The world’s top-ranked pickleball player, Anna Leigh Waters, is preparing to step onto the international stage for the first time when she competes at Vietnam’s Hanoi Cup next month, tournament organizers announced Tuesday. This marks a significant milestone as the rapidly growing paddle sport expands its reach across global markets.
Waters currently holds the number one ranking in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles on the Carvana PPA Tour. She’s scheduled to team up with Anna Bright for women’s doubles competition and partner with Ben Johns in mixed doubles during the April 1-5 tournament.
The competition will take place at My Dinh Indoor Athletics Arena and offers 1,000 ranking points to winners as part of the Professional Pickleball Association’s worldwide ranking structure.
The sport blends aspects of tennis, table tennis, and badminton using paddles and a specialized court.
“I’ve experienced the sport’s growth in the U.S., and I am honoured to be part of the first PPA Tour Asia event in Hanoi,” Waters said in a statement.
After the tournament concludes, Waters will head to Ho Chi Minh City on April 6-7 to conduct training clinics and participate in a demonstration event working with equipment company Franklin Sports.
Waters has become one of the sport’s biggest stars as pickleball experiences explosive growth throughout the United States and internationally.
She began her professional career at age 12 and has since commanded the professional tour, contributing to increased interest in pickleball as the sport spreads worldwide.
