It’s safe to say Catherine Parenteau didn’t expect the women’s doubles final at the Veolia North Carolina Open would be her last match alongside Anna Leigh Waters.

Less than 24 hours after falling to Tyra Black and Jorja Johnson in four games on Championship Sunday, however, that became a harsh reality.

“On Monday, I got a call from Anna Leigh, and the call was a very nice call. She just explained to me that she was ready to try something different, and I respected her decision. It was very nice. Short and sweet,” explained Parenteau, during an appearance on The Hannah Johns Podcast. "Honestly, it was a little bit shocking. It’s not something I was aware of."

It's understandable that Parenteau would be blindsided by Waters' move since the pair enjoyed remarkable success as a tandem on the PPA Tour.

Compiling an astonishing 159-6 overall record (96.36% matches won) and winning 31 titles together is the definition of dominance on the pro circuit.

Nevertheless, the 30-year-old Canadian star took Waters' decision to part ways in stride.

"I’m really grateful to have been able to play with Anna Leigh. We go way back, many years back. I played with her mom before, and I love the whole family. I’m really proud of our record. That’s something I’m going to be forever proud of, and I’m just super excited to see what the future holds," said Parenteau. "On the phone call, I was a little bit sad and didn’t really know how to express how I felt in that moment. Of course it’s very hard to say goodbye. We’re very good friends, on and off the court."

While Waters is partnering with Anna Bright for the remainder of the campaign, it remains to be seen who Parenteau will join forces with.

That process is just getting underway.

"The field right now is so deep. There are so many great players out there. It happened just [on Monday], so I’m still trying to figure out my schedule for the rest of the year, but I’m really excited to try different partners. I think it’s going to be fun," mentioned Parenteau. "It might be difficult to partner up with someone specifically since they’re already kind of committed for the rest of the year. I think a lot of players are, so that’s something I’m still trying to figure out - if I’m going to go with only one or just try different partners. We’ll see."

The first gender doubles matchup pitting Parenteau and Waters on opposite sides of the court will certainly be must-see Pickleballtv.

The PPA Tour schedule resumes in mid-May for the Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, so let the anticipation begin.

"That’s going to be interesting, different, you know, mixed feelings. I’m sure it’s going to be fun battling against each other. We’ve done it so many times in singles, so it’s nothing too new or too different," concluded Parenteau. "It’s going to be different at first, but I’m sure we’re going to get used to it."