Intense Showdown in Pickleball Semifinals: Waters and Johns Advance to Finals

In an electrifying semifinal match at the PPA Tour, top seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns faced a fierce challenge from Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin. After a dominant start, the match saw a dramatic shift as Bright and Patriquin leveled the score. However, Waters and Johns rallied back to secure their place in the finals. This match highlights the increasing competitiveness in professional pickleball, with younger players pushing established stars to their limits. As the sport continues to grow, anticipation builds for the upcoming gold medal match.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 10, 2026, 15:55 IST

Exciting Developments in Pickleball Tournaments

The popularity of pickleball in the United States is on the rise, transforming professional tournaments into significant spectator events. The PPA Tour has seen packed audiences and thrilling matches become the norm. This trend was evident in San Clemente on Saturday, where top seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns faced a fierce semifinal challenge, ultimately securing their spot in the mixed doubles final on Championship Sunday.

Waters and Johns triumphed over Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin with scores of 11-0, 7-11, 11-8, in a match that showcased a dramatic shift in momentum. The opening game was dominated by the top seeds, who achieved an impressive 11-0 score in just 10 minutes, capitalizing on early errors from their opponents.

However, the second game saw a complete turnaround. Bright and Patriquin came back with determination, increasing the pace and forcing longer rallies. They took advantage of several unforced errors from Waters and Johns, winning the second game 11-7 and leveling the match.

The deciding game was the most competitive segment of the match. Bright and Patriquin initially surged ahead with an 8-4 lead, threatening to pull off an upset. Yet, under pressure, Waters and Johns rallied back, winning the last seven points to clinch the match and advance to the final.

After the match, Ben Johns acknowledged his mistakes during the pivotal moments. He stated, “At the end of Game 2, I made like four unforced errors. In Game 3, I was just telling myself, ‘Don’t go out by unforced errors.’” The duo focused on maintaining ball control before ramping up the pressure in crucial exchanges.

In the upcoming gold medal match, Waters and Johns will face Rachel Rohrabacher and Christian Alshon, whom they previously defeated in pool play. This semifinal once again underscored the growing competitiveness in professional pickleball, where even seasoned players are consistently challenged by younger talent. With increasing audience numbers and intensifying competition, the sport's rapid ascent shows no signs of abating.