Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright Redefine Women’s Doubles at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships

Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright Redefine Women’s Doubles at 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships

Atlanta, GA – In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright clinched the women’s doubles gold medal at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, defeating the formidable duo of Rachel Rohrabacher and Catherine Parenteau in straight games: 11-4, 11-7, 11-3. This victory marks a significant turning point for Waters, who recently ended her long-standing partnership with Parenteau to team up with Bright.

Dubbed the “breakup final” by fans, the match showcased the recent partner swaps that have stirred excitement in the pickleball community. Waters’ decision to join forces with Bright came as Parenteau teamed up with Rohrabacher, creating a highly anticipated showdown that lived up to its hype.

Why Waters Made the Switch

While some fans criticized Waters for her decision to change partners, others rallied behind her, echoing the sentiment, “Strictly business, not personal,” a nod to Al Pacino’s iconic line from The Godfather. The rationale behind her choice was clear: as the game evolves, so must its players. Waters recognized the need for a more aggressive offensive style to keep pace with the increasingly fast-paced nature of pickleball. Bright’s dynamic playstyle aligns perfectly with this vision, offering a fresh approach compared to Parenteau’s more traditional game.

At just 26 years old, Bright brings youthful energy to the court, while Parenteau, approaching 31, may face the natural decline that can accompany age in competitive sports. Waters’ strategic move positions her for future success as she prepares for the challenges ahead.

How the Teams Performed in Atlanta

Waters and Bright cruised through the tournament, not dropping a single game en route to the final. Their semifinal match against Tyra Black and Parris Todd ended decisively with scores of 11-2, 11-7. In the championship match, despite the passion displayed by Parenteau and Rohrabacher, the power and precision of Waters and Bright proved overwhelming. The final scores reflected their dominance: 11-4, 11-7, 11-3.

While some fans hoped for a more competitive match, it became clear that Waters and Bright were operating on a different level, showcasing their chemistry and skill throughout the contest.

Why Parenteau and Rohrabacher Struggled

Despite their silver medal finish, Parenteau and Rohrabacher faced challenges that were evident during the match. Both players excel on the right side of the court, but Parenteau’s forced position on the left created vulnerabilities that Waters and Bright exploited. Their strategy of attacking the middle left Parenteau scrambling, revealing a significant gap in their coordination.

As the season progresses, this misalignment may hinder their performance against other top teams, making it difficult for them to reclaim their former glory.

Is There a Team That Can Beat Waters and Bright?

Looking ahead, it appears unlikely that Parenteau and Rohrabacher will dethrone Waters and Bright in 2025. The skill gap is substantial, but one potential challenger looms: Tyra Black and Jorja Johnson. A successful pairing of a strong left-side and right-side player is essential to compete with Waters and Bright, and Black and Johnson have previously demonstrated the power needed to match their intensity.

However, recent partner changes have left both players without the necessary synergy to mount a serious challenge. For now, the pickleball landscape seems dominated by Waters and Bright, with only a few teams capable of posing a threat.

What’s Next for Women’s Doubles in 2025?

Unless significant changes occur, Waters and Bright are poised to dominate the women’s doubles scene in 2025, potentially achieving an unbeaten season. Other teams will continue to strive for success, but until a formidable left-right combination emerges, Waters and Bright will likely remain at the top of the podium.

The future of competitive women’s doubles hinges on the possibility of reunions like Black and Johnson, who could provide the necessary challenge to disrupt Waters and Bright’s reign.

In Brief: Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright triumphed at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, defeating Catherine Parenteau and Rachel Rohrabacher. With their partnership showing immense promise, they may remain unbeaten throughout the year, while only Tyra Black and Jorja Johnson appear capable of challenging their dominance.