Breaking News: Ben Johns’ Open Letter to Anna Leigh Waters and the Pickleball Community
In an unexpected and heartfelt move, Ben Johns, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of pickleball, has penned an open letter to Anna Leigh Waters, her supporters, and the entire pickleball community. This message comes at a time when the sport continues to rise in popularity across the globe. With pickleball’s rapid expansion and increasing media coverage, both Johns and Waters have become two of the most recognizable figures in the sport.
Ben Johns, who has been dominant in both men’s and mixed doubles, has experienced immense success throughout his career. His accolades are legendary, and his passion for the sport is unparalleled. But in this open letter, Johns moves beyond competition and talks about the respect, admiration, and camaraderie that binds the pickleball community together. Here’s the full text of his letter:
Open Letter from Ben Johns
March 18, 2025
Dear Anna Leigh, the Pickleball Family, and all of the incredible fans who support us,
As I sit down to write this, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that pickleball has taken over the last few years and how lucky I am to be a part of this growing, dynamic, and passionate community. When I first picked up a paddle, I never imagined that it would lead to the kind of worldwide exposure we’re seeing now. But with every new challenge, every victory, and even every setback, one thing has remained constant: the people who make this sport so special.
Anna Leigh, you have been nothing short of a revelation for pickleball. Watching you play, I am always impressed by your poise, your skill, and your ability to push boundaries in ways we never thought possible. You’ve done more than elevate your own game—you’ve helped elevate the entire sport. Your work ethic, focus, and competitive spirit have set new standards for what it means to be a champion. It’s clear to me—and to everyone in this sport—that you are not just a player, but a force of nature.
In a lot of ways, the growth of pickleball has mirrored your ascent. When you first burst onto the scene, there were whispers about how much potential you had, but it wasn’t long before those whispers turned into applause. To see you become a household name, to witness your rise in the rankings and watch your victories accumulate, has been both awe-inspiring and humbling for me. I can only imagine what it must be like for the younger generation of players looking up to you. You’ve become the role model that every young athlete in this sport aspires to be.
But it’s not just your on-court talent that deserves recognition. It’s the person you are. You are a true ambassador for pickleball. You carry the weight of being in the spotlight with grace, integrity, and humility. You’ve shown us what it means to not only excel but to lead with respect and kindness. Your commitment to growing the sport, to introducing it to new audiences, and to supporting your fellow players is something that resonates deeply with me. It’s a commitment I know we both share.
To the fans who have supported us—thank you. Pickleball is a sport that thrives because of your energy, your excitement, and your passion. Your love for the game is contagious, and it fuels us all to push ourselves further than we thought possible. The fact that we have such a loyal, dedicated fanbase is a testament to the way this community has rallied around one another.
As we continue to ride the wave of pickleball’s growth, I am reminded of the importance of sportsmanship. We are all competitors, but we are also a community. And in a time when the world can sometimes feel divided, it’s so special to be part of something that brings us together. The way pickleball fosters both competition and camaraderie is a model for how sport can transcend boundaries—whether they be geographical, cultural, or social.
Anna Leigh, I have no doubt that you will continue to achieve greatness in the years ahead. I know the challenge is always there: the pressure to be better, to evolve, to maintain that level of excellence. But I want to take this moment to remind you—and everyone in the pickleball world—that success is not just measured by trophies or rankings. It’s about the joy of playing, the relationships we build along the way, and the way we all support one another, on and off the court.
There will always be new challenges, new opponents, and new records to break. But what will never change is the bond we share as players and fans of this incredible sport. I look forward to continuing this journey alongside you, Anna Leigh, and with all of our fellow players and fans. Together, we will push the sport to new heights.
Thank you again to everyone who has been part of this journey. Thank you for your support, your belief in us, and for being the heartbeat of pickleball. We wouldn’t be where we are today without you.
Let’s continue to grow this game, keep pushing each other, and, above all, enjoy every moment. The best is yet to come.
Sincerely,
Ben Johns
Ben’s letter is more than just a message to Anna Leigh Waters; it’s an acknowledgment of the entire pickleball community—players, fans, and everyone who has contributed to the sport’s meteoric rise. It serves as a reminder of the power of sport to unite and inspire, transcending rivalries and bringing people together. It’s a call to continue pushing the limits of what pickleball can be, to embrace the challenges, and to remember that, in the end, it’s all about enjoying the game.
As pickleball continues to grow, the relationship between these two icons—Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters—will likely define the next chapter of the sport. This open letter from one legend to another is a beautiful testament to the respect, admiration, and friendship that underpin the competitive spirit of pickleball.
