A Champion Overcomes @PPA In Dallas!

Anna Leigh Waters Wins 20th Triple Crown in Landmark Battle!

#1 Anna Leigh Waters (Image credit: Nick Uzunyan)

Yesterday in one of the wildest and most grueling singles matches ever in professional pickleball, Anna Leigh Waters defeated Catherine Parenteau, winning her twentieth Triple Crown at the BioFreeze USA National Championships in Dallas. This wasn't just another tournament victory—it was a defining moment that showcased the mental fortitude, physical conditioning, and championship resilience that separate elite athletes from the merely excellent.

The Match That Had Everything

After winning the first match and overcoming a large deficit but still losing the second match, Waters seemed sluggish, having had a long day of playing hard in mixed doubles and women's doubles. The physical and mental toll was visible. Match three started poorly for ALW—winded, frustrated, down six points, with her friend and doubles partner giving her hell. Parenteau played like a champion, dominating many rallies, dictating the terms, forcing her doubles teammate to sprint back and forth and cover court, match her shot for shot, angle for angle, trick for trick.

20th 👑👑👑 @AnnaLeighWaters pic.twitter.com/o1ccmTcf97

— Carvana PPA Tour (@PPAtour) November 12, 2023

The audience witnessed power versus power, as well as opposing coaches—wizards of the game—in a duel of strategies. ALW would make a spectacular shot, Parenteau would respond with one of her own, always rising to the challenge, demonstrating why she has long been the number two female singles player. Somehow, though, Waters found within herself renewed spirit and determination—and fought, fought, fought, fought—regaining momentum in match three, even asking the large crowd for a boost.

Parenteau had match point four times and couldn't put Waters away.

Let that sink in: four match points saved.

So, as only a champion of the highest caliber can do, Anna Leigh Waters grappled and scampered her way to victory, earning the Triple Crown. What a match, ladies! Thanks for that. Congratulations, Anna Leigh Waters!

What Made This Match Historic

The Physical Gauntlet

Waters had already played through mixed doubles and women's doubles earlier in the day—both at championship-level intensity. By the time she faced Parenteau in singles, she'd been on court for hours. The cumulative fatigue showed in her footwork, her shot selection, and her body language in match three.

Most players would have folded. When you're physically exhausted and down 6 points to a player as skilled as Parenteau, the easy psychological out is to think, "I've already won two events today; this one just wasn't meant to be."

Waters refused that narrative.

The Mental Warfare

What many spectators don't understand is the unique psychological dynamic when doubles partners face each other in singles. Waters and Parenteau know each other's games intimately. They've practiced together, strategized together, won together. That familiarity cuts both ways:

Advantage: You know their tendencies and weaknesses
Disadvantage: They know yours, and there's added pressure not to lose to your partner

The mental game becomes chess at 100 MPH. Parenteau exploited every pattern she'd seen Waters use in practice. Waters had to evolve mid-match, finding new shot combinations and rhythms that her own partner hadn't seen before.

The Crowd Factor

In match three, down and struggling, Waters did something that separates champions from competitors: she asked the crowd for energy. This takes humility (admitting you need help) and charisma (knowing the crowd will respond).

The Dallas crowd roared. That energy became fuel.

Athletes who can harness external energy—turning crowd noise into adrenaline, doubt into determination—have an edge that can't be taught. It can only be discovered in moments of desperation.

Breaking Down the Key Moments

Match One: Waters' Dominance

The first match showcased Waters at her best: aggressive returns, relentless speed-ups, and control of the kitchen line. She dictated tempo and punished any mid-court balls. Parenteau struggled to find her rhythm.

Final score: Waters wins decisively

Match Two: Parenteau's Resilience

After dropping match one, Parenteau made crucial adjustments:

• Deeper serves to keep Waters from attacking early
• More dinks to slow the pace and neutralize Waters' athleticism
• Better court positioning to cut off angles

Waters fell behind early in match two and fought back, but Parenteau had found her game. She closed it out with precision.

Final score: Parenteau wins, forcing a third match

Match Three: The Epic

This is where legends are made.

0-6 deficit: Waters looks exhausted. Parenteau is in full control.

Waters' adjustments:

• Started hitting more third shot drops to conserve energy
• Focused on making Parenteau hit one extra ball each rally
• Leveraged her backhand flick to attack short balls without winding up

The Turning Point (6-8): Waters strings together three consecutive points through sheer willpower. The crowd erupts. Momentum shifts.

Match Points 1-4: Parenteau serves for the match. Four times. Each time, Waters produces a shot that forces an error or wins the point outright. The pressure mounts.

