major changes in global governance following the merger of the WPF and IPF, creating a new World Pickleball Federation.

It's all change in Australia with the MLPA and PPA events being restructured, causing schedule upheavals.

Ben Johns and Collin Johns have had better weeks - Ben got knocked out in the R62 in the latest PPA event and Collin has been dropped by the Carolina Hogs in MLP and was not redrafted by another Premier team.

There's also some visa issues for two top Australian players who had been drafted for MLP.

All this and more in the latest World Pickleball Podcast!

If you like your daily world pickleball news in audio, listen to the Deep Dive.

But if you like finding out all the latest from pickleball around the globe in good old-fashioned written word, crack on.

Waters Achieves Unprecedented 'Triple 50' Milestone

San Clemente, California, USA – Anna Leigh Waters cemented her legendary status in pickleball on Sunday, becoming the first player ever to achieve the "Triple 50" milestone on the PPA Tour. This historic accomplishment means Waters now boasts 50 singles titles, 50 mixed doubles titles, and 50 gender doubles titles. The 18-year-old phenom reached this unprecedented mark after her dominant performance in women's doubles at the Select Medical Orange County Cup, where she partnered with Anna Bright.

Waters and Bright showcased their undeniable chemistry, sweeping Catherine Parenteau and Rachel Rohrabacher in straight games with scores of 11-2, 11-8, 11-8. This victory extends their remarkable undefeated streak to nine tournaments together, spanning seven events in 2023 and two in 2025, without dropping a single game this year.

Reflecting on her incredible journey, Waters expressed gratitude to her various partners throughout her career. "I honestly couldn’t do the doubles without Anna, without Catherine, and without my mom. I couldn’t do the mixed without Ben [Johns], so thank you to all my partners for staying strong. It’s definitely not just me out here on the court," she stated. This "Triple 50" achievement highlights Waters' unparalleled dominance across all disciplines in professional pickleball, setting a benchmark that may stand for generations to come. Her continued success underscores her position as a true trailblazer in the sport.

Johns & Waters Sweep to Historic 50th Mixed Doubles Title

San Clemente, California, USA – The most dominant mixed doubles pairing in pickleball history, Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns, made history on Sunday by capturing their 50th PPA Tour title together. At the Select Medical Orange County Cup, the formidable duo swept No. 2 seeds Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson with scores of 11-4, 11-9, 11-5. This monumental achievement is considered a mark that might never be broken, as no other active team on the tour has more than five titles.

The match was not without its challenges, as Waters and Johns overcame an early 0-5 deficit in the third game to secure the straight-game victory. Ben Johns acknowledged the formidable opposition, noting JW's and Jorja's "incredible hands" that make them a very strategic challenge.

Waters, who was just 14 years old when she first partnered with Johns, reflected on their journey. "I remember I was so nervous because I thought if we didn’t win that tournament, then Ben was never going to play with me again," she admitted. "I think we’ve grown a lot together as a pair on and off the court and I think our chemistry is still going strong". This marks their third consecutive year winning gold at the San Clemente stop, further solidifying their legacy as the most successful mixed doubles team in the sport's history.

Undefeated Duo: Waters & Bright Dominate Women's Doubles Yet Again

San Clemente, California, USA – The seemingly unstoppable women's doubles team of Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright continued their reign of dominance at the Select Medical Orange County Cup, sweeping Catherine Parenteau and Rachel Rohrabacher in the final. With a commanding 11-2, 11-8, 11-8 victory, Waters and Bright extended their undefeated streak to nine tournaments together across 2023 and 2025, maintaining a flawless record without dropping a single game this year.

This marks their second consecutive triumph over the Parenteau/Rohrabacher pairing in a final, solidifying their position as the premier women's doubles team on the PPA Tour. The top-seeded duo demonstrated exceptional teamwork and resilience, particularly in the second game, where they rallied from an 8-4 deficit to secure an incredible 15-point scoring run that put the match out of reach.

