Waters, Bright Cruise To First Title Together Since 2023
Source: Pickleball.com
In one of the most anticipated women’s doubles showdowns of the 2025 PPA season, Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright reunited to claim a commanding victory over Catherine Parenteau and Rachel Rohrabacher, winning 11-4, 11-7, 11-3 to secure gold and reestablish their place atop the pickleball world.
This wasn’t just another final. It was a clash layered with narrative and history. Waters had only recently parted ways with Parenteau, ending one of the sport’s most dominant and decorated partnerships. Bright, meanwhile, had previously played alongside Rohrabacher before agreeing to team up with Waters for the rest of the season. The shakeups left fans wondering what the chemistry would look like on both sides—and Sunday’s final provided a resounding answer.
The Tactical Edge
From the outset, Waters and Bright played with purpose and clarity. They attacked the middle relentlessly, applying pressure and capitalizing on moments of hesitation between Parenteau and Rohrabacher. Their ability to inject pace and disrupt rhythm proved to be a decisive factor in the straight-game win.
“We were really focused on our communication and court coverage,” said Bright after the match. “With Anna Leigh, everything feels intuitive. It’s been exciting to reconnect on court.”
Rohrabacher, despite the result, was gracious in defeat and full of praise for her new partner.
“It’s just really been a pleasure playing with Catherine,” she said. “Not only is she an amazing player, but she’s an amazing person. We gave it our all, and I think there’s a lot of potential for growth.”
Milestone Moments
For Anna Leigh Waters, the win marked an incredible 150th career title on the PPA Tour, putting her just two titles behind Ben Johns for the all-time record. At just 18 years old, Waters continues to rewrite expectations and push the limits of what’s possible in the sport.
“I’m just super proud of myself and proud that I was able to share the court with so many amazing partners over the years,” Waters reflected. “This one means a lot.”
The victory also signals a powerful new phase for Waters and Bright—two players with elite instincts, fast hands, and the kind of on-court chemistry that could make them a force to be reckoned with throughout the rest of 2025.
Bronze Medal Match Recap
In the bronze medal match, Tyra Black and Parris Todd (No. 3 seeds) continued their strong form, defeating the surprise pairing of Kate Fahey and Tina Pisnik (No. 9 seeds) in straight games, 11-5, 11-8. Black and Todd have proven to be a reliable duo with smart shot selection and relentless defense—two traits that kept them firmly in medal contention throughout the weekend.
What Comes Next
The women’s doubles field continues to evolve rapidly, and this latest title from Waters and Bright adds another intriguing dynamic to the mix. With former partnerships dissolving and new ones forming, fans can expect even more shakeups, drama, and electrifying matches in the months ahead.
But for now, Waters and Bright are back on top—and their reunion couldn’t have made a louder statement.
