Anna Leigh Waters Gets Warm Manila Welcome as Southeast Asian Tour Opens in the Philippines

You know pickleball has truly arrived in the Philippines when the world’s best player flies in to see it for herself.

World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters received a warm welcome from local fans at Bonifacio High Street Mall on her first day in Manila, kicking off a four-country Southeast Asian tour that will also take her to Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.

Paddles, Autographs, and Halo-Halo

Many fans turned up with paddles and balls for the 19-year-old American to sign, while others simply wanted to meet one of the sport’s biggest stars. Some were still relatively new to pickleball, which says plenty about her pull.

Before the autograph session, Waters joined several activities, including learning how to pose with a bolero and an abaniko. She also picked up a few Filipino words: “salamat,” “mabuhay,” “magaling,” and “maganda.” A lucky fan was then chosen to introduce her to halo-halo, explaining the popular Filipino dessert to the visiting champion.

By the sound of it, Manila made an impression. “I love it here. It’s amazing. You guys are all so nice and kind,” Waters said.

Waters has already compiled a staggering résumé for someone her age, having won 200 Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) titles at just 19. She is in Manila with her parents, including her mother, Leigh, who also serves as her coach. Leigh credited a combination of natural ability, exposure to different sports, and hard work for her daughter’s success.

Franklin Sports Taps the Philippines

The tour is handled by pickleball giant Franklin Sports, and the Philippines was chosen as the primary stop. According to Franklin Sports, the selection is a testament to the country’s “emergence as a global phenomenon in racket sports.”

Next up for Waters is a series of exhibition matches with celebrity guests and other pickleball personalities at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

Her Asian swing doesn’t end there. She is also the top seed in Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles at the Hang Seng Bank Hong Kong Slam, which runs 19 to 25 October at Kai Tak Arena.

Indeed, between the autographs, the halo-halo, and a packed arena awaiting her, it’s safe to say Anna Leigh Waters’ first Philippine visit is one she won’t forget anytime soon—especially since there’s more in store in her stay.