Anna Bright acknowledged the competitive nature of their opponents, stating, "[Catherine and Rachel] came out firing in Game 2, and we kind of had to up our level... it’s really fun playing them in the final". This emphatic win was also pivotal for Anna Leigh Waters, contributing to her unprecedented "Triple 50" milestone, making her the first pickleball player to achieve 50 titles in singles, mixed doubles, and gender doubles on the PPA Tour. Their consistent performance and unwavering success continue to set a high bar for the women's doubles field.

Waters Claims 35th Triple Crown, Reigns Supreme in Women's Singles

San Clemente, California, USA – Anna Leigh Waters continued her unparalleled dominance in women's singles, securing her 35th career Triple Crown on the PPA Tour at the Select Medical Orange County Cup. In a rematch of last year's Southern California final, Waters powered past No. 7 seed Catherine Parenteau with a commanding 11-6, 11-1 victory. This marks Waters' fourth Triple Crown this season, a testament to her consistent excellence across all three disciplines.

Despite a strong start from Parenteau, who built a 6-3 lead in the opening game, Waters swiftly took control, scoring an incredible 19 of the match's final 20 points. This victory further underscores Waters' affinity for the Life Time Rancho San Clemente venue, where she has now achieved a Triple Crown, five tournaments in a row.

"I just love it here," Waters expressed, attributing her best play to the familiar and enjoyable environment that reminds her of her hometown. Parenteau also had a commendable week, reaching her first singles final since 2024 at this same tournament, having defeated strong contenders like No. 2 seed Kate Fahey and No. 5 seed Brooke Buckner on her path. Meanwhile, No. 10 seed Judit Castillo claimed the bronze medal after a thrilling 11-6, 9-11, 12-10 battle against Brooke Buckner, marking her first PPA medal since her bronze finish at this event in 2024. Waters' reign at the top of women's singles appears unwavering.

Johns & Tardio Outduel Rivals in Five-Game Thriller for Men's Doubles Gold

San Clemente, California, USA – Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio emerged victorious in a gruelling five-game men's doubles final at the Select Medical Orange County Cup, defeating No. 2 seeds Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin. The top-seeded duo triumphed with scores of 10-12, 11-7, 11-8, 4-11, 11-3, in a match that spanned over two hours. This gold medal marks their third win in just five tournaments played together since their partnership began in February, securing victory in an impressive 60% of their outings.

Despite Staksrud and Patriquin gaining momentum after a dominant fourth game, Johns and Tardio elevated their play in the decisive fifth game to close out the match. Johns commented on the back-and-forth nature of the contest, stating, "It definitely swung back and forth; those are the matches that I think people enjoy a lot... I’m happy to come away with a W".

This win solidifies Johns and Tardio's position as the team to beat in men's doubles, despite being tied with Staksrud and Patriquin in PPA rankings points, with Johns' individual No. 1 ranking giving them the top seed. Tardio, currently No. 5 in men's doubles, humorously credited Johns for helping improve his ranking. Johns noted the "massive improvement" in their partnership, calling Tardio "the best right-sider in the world right now". In the bronze medal match, No. 4 seeds JW Johnson and CJ Klinger defeated No. 3 seeds Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu 11-3, 11-5.

Hunter Johnson Dominates Singles Field, Captures Third Gold of 2025 Season

San Clemente, California, USA – Hunter Johnson delivered a "singles masterpiece" at the Select Medical Orange County Cup, dominating top seed Federico Staksrud with an 11-2, 11-5 victory to claim his third men's singles title of the 2025 season. This makes Johnson the player with the most singles gold medals this year and ties him with Staksrud for the No. 1 spot in the season-long points standings.

Johnson's unique strategy of staying back after returns and hitting precise passes from the baseline proved highly effective against Staksrud. "I have good groundstrokes, and I trust them. When I stay low, I sometimes feel like I can hit it anywhere," Johnson explained, adding that he played on instinct in the final.

