You’d be (partially) forgiven for assuming that the PPA North Carolina Cup 2024 was just another pro event. After all, it’s a busy month for the PPA and pro pickleball in general.
But there were some serious standout moments during the event that made for a very entertaining – and unexpected – watch.
Here are a few important moments from pro pickleball last week:
She Did It
In our “3 Reasons to Watch” preview article, the headlining story was that the young GOAT, Anna Leigh Waters, was going for her 100th PPA Tour title.
Naturally, she did. But let’s examine what makes this such an achievement, regardless of the 17-year-old’s age:
- ALW holds more Triple Crowns (winning singles, doubles and mixed doubles in the same event) than anyone in the sport with an astounding 24
- Her totals in each category now consist of 36 singles titles, 31 women’s doubles titles, and 33 mixed doubles titles
- She is the all-time leader on the women's side in PPA Tour titles
- Her 100 total gold medals is 63 more than her nearest competitor on the women’s side (doubles partner Catherine Parenteau is next with 37)
- ALW has won at least one gold medal in 41 of 45 PPA Tour events played
Watch the moment she defeats Catherine Parenteau for 100 titles (swipe right):
Key Upsets from New Faces
It feels like 2024 will be the Year of Upsets on the PPA Tour - and not necessarily just among the cream of the crop.
Some new personalities are stepping into pickleball's Big Leagues. Augie Ge, recently drafted to MLP's Premier League, teamed up with Jaume Martinez Vich for a finals run where they claimed a game (but not a match) against the Johns Brothers.
Genie Bouchard, the celebrated former tennis player, hadn't shown much result prior to this tournament. She beat Lauren Stratman for her first win on the PPA Tour.
See that match here:
Audrey Banada and Sarah Ansboury, the #15 seeds, got the win over Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher in the round of 16.
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