PALM SPRINGS, CA – Pickleball legend Leigh Waters was back on the court on Wednesday at The Masters, joining forces with Christian Alshon as his mixed doubles partner.

Alshon was set to play alongside Jessie Irvine, but she unfortunately had to withdraw due to an elbow injury after failing to receive medical clearance to compete.

Enter Waters, who has served as Alshon’s coach for the majority of his pro career.

The Masters marked Waters' return to action following an ACL injury in 2022.

As for the new partnership, it proved to be effective from the start.

Waters and Alshon quickly dispatched Kaitlyn Christian and former tennis pro, Sam Querrey, before ousting Patrick Kawka and Lauren Mercado with an 11-5, 5-11, 11-4 performance.

Then, the tandem defeated Dylan Frazier and Hurricane Tyra Black 11-6, 9-11, 11-7.

On Thursday, Waters and Alshon have a date with Riley Newman and Jackie Kawamoto.

Waters is one of Alshon’s greatest advocates, as all good coaches should be, and she clearly believes in his talent.

After all, the sign of a good coach is stepping up when your pupil needs you most.

Watching Waters play, it’s clear to see where her daughter, World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters, gets her trademark intensity, too.