Waters gushes over pickleball’s popularity

World No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters was impressed by the passion of Filipino players, saying the sport has become part of the country’s lifestyle and culture.

Speaking at a press conference at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City on Wednesday, the 19-year-old American said she was struck by how often Filipinos play and embrace the fast-growing sport.

“They’re very passionate about the game. I think the pickleball players in the Philippines enjoy playing it every day; it has become part of their lifestyle. And maybe, it has also become part of the culture here in the Philippines,” Waters said.

“It is really cool to see, even though I know in America the sport has been growing, but pickleball does not have that element it has here in the Philippines… Well, not yet.”

Waters, who began her professional career at 12, has won 202 Professional Pickleball Association titles and became the youngest professional player in the sport.

She also got the chance to play against local competitors during the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

The visit marked Waters’ first trip to the Philippines, where she said the warm reception from local players and fans left a lasting impression.

“Thank you to all the Filipinos I met. You guys have been so loving, and the support that you showed has been something that I’ll never forget,” Waters said.