‘I love it here’: Pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters meets Pinoy fans in Manila

MANILA — World No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters received a warm welcome from local fans as she met supporters at Bonifacio High Street Mall on her first day in Manila.

Many fans brought their paddles and balls for the 19-year-old American to sign, while others took the opportunity to meet one of the sport’s biggest stars.

Before the autograph session, Waters joined several activities, including learning how to pose with a bolero and an abaniko. She also picked up a few Filipino words, such as “salamat,” “mabuhay,” “magaling,” and “maganda.”

A lucky fan was also chosen to introduce her to halo-halo, explaining the popular Filipino dessert to the visiting athlete.

Waters’ popularity was evident among the fans who gathered at the venue, including those who are still relatively new to pickleball.

“Well, I always like how she hits the balls. I’m a newbie, though, so I’m still getting into the sport,” one fan said.

“I like her aggressiveness when she plays. And she’s very fiery when she plays,” another added.

Waters has already built an extensive record despite her young age, having won 200 Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) titles at just 19.

“Definitely not normal. I’ve been playing professionally for so long though it kind of is my normal, but I try not to think of it that way. It’s been very special and I’m really proud of all the accomplishments,” she said.

Having started her professional career at 12, Waters has also learned to navigate the pressure that comes with being at the top of her sport.

“I definitely think staying there is tougher because when you’re fighting to get to the top, you have no pressure, you can go out there and just, you know, you’re gunning for someone else, but once you’re at the top, everybody else plays their best against you, so it’s definitely tougher,” she said.

Waters believes her success comes from a combination of factors rather than relying on a single strength.

“I don’t think anybody can be number one at something and just be good at one thing, so I think probably my skill, talent, hard work, mentality, mental toughness, it’s probably all a contributing factor.”

Before focusing on pickleball, Waters played tennis and soccer at a young age. She believes that participating in different sports can help young athletes develop skills that eventually benefit them in their chosen discipline.

“I think when you’re younger, growing up, you should play a lot of different sports. I played soccer as well, which I think is how a lot of my footwork developed so I think kind of growing up, you should play a lot of different things, but then once you pick, let’s say, pickleball, you should focus on that.”

Beyond the activities and autograph session, Waters said the hospitality she received from her Filipino fans made her first visit to Manila especially memorable.

“I love it here. It’s amazing. You guys are all so nice and kind.”

Waters is in Manila with her parents, including her mother, Leigh, who also serves as her coach. Leigh credited a combination of natural ability, exposure to different sports, and hard work for her daughter’s success.

“I think we got a little lucky,” she said. “I think she played (pickleball) in another life maybe. But she played a lot of sports growing up, and we just always encouraged her to work hard and try her best. And she chose pickleball at age 15.”

Waters is set to take part in a series of exhibition matches with celebrity guests and other pickleball personalities at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.