Mother-Daughter Magic: Waters Duo Returns with a Thrilling Victory

A Surreal Reunion: The Waters Duo Back in Action

The mother-daughter team of Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters returned to the court as the #2 seeds in Daytona Beach, marking their first partnership since Leigh’s ACL injury in late 2022. This tournament not only reunited the iconic duo but also provided an emotional trip down memory lane for the Waters family.

Facing Off Against the #4 Seeds

In the semifinals, the Waters faced #4 seeds Allyce Jones and Tina Pisnik, a formidable pair known for their fast hands and incredible defense. Jones and Pisnik made an impressive run through the bracket, but their momentum faced a strong challenge from the experienced Waters duo.

Remarkably, this was the only tournament in 2024 where Anna Leigh entered a women’s doubles bracket and wasn’t the #1 seed.

A Comeback Full of Emotion

The match began with Team Waters trailing 0-3 in game one, following a controversial moment where Anna Leigh believed her shot hit Pisnik before flying out. After a timeout and a referee review that upheld the original call, the duo regrouped.

From 0-5, they launched an unstoppable nine-point streak, eventually closing game one 11-6 after saving nine game points.

“When we went down, there was that controversy with the ball […] we were just so upset and angry,” Anna Leigh reflected. “We thought it had hit Tina [Pisnik]. We sped up every ball, stayed aggressive, and played our best.”

Momentum Swings: Game Two and Three

Pisnik and Jones answered in game two with precision, dominating 11-3. However, Waters/Waters quickly regained control in game three, starting with a 6-0 run and sealing the victory 11-3.

The final score: 11-6, 3-11, 11-3.

An Emotional Journey to the Finals

Throughout the match, emotions ran high as the duo competed in front of family and friends in their home state. Anna Leigh emphasized the importance of keeping the mood light after game two:
“Mom, I don’t think you’re having fun anymore. Let’s get back to having fun and doing what we did in the first game.”

For Leigh, the experience was both challenging and fulfilling:
“I was like, at what point am I going to get nerves and go into a sinking spell – well, that was game two,” she laughed.

A Record-Breaking Pair

Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters boast an incredible 8 PPA titles as partners. If they emerge victorious in tomorrow’s final, it will add yet another chapter to their already storied legacy.

Championship Sunday: A Final Showdown

The Waters duo now heads into a highly anticipated final against Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black, with a chance to make history in Daytona Beach.

This match not only celebrates the return of an iconic partnership but could also mark a sentimental farewell, making it a must-watch event for fans everywhere.