
Waters, Johns outduel Wright, Alshon in three games to make mixed final
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns are through to Championship Sunday in mixed doubles after an 11-2, 10-12, 11-6 victory over No. 5 seeds Etta Wright and Christian Alshon.
The top seeds took the first game handily, thanks in part to some early struggles from their opponents in keeping their third shots down.
Around midway through Game 2, however, the match came to a screeching halt.
Leading 7-5, Alshon hit himself in the side of the head with his paddle on a follow through, which brought on a medical timeout for the 24-year-old.
He didn’t let the injury impact him too much, as he and Wright went on to close out that second game a few minutes later to bring on the decider.
Waters and Johns jumped out to a 4-1 lead in Game 3, but they remained stuck on that score for several side outs due to some uncharacteristic errors from Waters on her counters.
That lapse in level from the 17-year-old didn’t last too long, though, and they ended the match on a 7-2 run to make their fifteenth final of the year together.
The top-seeded tandem will face the winner of the second semifinal pitting Jorja and JW Johnson against Catherine Parenteau and James Ignatowich.
Related articles

Anna Leigh Waters' most iconic on-court looks
From vintage FILA fits to iconic Nike gear, she has served up plenty of memorable styles throughout her career.
1 day ago
-Victoria Radnothy

Beyond the court: The moments that shaped Anna Leigh Waters' journey to 200 titles
From welcoming Archer into her life to walking the red carpet at the ESPYs, she has accomplished so much at such a young age.
1 day ago
-Victoria Radnothy

Bellamy powers past Haworth for first 2026 title as Waters earns Triple Crown
Roscoe Bellamy earned his second career PPA Tour title in the Windy City. He'll look to replicate this week's success at next week's event in Virginia Beach.
2 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Anna Leigh Waters reflects on 200 PPA Tour titles: ‘It’s been a crazy ride’
66 of Waters' titles, including Sunday morning's, have come next to Ben Johns in mixed doubles.
2 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff