The Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships always promise exhilarating action, and the mixed doubles final featuring the formidable duo of Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns against the strong challenge of Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin delivered. This championship Sunday, fans witnessed a masterclass in professional pickleball, showcasing both established dominance and the fierce spirit of rising stars. The match highlighted critical strategic elements, intense pressure, and the sheer talent these athletes bring to the court.
The video above captures a segment of this high-stakes encounter, offering a glimpse into the commentators’ perspectives and immediate player reactions. It reveals key moments and provides an insider’s view of what makes these pro pickleball players exceptional. We delve deeper into the dynamics of this mixed doubles match, exploring the strategic takeaways and the enduring legacies of these athletes on the PPA Tour.
Waters and Johns: A Legacy of Dominance on the Pickleball Court
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns stand as titans in the world of professional pickleball. Their partnership in mixed doubles has become synonymous with unparalleled success. Entering the Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, they carried immense expectations, a burden they consistently shoulder with grace and skill. The commentators noted Waters’ continuous pursuit of a “triple crown,” signifying her all-around excellence in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
The match began with Waters and Johns quickly establishing a commanding lead, reflecting their typical “locked in” performance. They navigated early exchanges with precision, despite some minor missteps from Johns. For instance, Ben Johns, often lauded as the “king of stability,” surprisingly missed three routine drops early in the game, even while his team was up 6-0-2. This unusual moment only highlighted the immense pressure of championship play, even for the very best. Yet, their ability to maintain such a lead despite these errors underscores their deep understanding of court positioning and aggressive play.
The Significance of Stability and Adaptability for Pro Pickleball Players
The importance of physical and mental stability in pickleball cannot be overstated. Anna Leigh Waters’ choice to wear a double knee brace for “stability purposes” when feeling sore speaks volumes. This proactive measure allows her to maintain peak performance and agility, essential for her dynamic playing style. Players must constantly adapt to physical demands, and equipment choices play a crucial role in sustained success.
Ben Johns exemplifies mental and strategic stability. Even when making uncharacteristic errors, he maintains his composure and executes high-percentage shots. This unwavering focus enables him to recover quickly from setbacks and continue dominating points. Imagine if a player allowed a few missed shots to derail their entire game; the result would be catastrophic at the professional level. Johns’ ability to compartmentalize and move past mistakes is a hallmark of his championship mindset.
Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin’s Challenging Start
Facing Waters and Johns is one of the toughest tests in professional pickleball. Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin, a highly talented mixed doubles team, experienced a rough start on championship Sunday. Hayden Patriquin, in particular, seemed to struggle early, as noted by the commentators. His initial returns were unfortunately off the tape, an unlucky break that allowed Waters and Johns to build momentum.
The score quickly escalated to 5-0-1 and then 6-0-2 in favor of Waters and Johns. This early deficit places immense psychological and strategic pressure on opponents. Anna Bright acknowledged their team had “some things to figure out” post-match, which is a common sentiment when facing such dominant players. Their ability to remain composed and fight for every point, despite the score, showcased their resilience.
Mastering the Third Shot in Competitive Pickleball
The “third shot” is a foundational strategic element in pickleball, especially in mixed doubles. Commentators specifically discussed Anna Bright’s approach to her third shots, mentioning her preference to “miss her third high, not low,” a tactical decision she reportedly stated after a previous “pit core” match. This strategy aims to keep the ball in play and force opponents into defensive positions, avoiding immediate unforced errors.
A well-executed third shot drop can neutralize an aggressive return and allow the serving team to approach the net. Conversely, a high or easily attacked third shot can put a team at a significant disadvantage. The early “miss thirds” from Ben Johns, despite his high skill level, demonstrated how crucial this shot is. Even small errors here can shift momentum dramatically in a pickleball match.
Post-Match Reflections and Atlanta’s Pickleball Spirit
After their impressive victory, the champions, Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters, shared their thoughts. Ben Johns highlighted their familiarity with the Atlanta venue, noting he first played there in 2017. He mentioned they have competed as partners in Atlanta since 2022, defending their title five times, which speaks to their consistent success in this specific tournament. He praised the “great weather,” “no rain,” and the “incredible stadium court,” acknowledging the vibrant crowd that “loves their pickleball.” This “Atlanta magic” seems to fuel their performance.
Anna Leigh Waters gratefully acknowledged Ben Johns’ mentorship, stating she “couldn’t have done it without him.” She credits him with building her confidence, which has contributed to her incredible 190 career titles on the PPA Tour. This journey, starting when the PPA was formed in 2020, underscores her rapid ascent in professional pickleball. Her humble acknowledgment of Bright and Patriquin as “very tough opponents,” despite the final score, shows respect for her peers.
The PPA Tour and Sustainability Initiatives
The Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships also highlighted the growing commitment to sustainability within professional sports. Veolia, the title sponsor, is the official sustainability partner of the PPA Tour. Carrie Griffiths from Veolia showcased their efforts, including water refill stations, pickleball recycling programs, and the innovative “upcycled 3D printed trophy.” This initiative demonstrates a broader awareness beyond the game itself, integrating environmental responsibility into major sporting events.
These efforts reflect a modern approach to sports event management, where environmental impact is considered alongside competitive excellence. Imagine if all major sports events adopted similar green initiatives; the collective positive impact would be enormous. The PPA Tour sets a strong example for other organizations.
Understanding the Dynamics of Pro Mixed Doubles Pickleball
Watching professional mixed doubles pickleball, especially matches like Waters/Johns vs Bright/Patriquin, offers invaluable lessons. Players execute complex strategies with lightning-fast reflexes. The commentators pointed out Anna Leigh Waters’ ability to perform a “defensive stab” in a split second, even when seemingly out of position. This quick recovery and placement are not just raw talent; they come from countless hours of practice, including extensive dinking drills.
Dinking, often underestimated by amateur players, is a cornerstone of professional pickleball. As one commentator aptly put it, “if you stumble upon a couple of the best players in the world, where they practice and you see them dinking for 30 minutes, this is why.” Dinking develops touch, placement, and patience, essential skills for controlling the net and setting up winning shots. These foundational techniques are what separate the top players from the rest.
Dinking for Details: Your Atlanta Pickleball Championships Q&A
What is the PPA Tour mentioned in the article?
The PPA Tour is a professional pickleball circuit where top players like Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns compete in major championships. It’s where the best athletes showcase their skills.
What does ‘mixed doubles’ mean in pickleball?
Mixed doubles is a type of pickleball match where a team consists of one male player and one female player competing against another mixed-gender team. This article focuses on a mixed doubles final.
Who are Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns?
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns are highly successful professional pickleball players, often considered dominant ‘titans’ in the sport, especially when playing together in mixed doubles. They have won many titles on the PPA Tour.
What is the ‘third shot’ in pickleball?
The ‘third shot’ is a very important strategic shot in pickleball, typically played by the serving team after the return of serve. A well-executed third shot aims to keep the ball in play and allow the serving team to move to the net.
Why is ‘dinking’ important in pickleball?
Dinking is a fundamental skill where players hit soft shots into the ‘kitchen’ (non-volley zone). It’s crucial for developing touch, placement, and patience, helping professional players control the net and set up winning shots.
