Waters sat down with host Christine Williamson onsite from the MLP Mid-Season Tournament to address the pickleball haters, the pressure she feels as the world no. 1, and her Olympic dreams.
The interview was a much-hyped appearance as part of ESPN's "50 States in 50 Days" tour.
Waters is competing to defend her team’s title at the Major League Pickleball Mid-Season Tournament in Grand Rapids, MI, and remains focused but optimistic: “I’m just taking it kind of match by match, but I know we’ve won it before, so we can win it again,” she told host Christine Williamson.
Watch the goat 🐐 on ESPN2! 🙌 Live interview with Christine Williamson! 🎤 @AnnaLeighWaters @itsthebaldgirl @espn @SportsCenter pic.twitter.com/66ZPmfo3Np
— Major League Pickleball (@MajorLeaguePB) July 10, 2025
Despite her dominance, Waters admitted she was once a skeptic: “Before I started playing, I was honestly one of those doubters. Once I got on the court, I was like, 'I get the hype.'”
Waters fielded the question everyone expected: What do you say to those people who question whether pickleball is a real sport?
"This is a real sport," she said. "It takes athleticism. It takes hard work. I would say to those people, 'Just get on the court and try it for yourselves.'"
She credited pickleball’s rapid rise to its accessibility and community: “Any age, any gender can play. When I was 10 years old I was playing with my 70-year-old grandfather.”
As for the pro tournament vibes: "Immaculate," she said, encouraging anyone who hasn't already to get out and experience the sport in person for themselves.
Waters also dreams of an Olympic debut for the sport: “Selfishly, it would mean a lot to me because I would love to compete and represent the US … but for pickleball, I think it would be huge. It would add another level.”
Alex E. Weaver
Finally, despite the constant pressure of being world no. 1, Anna Leigh credited pickleball with growing as a person.
"I'm just having a blast and enjoying every moment of it," she said.
Watch the full interview below:
