Anna Leigh Waters Wins Big and Wins Hearts at Pickleball World Championships with New Pup ‘Archer’
Anna Leigh Waters welcome newest member to her family ‘archie’
Pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters continues to dazzle at the Pickleball World Championships 2025, advancing to all three quarterfinals — women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.
After securing her spot in the women’s doubles quarterfinals alongside Anna Bright, Waters made headlines off the court as well by welcoming a new member to her family, an adorable puppy named Archer.
Speaking to PickleballTV, the world No. 1 shared a heartwarming story about her newest companion, adopted just days before the tournament began.
“So, this is Archer,” Waters said with a smile. “I’ve been wanting a puppy for a few months and finally convinced my family. My mom found him online, his name was actually Twix, but I renamed him Archer because the mark on his head looks like an arrow.”
Waters revealed that the playful pup has already become her constant companion. “We’ve been cuddling in bed, I tuck him under the covers at night, and we watch movies together. He’s been a great addition — a lot of work, but a really good dog,” she added.
Even with her new furry friend stealing some of the spotlight, Waters remains unstoppable on the court. The 18-year-old sensation, partnering with Anna Bright, cruised into the women’s doubles quarterfinals after dominating Ting Chieh Wei and Lindsey Newman 11-0, 11-3, barely breaking a sweat in their commanding performance.
The “Annas” will next face Kate Fahey and Tina Pisnik in the quarterfinals, as Waters aims to extend her remarkable run toward another title.
In mixed doubles, Waters and Ben Johns continued their winning form, defeating Meghan Dizon and Jaume Martinez Vich 11-5, 11-8 to secure a quarterfinal berth.
Meanwhile, in women’s singles, Waters also advanced after a composed 11-8, 11-7 victory over Jorja Johnson. She will now face Mary Brascia in the quarterfinals, as her pursuit of a potential triple crown gathers momentum.