Final Point: Waters closes with a forehand winner down the line. Parenteau lunges but can't reach it. Game. Set. Match. Triple Crown #20.

What Is a Triple Crown in Professional Pickleball?

For those new to professional pickleball, a "Triple Crown" means winning all three events at a single tournament:

1. Mixed Doubles — Waters + male partner
2. Women's Doubles — Waters + female partner
3. Women's Singles — Waters solo

Achieving one Triple Crown is remarkable. Twenty is unprecedented. Waters had already cemented her legacy; this match added another layer: the ability to overcome adversity when everything seems lost.

The Coaching Battle: Strategy on the Sidelines

What made this match even more fascinating was the coaching dynamic. Both players had elite coaches:

Waters' Corner: Strategic emphasis on patience, energy management, and making Parenteau work for every point

Parenteau's Corner: Aggressive game plan: attack Waters' backhand, use angles to make her run, capitalize on her fatigue

The sideline coaching (allowed during timeouts and between games in PPA events) became a subplot. Every timeout was a mini strategic reset, with coaches analyzing patterns and suggesting adjustments in real time.

Why This Matters for Pickleball's Growth

Matches like this are exactly what pickleball needs to gain mainstream sports credibility. The drama, the physicality, the comeback, the respectful but fierce competition—these are the elements that make for compelling sports entertainment.

When casual fans can watch a match like this and understand the stakes, feel the tension, and appreciate the skill without needing years of pickleball experience, the sport crosses over from niche to mainstream.

This match was featured on ESPN+, Tennis Channel, and various sports highlight shows. Each broadcast expanded pickleball's audience and legitimacy.

Anna Leigh Waters: A Champion's Profile

At the time of this Dallas victory, Waters was just 17 years old. Let that age sink in alongside the "20th Triple Crown" achievement.

Career Highlights (as of 2023):

• Youngest professional pickleball player to turn pro (age 12)
• Most Triple Crowns in PPA history
• #1 ranked women's doubles player (with mom Leigh Waters)
• #1 ranked women's singles player
• Multiple major championship victories

Playing Style:

• Aggressive baseline play with exceptional speed
• Elite backhand (both roll and flick techniques)
• Outstanding court coverage and anticipation
• Mental toughness beyond her years

Equipment: Waters plays with JOOLA paddles, a partnership that's helped elevate the brand to top-tier status. Read our paddle buying guide to understand what makes pro-level paddles different.

Catherine Parenteau: Respect for the Runner-Up

While Waters took home the trophy, Catherine Parenteau's performance deserves equal recognition. She:

• Forced a three-match battle against the world's best
• Had four match points (most players never get one)
• Played fearlessly and executed her game plan brilliantly
• Showed grace in defeat and celebrated her partner's achievement

Parenteau's consistency as the #2 singles player and elite doubles performer makes women's professional pickleball competitive and compelling. Without challengers of her caliber, Waters' achievements would mean less.

The Doubles Partnership Dynamic

One of the unique aspects of this match: Waters and Parenteau are doubles partners. They'd won women's doubles together earlier that same day. Hours later, they were battling each other in singles.

After the match, Parenteau posted on social media: "Lost to my girl today but we got the gold together. That's what it's all about. Proud of you @AnnaLeighWaters."

This professionalism and mutual respect elevates the sport. Fans get to see fierce competition and genuine friendship, which is rare in professional sports.

What's Happened Since Dallas (2023-2026 Update)

In the years following this historic Dallas match, Anna Leigh Waters has:

• Added 8 more Triple Crowns (now at 28 total through early 2026)
• Maintained her #1 ranking in singles and doubles
• Competed in and won multiple Grand Slam events
• Continued her partnership with Parenteau in women's doubles with great success
• Become one of pickleball's most marketable athletes

The Dallas comeback has become part of her legend—a defining moment that proved her championship mentality.

Lessons for Recreational Players

What can average players learn from this epic match?

1. Mental Toughness Beats Talent When Talent Quits

Waters was physically exhausted and down significantly. She could have folded. Instead, she fought. Apply this to your own matches: never give up until the final point is played.

2. Energy Management Is a Skill

Waters paced herself in match three, using drops and resets rather than constant aggression. Learn when to conserve energy and when to explode.

3. Use Your Environment

Waters asked the crowd for support. In your own matches, feed off positive energy from your partner, friends watching, or even your internal dialogue.

4. Respect Your Opponent

The Waters-Parenteau dynamic shows you can compete fiercely and still respect and appreciate your opponent. This makes pickleball fun and sustainable long-term.

5. Adaptability Wins

Waters didn't keep doing what wasn't working. She adjusted her strategy mid-match. Be willing to change your game plan when necessary.