Leigh Waters and Anna Leigh Waters Shine at the PPA Daytona Beach Open
Leigh Waters (L) and daughter Anna Leigh Waters made a triumphant return to the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) with a winning performance at the 2024 Daytona Beach Open. The tournament, held at the renowned Pictona facility in Holly Hill, marked the final event of the season for the PPA pros, with 25 events in total throughout the year.
The Daytona Beach Open was initially scheduled for May but was rescheduled to December to accommodate the players’ contractual obligations for the 2024 season. Despite the sparse draws due to the proximity to the holiday break and the long season, the event showcased rarely seen partnerships in doubles and unexpected names making deep runs in the tournament.
In the Women’s Pro Doubles draw, the highlight of the tournament was the return of Leigh Waters to the PPA tour after a two-year absence. Waters, who had previously partnered with her daughter Anna Leigh Waters, made a strong comeback to the tour. The mother-daughter duo faced tough competition but ultimately emerged victorious, claiming the gold medal in the Women’s Pro Doubles event.
The victory marked a significant moment for Leigh Waters, a legendary figure in the sport, and her daughter Anna Leigh Waters, who have had a successful partnership in the past. The duo’s strategic gameplay and resilience on the court were evident as they navigated through tough matches to secure the top spot on the podium.
The PPA pros put on a show for the fans, with exciting matches and unexpected outcomes throughout the tournament. As the 2024 season comes to a close, the players are already looking ahead to the 2025 season, with new challenges and opportunities on the horizon.
The Daytona Beach Open provided a fitting end to the year for the PPA pros, setting the stage for an exciting start to the 2025 season. With the Hyundai Masters on the horizon as the first event of the new year, the players are gearing up for another action-packed season of pickleball competition.