Staksrud, despite the loss, applauded Johnson's performance, acknowledging, "[Hunter] played better than me today, and it is what it is. I’m gonna keep fighting, trying to keep putting myself into Championship Sunday to have another shot". Johnson's breakthrough win at the Atlanta Open last season marked a "big turning point" for him, boosting his mental and physical capacity. With this impressive showing, Johnson is strongly positioned to potentially take over as the No. 1 seed in the coming months. In the bronze medal match, No. 3 seed Connor Garnett defeated No. 8 seed Christian Alshon 9-11, 11-4, 11-8, securing his second straight podium finish.

Garnett's Epic Comeback Secures Second Consecutive Men's Singles Bronze

San Clemente, California, USA – Connor Garnett delivered a thrilling comeback performance at the Select Medical Orange County Cup, securing the men's singles bronze medal on Championship Sunday. The No. 3 seed faced a tough challenge from No. 8 seed Christian Alshon, ultimately prevailing with scores of 9-11, 11-4, 11-8. This hard-fought victory marks Garnett's second straight podium finish on the PPA Tour, showcasing his consistent improvement and determination.

After dropping a close first game 9-11 to Alshon, Garnett maintained his composure and rallied back with strong serves and agile movement to dominate the second game 11-4. The decisive third game was tightly contested, but Garnett kept the pressure on, closing out the match 11-8 to claim the bronze.

His win adds another significant medal to his burgeoning career, solidifying his status as a top contender in future PPA Tour events. The tournament, held at Life Time Rancho San Clemente in Southern California, featured exciting matches and provided fans with a captivating bronze medal battle between two formidable players. Garnett's ability to bounce back after a slow start underscores his mental fortitude and growing presence in the men's singles field.

Johnson & Klinger Stun Rivals to Clinch Men's Doubles Bronze in Straight Games

San Clemente, California, USA – JW Johnson and CJ Klinger delivered a stunning performance at the 2025 Select Medical Orange County Cup, clinching the men's doubles bronze medal in straight games. The No. 4 seeds decisively defeated the No. 3 seeds Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu with scores of 11-3, 11-5. The match took place on Championship Sunday at Life Time Rancho San Clemente in Southern California.

Johnson and Klinger displayed exceptional teamwork and court awareness from the outset, taking an early lead in the first game and never looking back. Their quick shots and sharp angles left Alshon and Daescu with little room to react, resulting in a convincing 11-3 win. The second game mirrored the first, with Johnson and Klinger maintaining their focus and pressure, wrapping up the match with an 11-5 victory.

This bronze medal marks a significant highlight for Johnson and Klinger, showcasing their strong partnership and their ability to perform under pressure against high-calibre opponents. Their dominant performance signals that they are formidable contenders for future podium finishes as the season progresses. The Orange County Cup, a major tournament on the 2025 PPA Tour, saw some of the strongest teams in the sport compete, making every medal a hard-earned achievement.

Bright & Patriquin Deliver Dominant Mixed Doubles Bronze Win

San Clemente, California, USA – Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin delivered a dominant performance at the Select Medical Orange County Cup, securing the mixed doubles bronze medal on Championship Sunday. The formidable duo swept CJ Klinger and Mari Humberg in straight games, with commanding scores of 11-3, 11-5, at Life Time Rancho San Clemente in Southern California.

From the very first game, Bright and Patriquin played with remarkable energy and control, quickly establishing a significant lead and winning 11-3. Klinger and Humberg struggled to counter their pace and precise shots. In the second game, Bright and Patriquin maintained their focus and strategic play, continuing their dominance and sealing the 11-5 victory.

This impressive win underscores the strength of Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin as a team on the PPA Tour, signalling their potential for continued success in upcoming tournaments. Despite the loss, CJ Klinger had a notable week, demonstrating considerable development in his mixed doubles game. The bronze medal match was a clear display of Bright and Patriquin's strong teamwork and skill, captivating fans who gathered to watch the top players in action.

Black & Todd Stage Thrilling Comeback to Snag Women's Doubles Bronze

San Clemente, California, USA – Tyra Hurricane Black and Parris Todd staged a thrilling comeback at the 2025 Select Medical Orange County Cup, earning the women's doubles bronze medal on Championship Sunday. After dropping the first game, Black and Todd rallied to defeat Mari Humberg and Meghan Dizon in three exciting games: 3-11, 11-3, 11-8. The match, part of the PPA Tour, unfolded at Life Time Rancho San Clemente in Southern California.

