
Waters, Johns outlast Johnsons in five games for ninth straight title
Anna Leigh Waters/Ben Johns kicked off Carvana Championship Sunday action in the Sunshine State with a 10-12, 11-4, 11-2, 8-11, 11-7 victory over No. 2 seeds Jorja Johnson/JW Johnson to capture the mixed doubles title.
Momentum seemed to be on the side of the Johnsons after they took Game 4 to force a decider, but Waters/Johns used a late run in the second half of Game 5 to claim their ninth consecutive title together.
Waters spoke afterwards about how slowing things down and staying in the crosscourt dink rally with Jorja was a difference-maker down the stretch.
“I think that in the fourth I wasn’t doing that, and in the 5th, I just had to really grind and dink forever,” she explained. “I honestly hate doing that, so I was cringing with every dink, but if that’s what it takes to win, I’ll do it.”
Even though the 18-year-old has two more matches to play on Sunday as she pursues her 39th career Triple Crown, she says that there’s nothing like winning in five games.
“Obviously, winning in three games is what you’re going for and it feels good, but winning in five is just a different feeling,” she mentioned. “So even though it was really hard today, I’m kind of glad it went five just because of the feeling you get after the match. I live for those moments.”
The mixed doubles bronze medal match will take place later Sunday afternoon and will feature No. 4 seeds Anna Bright/Eric Oncins taking on No. 6 seeds Rachel Rohrabacher/Andrei Daescu.
Related articles

Allison Phillips’ brother Danny turns pro, creates rising sibling duo on tour
She’s thrilled to see him step onto the big stage alongside her.
16 hours ago
-Victoria Radnothy
Soundtrack of the court: How music fuels the tournament experience
AV lead Gage Sepulveda blends player preferences and crowd energy to craft the perfect in-match atmosphere.
2 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy

Draws released for Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships presented by Ensure Max Protein
World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters is looking to maintain her extraordinary unbeaten streak in singles.
2 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Race to the Finals Update: Mixed doubles coming down to the wire
The upcoming Slam in Atlanta is the final opportunity for players to earn points to qualify for the PPA Tour Finals.
2 days ago
-Will Daughton