2024 Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships: Anna Leigh Waters Claims Victory in Women’s Pro Singles

Location: Court CC, Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships

In an exhilarating matchup, Anna Leigh Waters solidified her status as one of the top players in pickleball by clinching the Women’s Singles Pro Main Draw title at the 2024 Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships. Facing off against the fierce competitor Kate Fahey, Waters emerged victorious with a decisive 2-0 win, wrapping up the match in just 34 minutes and 45 seconds.

The final scores for Waters were 11-7 in the first game and 11-8 in the second, highlighting her dominance and resilience, especially during critical moments.

Match Breakdown

Game 1: Waters Stages a Comeback

Kate Fahey opened Game 1 with a strong start, surging ahead to a 4-0 lead within minutes. Waters quickly fought back, leveling the score at 7-7 following a series of well-placed shots and forced errors from Fahey. Demonstrating her court awareness, Waters took the lead and closed out Game 1 with a streak that ended at 11-7.

Notably, Waters used two timeouts strategically during this game, which helped her regain momentum when Fahey appeared to gain the upper hand.

Game 2: Tense Moments and Clutch Plays

Game 2 unfolded with a similar back-and-forth dynamic, with both players trading points and displaying powerful serves and aggressive returns. Waters initially took a 3-0 lead, but Fahey rallied, eventually leveling the score at 8-8. However, A critical timeout by Fahey at 9-8 couldn’t disrupt Waters’ focus; Waters returned to the court and closed the game at 11-8, claiming the match.

Key Match Stats

  • Total Points Won: Waters (22), Fahey (15)
  • Longest Point Streak: Waters’ 5 consecutive points in Game 2
  • Timeouts Used: Waters (2), Fahey (2)
  • Critical Moments: Waters’ consistent responses to Fahey’s powerful shots and her comeback streaks at 7-3 and 9-8 in Game 2.

Waters’ victory at this year’s championship further cements her reputation as a top pickleball player. It showcases not only her skill but also her tactical use of timeouts and her mental resilience in challenging situations.

Seventeen-year-old Anna Leigh Waters recognized the increasing parity in pickleball, saying, “I was just happy to be in all three finals. The competition is getting so much tougher—players like Kate [Fahey] are challenging me throughout the tournament, so it’s definitely hard to reach this point.”

Sunday’s final was likely the most physically demanding match of the day, as Waters and Fahey exchanged powerful shots from the baseline. This intensity came even after Waters had already played two matches earlier.

“There were definitely moments when we both thought we’d hit winners, only for the other player to respond with a winner of their own,” Waters said. “Singles is so physical now—it’s really a test of endurance and who can hold out longer.”

On this occasion, that endurance belonged to Waters, who secured her 43rd career singles title on the PPA Tour.

In the bronze medal match, No. 5 seed Salome Devidze defeated No. 4 seed Catherine Parenteau with scores of 11-4 and 11-6.