Pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters rocks Manila in exhibition match

MANILA — Pickleball queen Anna Leigh Waters rocked the Mall of Asia for the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase on Wednesday.

Fans began screaming for the World No. 1 once they saw her walk up stage via a “Santacruzan entrance” in true Pinoy fashion.

The 19-year-old Waters was wearing a bolero, to which she commented: “I love them. They’re so pretty. I love the little sleeves here. Yesterday’s was white. Today’s is pink. So, I love all the different colors, too.” 

But the crowd roared the loudest when they did giveaways and had long rallies with opponents.

“It’s incredible. There’s so many people here to watch and support me. And it’s just very heartwarming to feel the love and support from all the Filipinos,” said Anna.

Even her coach and mom Leigh Waters commented on the support of Filipinos.

“We had no idea what to expect. We had only ever been to Vietnam before in Asia. And so, we had heard wonderful things about the Philippines,” said Leigh.

Leigh was formerly no. 1 before her daughter took over. But together, they’re ranked no. 1 for doubles.

“So, we were very excited to come. But, like, exceeded our expectations. The people are just so wonderful, so beautiful,” said Leigh.

Having started at age 12, Anna talked about how different activities involving the sport excites her in different ways.  

“Well, every tournament win is still very exciting. But I think doing stuff like this and helping to grow the sport of pickleball is something that excites me. Because when I first started playing, people thought it was just an older person sport,” said Anna.

“And people would, like, laugh at the fact that you could even call it a sport. And now, everyone’s playing it and it’s starting to grow, especially in Asia. So, I really enjoy growing the game,” she added.

One thing she loves about pickleball is really its accessibility: “I also enjoy growing the kids side of it. Getting the kids into playing pickleball. Because when I first started as a kid, nobody else played.”

Anna Leigh and her mom were put up against Pinoy top players and celebrities across six different matches.

But for some matches, it was Anna Leigh with Filipino players against other Pinoys.

They were: Anna Clarice Patrimonio, Eren Penados, Paulo Fermin, Davis Alano, Coco Barquin, Zeth Alferez, Ariella Arida, Diana Zubiri-Smith, Andy Smith, and Rodjun Cruz.

To warm up, Anna Leigh shared pickleball tips while mic’d up, showcasing her spins and her signature lob serve which many fans said they found useful for their game.

The fans also took home signed pickleball padels, balls, and shirts from the giveaway.

Meanwhile, many lined up for a meet-and-greet to take photos and have more items autographed by the American pickleball superstar.