Pickleball world No. 1 Anna Waters to make international debut in Vietnam
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Pickleball world No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters attending the ESPY Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, US, on July 16, 2025.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Pickleball world No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters will make her international debut at the PPA Tour Asia’s Hanoi Cup in Vietnam next month, organisers said on March 10, as the paddle sport continues its push into new global markets.
The 19-year-old, who is ranked No. 1 on the Carvana PPA Tour in singles, doubles and mixed doubles, is set to compete in women’s doubles alongside Anna Bright and in mixed doubles with Ben Johns at the April 1-5 tournament.
The event, staged at the My Dinh Indoor Athletics Arena, will award 1,000 ranking points to champions as part of the Professional Pickleball Association’s (PPA) global ranking system.
Pickleball is a paddle sport combining elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton.
“I’ve experienced the sport’s growth in the US, and I am honoured to be part of the first PPA Tour Asia event in Hanoi,” Waters said in a statement.
Following the tournament, the American will travel to Ho Chi Minh City to host clinics and a showcase event in partnership with equipment manufacturer Franklin Sports over April 6 and 7.
Waters has emerged as one of pickleball’s most recognisable figures during the sport’s rapid rise in popularity in the United States and beyond.
She turned professional at 12 and has dominated the professional circuit, helping drive interest in pickleball as it expands internationally. REUTERS
