Championship Sunday of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour Atlanta Open was one to remember. With titles on the line in several categories, the stage was set for a thrilling climax to a riveting tournament.
Mixed Doubles Showdown
Kicking things off were the Mixed Doubles, with top seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns pitted against the sixth-seeded tandem of Parris Todd and Riley Newman. Todd and Newman had impressed everyone on their road to the finals, but they knew they had their work cut out for them against the formidable Waters-Johns duo. The underdogs started strong, drawing first blood with an 11-8 win in the first set. The shock of the initial setback seemed to awaken Waters and Johns, who rebounded in extraordinary fashion, seizing control of the match and reeling off the next three sets, 11-1, 11-6, and 11-3. Their resilience and determination crowned them the champions of the Mixed Doubles category, demonstrating the caliber that had earned them their top seed status.
Men's Singles Thriller
In the Men's Singles, we saw JW Johnson, the fifth seed, taking on the eleventh-seeded Connor Garnett. This match was an electric display of high-octane pickleball, showcasing the raw talent and fierce competitive spirit of both athletes. The first set went to Johnson, 11-4, but Garnett responded with grit and resolve, bouncing back to take the second set 11-7. With everything hanging in the balance, the decisive third set was a nail-biter. But when the dust settled, it was Johnson who had edged out Garnett 11-9, capturing the Men's Singles title in a match that will long be remembered for its thrilling display of skill and fortitude.
Dominant Display in Women's Doubles
Over in the Women's Doubles category, top seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright faced off against the seventh-seeded team of Jorja Johnson and Vivienne David. This contest was a testament to the absolute dominance of Waters and Bright, who proved to be an unstoppable force. They swept the match in straight sets, 11-4, 11-3, 11-5, putting on a pickleball masterclass. The win added another feather to their caps as Anna Leigh Waters continues to win comfortably, especially in the women's doubles category.
Men's Doubles Titans Clash
In the Men's Doubles, it was a clash of the titans as the top-seeded pair of Ben & Collin Johns squared off against the second-seeded team of Matt Wright & Riley Newman. The Johns brothers, having already tasted victory in the Mixed Doubles, were out for another title. Their exceptional teamwork, agility, and pinpoint accuracy shone through as they overcame Wright and Newman in straight sets, 11-7, 11-7, 11-7. Their consistent performance throughout the match earned them the much-deserved Men's Doubles Championship title.
Women's Singles Conquest
In the Women's Singles category, top-seeded Anna Leigh Waters was up against sixth seed Mary Brascia. Waters, already basking in the glory of her Mixed Doubles and Women's Doubles victories, was focused on making it a trifecta. And she did just that. With a compelling combination of precision, power, and strategy, she overcame Brascia in two straight sets, 11-5, 11-4, to claim the Women's Singles title. Despite the great battle from Brascia, this triumphant win marked a hat-trick of titles for Waters, an incredible accomplishment that affirmed her dominance on the day and her supreme standing in the sport. Mary Brascia will look to build on a great showing this weekend at the Atlanta Open, as she made deep runs in several events here this weekend. She has proven to be a dark horse in the singles category especially, capable of upsetting anyone and proving herself to be amongst the most elite players in the world.
Conclusion
Championship Sunday at the PPA Tour Atlanta Open was a testament to the sheer talent, passion, and commitment to excellence of the athletes. Every match was filled with unforgettable moments, and every player, whether they lifted a trophy or not, contributed to the grandeur of the event. From thrilling comebacks to dominant displays, Championship Sunday had it all. We extend our heartiest congratulations to all the champions and participants and eagerly look forward to the next PPA event, the Selkirk Texas Open, which takes place from the Oasis Pickleball Club in Rockwall, from June 1st to June 4th.
