Waters, Johns secure gold in three against Parenteau, Alshon
The top-seeded tandem of Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns continue to prove why they are the best of the best in mixed doubles.
The pair secured gold courtesy of a swift three-game victory over No. 4 seeds Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon on Sunday, 11-6, 11-6, 12-10.
Waters and Johns were actually down 10-2 in the third stanza and saved five game points against Parenteau and Alshon before finally putting the match away.
“We both came out in the third game missing too many thirds and made some loose errors and they got a good lead,” explained Johns. “It’s really all about making balls and making them play every point. And it never hurts to have Anna speeding up everything and winning hand stuff. I got to hang tough and play good winning hands.”
It's always interesting when Waters and Alshon go head-to-head, of course.
Anna Leigh's mother, Leigh, coaches both of them, so a rivalry of sorts inevitably emerges.
It was Waters who won this clash, and she was particularly clutch during the successful comeback bid in the final game.
“I play better when I’m aggressive, so that’s what I was trying to do,” said Waters. “I was being a little too overaggressive, but I found the spot in the end.”
Prior to the mixed match, Waters and Parenteau were upset in women’s doubles by Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher.
That just served as extra motivation.
“I tend to play better after a loss,” insisted Waters. “And my family is here, so that was awesome. I could just look at them in the crowd and relax a little bit and feel comfortable with having people around who love you.”
This marked Waters and Johns' 39th title together.
Related articles
Johns bros avenge Atlanta loss, dominate Wright, Staksrud to make men’s doubles final
There were some fireworks at the end of the first men's doubles semifinal.
7 hours ago
-Will Daughton
Johnson siblings hand Parenteau, Ignatowich first loss, earn finals berth
The No. 2 seeds got the job done in two games.
a day ago
-Will Daughton
Waters, Johns outduel Wright, Alshon in three games to make mixed final
The top seeds got the job done in three games in Friday's first semifinal.
a day ago
-Will Daughton
LIVE BLOG: Friday's results and news from Darling Tennis Center
There are lots of intriguing pairings to watch out for in Las Vegas.
2 days ago
-Will Daughton