Mari Humberg and Meghan Dizon started strong, taking the first game handily, 11-3, as Black and Todd initially struggled to find their rhythm. However, the tide turned dramatically in the second game, with Black and Todd returning to the court with renewed energy and improved coordination, dominating 11-3. The deciding third game was a tight contest, with both teams exchanging strong points. Yet, Black and Todd maintained their focus, pulling ahead late to secure the 11-8 win and the bronze medal.

This impressive comeback highlights the duo's resilience and strong teamwork, marking their second consecutive third-place finish on the PPA Tour. The result is expected to boost their confidence and rankings in future events, solidifying their status as a rising force in women's doubles.

Underdogs Roar: Qualifiers Rafael Leonard, Riley Inn, and More Make Shocking Deep Runs

San Clemente, California, USA – The Select Medical Orange County Cup witnessed an exhilarating series of upsets and deep runs by lower-seeded and qualifying players, proving that the underdog spirit is thriving on the PPA Tour. Among the standout performers was No. 61 seed Rafael Leonard, a Brazilian tennis player competing in only his third pro pickleball tournament. Leonard made a significant splash, stunning No. 4 seed Ben Johns, No. 37 Zane Navratil, and No. 13 Noe Khlif on his way to the men's singles quarterfinals. He views pickleball as a "second chance" to pursue his dream of being a pro athlete.

In men's doubles, the "lucky loser" duo of Riley Inn and Luke Williams unexpectedly advanced to the quarterfinals, defying their initial elimination in qualifying. They notched impressive wins over No. 31 seed Ross Whittaker/Mota Alhouni and No. 12 seed Spencer Smith/Tyler Loong. Another men's doubles qualifier, No. 41 seed Sammy Lee, partnered with Jonathan Truong, achieved upset victories against No. 17 Rafa Hewett/Juan Benitez and No. 9 Matt Wright/Roscoe Bellamy. Lee celebrated the confidence boost from beating higher-ranked teams.

The women's doubles draw also saw a surprise quarterfinal run by No. 36-seed Ting Chieh Wei and Yufei Long. Part of the UPA Asia Trailblazers Program, they defeated No. 4 seed Jorja Johnson/Lacy Schneemann and No. 14 Andrea Koop/Alix Truong. These remarkable performances by qualifiers underscore the growing depth of talent and the unpredictable excitement inherent in professional pickleball.

Pickleball Fever Grips Assam: Northeast Athletes Dazzle in Action-Packed Tournament

Nalapara, Sarusajai, Assam, India – Pickleball fever has undeniably gripped Assam, as the Assam Pickleball Open 2025 successfully concluded on Sunday, showcasing the sport's burgeoning popularity in Northeast India. Held at Eden Greens Nursery and sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), the two-day tournament offered valuable Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) points, making it a significant event on the national calendar.

Over 50 enthusiastic athletes from across the Northeast region competed fiercely in Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles categories, transforming the courts into vibrant arenas of skill and strategy. The event drew substantial crowds, including supporters, media personnel, and local sports enthusiasts, underscoring the sport's surging appeal.

Nazneen Rahman, Secretary of the Assam Pickleball Association, lauded the tournament as a "major step forward in popularising pickleball in Assam and the North East," praising the players' passion and professionalism. The prize distribution ceremony celebrated winners and participants alike, alongside the dedicated volunteers and organising staff. Notable champions included Anshuman Dutta/Prasurjya Kamal Borah in Men’s Doubles, Naziya Ahmed/Anangsha Alomyan in Women’s Doubles, and Anshuman Dutta/Anangsha Alomyan in Mixed Doubles. With its enthusiastic participation and flawless execution, the Assam Pickleball Open 2025 powerfully reaffirmed the state's commitment to becoming a prominent hub for the sport in India.