A few days ago, my mom asked, “Hey, are Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters dating?”

“No,” I said. 

“Weird. I keep seeing all these articles about it on Facebook,” she continued. 

“Ben and AL engaged? As in, she has a diamond on her left-hand ring finger?”

“Yeah!” And she proceeded to pull up the article. 

The article was published in March by some website that seemed like I could potentially get a virus from clicking on the link. The cover image features a picture of Johns and Waters embracing after a victory in early 2023. Perhaps a little outdated, don’t you think?

Better yet, the next picture in the article is an image of Johns hugging his sister, PPA sideline reporter Hannah Johns.

According to the article, the pickleball community genuinely appreciates how they serve as “a reminder of the power of love and partnership.” It’s almost comical. It feels like ChatGPT wrote this silly little piece to get attention from the fastest-growing sport in America. 

The only accurate claim in this random story is that Johns and Waters are the most dominant mixed team in the game. 

The article, however, is feeding into speculation of a romance between the tandem. And as a journalist with the UPA who has the inside scoop, I’m here to set the record straight. 

No. Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters are NOT dating. 

But many people believe they are. Whether it’s because this article has been repeatedly shared on pickleball Facebook groups, or fans seeing the incredible friendship between Waters and Johns, I’ve had several encounters with pickleball fans who ask, “Are Ben and AL dating?”

Just because they have great court camaraderie doesn’t mean they have off-court romantic chemistry. Some things are strictly professional. And this is one of those cases.

If you Google “Are Ben Johns…” the top results are:

-       Are Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters dating

-       Are Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters engaged 

-       Are Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters married 

The answer is: No, to all of the above. They just make the best mixed doubles team in the game.

This is your friendly reminder not to believe everything you read online.

At least this is a testament to the growth of the sport. You know pickleball is getting really popular when fake news is being spread about top players.   

Trust me, though, if there is breaking news one day about a secret love affair between these two, you’ll be the first to know on pickleball.com. 

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