Anna Leigh Waters’ dominance in world pickleball continued to draw admiration from peers, with Vietnam’s top-ranked player Alix Truong explaining what set the World No. 1 apart in women’s doubles. Truong, a four-time PPA Tour Asia winner and currently ranked No. 8 on the PPA Tour, shared her insights during a recent appearance on the Kitchen Pickleball podcast, where she broke down the technical and mental challenges of facing Waters.
Waters, who recently secured her 43rd triple crown at the Carvana Championship Sunday of the Greater Zion Cup at Black Desert Resort on March 29, has maintained her position at the top with consistent performances. Her strong start to the season included back-to-back triple crowns and multiple gold medals, reinforcing her status as one of the most dominant players in the sport.
Also Read: Anna Leigh Waters Completes Triple Crown as Ben Johns, Gabe Tardio Stay Perfect with Doubles Gold
Truong pointed to Waters’ ability to control pace and execute combinations as key reasons behind her success in doubles.
“In women’s doubles, she speeds up everything and gets away with it because it’s fast and she’s ready with combos. Her combinations are better than anybody else’s,” Truong said.
She also highlighted Waters’ anticipation and hand speed as areas where she operated at a different level. “Her hands and the ability to step a foot back and anticipate, that is next level. That’s what makes her really good,” she added.
Truong, who has faced Waters and Catherine Parenteau on court, said the experience of playing against the top-ranked player offered valuable lessons. “I loved it. Just being able to see something across the net from you, you can take away so much from that,” she said.
Despite Waters’ aggressive style, Truong said she approached the match with clarity rather than fear. “I knew she was going to come at me, so I was ready for it,” she said.
Also Read: ‘It’s Going to Be Bigger Than the US’: Alix Truong on Pickleball Boom in Asia
Truong also reflected on the differences between women’s and mixed doubles, noting that women’s play often required quicker reactions and sharper angles. “In women’s, it’s more about speeding up and being ready for the next ball. I am still learning how to manage those situations,” she said.
As Waters continues her dominant run, players like Truong are studying her game closely, using those experiences to adapt and improve in an increasingly competitive international circuit.
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(Written by Evince Das)
