In January of 2022, Anna Leigh Waters/Ben Johns played their first tournament together at the Carvana PPA Desert Ridge Open, where they beat Jessie Irvine/Jay Devilliers in the final.

Three and a half years later, one of the most dominant pairings in the history of pickleball won their 50^th title together with an 11-4, 11-9, 11-5 victory over No. 2 seeds Jorja Johnson/JW Johnson at the Select Medical Orange County Cup presented by Reign Storm.

The Johnsons won the most recent edition of this matchup in a five-game thriller at the North Carolina Open in April, but Waters/Johns got the job done in straight games in Southern California, even overcoming an 0-5 deficit in the third game to do so.

Johns spoke about the challenges that come with facing Jorja and JW.

“Everyone talks about JW’s hands—and they’re certainly some of the best in the game—but Jorja is somewhat equal to that on the women’s side. Her hands are incredible, so it’s always intimidating to attack her, and her attacks are incredible as well,” he explained. “You’ve really got to be careful in kitchen points with them, and it makes for a very strategic type of chess match out there, which is very enjoyable to be a part of. Looking forward to seeing them in the next one.”

Waters was just 14 years old when she and Johns played together for the first time. Now 18, she took a moment to reflect on their first tournament, and how far their partnership has come.

“I remember I was so nervous because I thought if we didn’t win that tournament, then Ben was never going to play with me again,” she admitted. “I think we’ve grown a lot together as a pair on and off the court and I think our chemistry is still going strong, so hopefully we have many more medals in the future.”

No. 5 seeds and St. Louis Shock teammates Anna Bright/Hayden Patriquin will face No. 28 seeds Mari Humberg/CJ Klinger for the bronze medal later Sunday afternoon.