LIFE

Pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters returns to Manila this December

Pauline Joyce Pascual··2 MIN READ

At 19 years old, Waters stands as the undisputed World No. 1 in Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.

At 19 years old, Waters stands as the undisputed World No. 1 in Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.

Photograph Courtesy of IAM Worldwide

Text size

Fresh from her Philippine debut, World No. 1 pickleball champion Anna Leigh Waters is already coming back. She'll return to Manila on December 9 for the IAM Worldwide Pickleball Showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, joined by several celebrities.

Waters wrapped up her three-day visit with a press luncheon at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati, co-presented by US equipment leader Franklin Sports and health and wellness brand IAM Worldwide. The event gathered media and sports journalists to celebrate her first trip to the country, where she headlined the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase.

At 19, Waters is the undisputed World No. 1 in Women's Singles, Women's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. She recently won her 200th career PPA Tour title in the mixed doubles final of the 2026 PPA Veolia Chicago Cup with partner Ben Johns, and she completed another Triple Gold sweep in the United States.

Waters, who has played since she was 12, urged fans to start playing early and enjoy the process. "Whether or not you play professionally, pickleball will be part of your life," she told Daily Tribune.

She credited her family for her success, especially her mother, Leigh, a former world No. 1 player who went from longtime doubles partner to full-time coach and manager. "My mom is a great pickleball coach, but is also my life coach," she said.

Waters was also struck by the passion of Filipino players. "Maybe it's even part of the culture here in the Philippines," she said, noting that American pickleball, though growing fast, lacks that cultural element.

Pickleball's rise in the Philippines comes down to how easy it is to pick up and how social it is. The rules are simple, the court is small enough to fit on converted basketball and tennis courts, and players of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy a good rally within minutes.

Matches are usually doubles, so it doubles as a barkada hangout, which suits a culture built around community and shared time. Celebrities and influencers taking up the sport has also helped pull in newcomers.

Before her December return, Waters will head to Malaysia and Hong Kong as part of the Showcase.