Pickleball World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters Set for International Debut in Vietnam
Source: Sports Business Journal
Pickleball’s undisputed queen is going global! Anna Leigh Waters, the reigning world No. 1 in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles on the Carvana PPA Tour, will make her long awaited international debut next month at the PPA Tour Asia’s Hanoi Cup in Vietnam. Organizers made the exciting announcement on Tuesday, marking a major milestone as the sport continues its explosive expansion across Asia.
The Historic Hanoi Cup Debut
Waters will compete at the My Dinh Indoor Athletics Arena from April 1-5 in a high-stakes tournament that awards 1,000 ranking points to the champions. This is the first ever PPA Tour Asia event, and Waters’ participation signals the professional tour’s serious push into new markets. The 19 year old American phenom is not just showing up, she’s arriving as the face of the sport’s global boom.
Teaming Up with Stars Anna Bright and Ben Johns
Fans can expect fireworks on court. Waters will pair with fellow top pro Anna Bright in women’s doubles and link up with mixed-doubles legend Ben Johns for the mixed event. With both partnerships boasting unmatched pedigree, the Hanoi Cup is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated international pickleball events of 2026.
Waters’ Remarkable Rise
Source: Sports Business Journal
Turning professional at just 12 years old, Anna Leigh Waters has dominated the sport like no one else. She holds the top ranking across all three disciplines and has become one of pickleball’s most recognisable and marketable stars. Her presence in Vietnam is a statement that pickleball is no longer just an American story.
Spreading the Pickleball Love in Ho Chi Minh City
After the Hanoi Cup wraps up, Waters heads straight to Ho Chi Minh City on April 6-7. There she will host exclusive clinics and a showcase event in partnership with equipment giant Franklin Sports, giving local players and fans a rare chance to learn directly from the world No. 1.
Why This Matters for the Global (and Singapore) Game
This debut comes at the perfect time for Asian pickleball. With Singapore’s own courts expanding rapidly and new PPA Asia events on the horizon, players across the region now have a direct path to watch, learn from, and eventually compete against the very best. Waters’ visit is the spark that could ignite the next wave of growth in Southeast Asia.
A New Chapter Begins
Anna Leigh Waters stepping onto Vietnamese soil is a landmark moment for pickleball worldwide. The sport that started as a backyard mash-up is now truly international, and the world No. 1 is leading the charge.
Ready to catch the action or level up your own game? Head over to Play! Pickle to find local courts, join leagues, or book lessons with certified instructors, because the next global star could be training right here in Singapore.
