Pickleball world number one Waters to make international debut in Vietnam

Pickleball world number one Anna Leigh Waters will make her international debut next month at the PPA Tour Asia’s Hanoi Cup in Vietnam, organisers announced Tuesday, as the sport continues to expand into global markets.

Waters, ranked number one on the Carvana PPA Tour in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, will compete in women’s doubles alongside Anna Bright and in mixed doubles with Ben Johns at the April 1-5 tournament.

The event, held at the My Dinh Indoor Athletics Arena, will award 1,000 ranking points to champions as part of the Professional Pickleball Association’s global ranking system.

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton.

“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,” Waters said in a statement.

Following the tournament, Waters will travel to Ho Chi Minh City on April 6-7 to host clinics and a showcase event in partnership with equipment manufacturer Franklin Sports.

Waters has become one of pickleball’s most recognizable figures during the sport’s rapid rise in popularity in the United States and abroad. She turned professional at 12 and has dominated the professional circuit, helping drive international interest in pickleball.

-Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Christopher Cushing/Reuters