HANOI, Vietnam – Anna Leigh Waters, the undisputed number one pickleball player in the world, is poised to make her international competition debut next month at the MB Hanoi Cup, a PPA Tour Asia event taking place in Vietnam from April 1-5. The 19-year-old American’s participation marks a significant milestone for the rapidly growing sport as it expands its reach beyond North America.
Waters, who holds the top ranking in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles on the Carvana PPA Tour, will compete in women’s doubles alongside Anna Bright and in mixed doubles with Ben Johns at the My Dinh Indoor Athletics Club in Hanoi. The tournament will award 1,000 global PPA ranking points to the champions in each event, underscoring its importance within the professional pickleball circuit.
Pickleball, a paddle sport that blends elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, has experienced explosive growth in recent years, particularly in the United States. For those unfamiliar, the game is played on a badminton-sized court with a lowered net, using solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball. The unique combination of strategy, agility, and accessibility has drawn in players of all ages and athletic backgrounds.
“Making my international debut in Vietnam is one of the highlights of my career,” Waters said in a statement released by the PPA Tour Asia. “I’ve experienced the sport’s growth in the U.S., and I am honored to be part of the first PPA Tour Asia event in Hanoi.”
The Hanoi Cup isn’t just about competition for Waters. Following the tournament, she will travel to Ho Chi Minh City on April 6-7 to host pickleball clinics and a showcase event in partnership with equipment manufacturer Franklin Sports. This outreach is designed to introduce the sport to a new audience and foster its development within Vietnam and the broader Asian region.
Waters’ ascent to the top of the pickleball world has been nothing short of remarkable. She turned professional at the age of 12 and has since dominated the professional circuit, amassing over 190 gold medals and achieving clean sweeps at 41 PPA Tour stops as of March 11, 2026. Her success has not only captivated pickleball enthusiasts but has as well garnered attention from mainstream media, including a shoutout on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and a dink rally against Pat McAfee on ESPN. She also became the first pickleball player to sign with Nike in 2026, further solidifying her status as a cultural phenomenon.
The pairing of Waters and Ben Johns in mixed doubles is particularly noteworthy. Together, they represent the sport’s most dominant pairing, and their presence in Hanoi is expected to draw significant attention. Bright, ranked number two in the world, provides a formidable partner for Waters in women’s doubles. The combination of talent and experience promises thrilling matches for Vietnamese fans.
The MB Hanoi Cup represents the first PPA Tour Asia event, signaling a strategic push to expand the sport’s global footprint. Jared Franklin, Head of International at Franklin Sports, emphasized the importance of Waters’ participation, stating, “Anna Leigh represents the extremely best of the sport. Seeing her compete on the international stage in Hanoi and participate in our Franklin showcase in Ho Chi Minh is a powerful step to engage fans and inspire new players as pickleball continues to expand across Asia and around the world.”
The event at the My Dinh Indoor Athletics Club is expected to be a showcase for the sport’s athleticism and strategic depth. Fans will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the skills of the world’s top players and experience the excitement of competitive pickleball. The tournament’s organizers are hoping to capitalize on the growing interest in the sport to attract a large and enthusiastic crowd.
Beyond the competition, the clinics and showcase events in Ho Chi Minh City are crucial for grassroots development. By providing opportunities for local players to learn from Waters and interact with a global brand like Franklin Sports, the PPA Tour Asia aims to cultivate a sustainable pickleball community in Vietnam. This initiative underscores the long-term vision of expanding the sport’s reach and impact beyond the professional level.
Waters’ journey to the top of the pickleball world has been fueled by her dedication, talent, and unwavering competitive spirit. Her international debut in Vietnam is not only a personal milestone but also a pivotal moment for the sport itself. As pickleball continues to gain momentum on the global stage, Waters is poised to remain at the forefront, inspiring a new generation of players and fans.
Following the Hanoi Cup and the clinics in Ho Chi Minh City, Anna Leigh Waters is scheduled to return to the Carvana PPA Tour in the United States for the Texas Open, beginning April 15th. This event will provide another opportunity for fans to witness her skills and continue to follow her remarkable career.
The MB Hanoi Cup is scheduled to start on April 1st. Fans interested in attending can find ticket information on the PPA Tour Asia website. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the event and the ongoing growth of pickleball around the world.
