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In the world of pickleball, where the competition is fierce and the stakes are high, a surprising incident stole the spotlight during the quarter-finals match between Anna Leigh Waters and Hurricane Tyra Black. Anna Leigh, the reigning #1 Pickleball player in the world, lost to her opponent in a rather unusual manner.

Her peculiar reaction to the defeat caught the attention of the tennis legend Serena Williams‘ ex-coach, Rennae Stubbs, who took to Twitter to express her thoughts.

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Pickleball star’s unusual celebration leads to Rennae Stubbs’ intervention

In a tense quarter-finals match, Anna Leigh Waters seemed unstoppable until an unexpected mistake cost her the game on match point. What followed was an unusual reaction: Waters raised her hands in the air, seemingly thanking her opponent, Tyra Black, for defeating her. After briefly acknowledging Black with paddle taps, she handed her paddle to her mother and left the court with her hands raised in what appeared to be a celebratory manner.

Rennae Stubbs, who is no stranger to the competitive world of sports, was quick to react to the incident on Twitter. She reshared the video of Anna Leigh’s reaction, calling it the “Dumbest game ever! On display once again.” Stubbs’ comment ignited a heated discussion within the pickleball community and beyond, as many weighed in on Waters’ behavior.

Pickleball has been trolled and mocked by a lot of spectators and magazines, labelling it as a “dumb sport.” However, Anna Leigh Waters has not only been a sensational aspect of the sport, but is wildly famous for a 16-year-old athlete.

Anna Leigh Waters and her pickleball career

At just 16 years old, Anna Leigh Waters has achieved remarkable success in the rapidly growing sport of pickleball. As the world’s #1 player, she has become a sensation, earning a net worth of 7 figures that exceeds most people’s wildest dreams. However, her life is far from typical. With constant travel and accompanied by her parents, Anna Leigh spends more than half the year competing in this niche professional sport. Her childhood is anything but ordinary, revolving around a demanding training schedule and a high-pressure career.

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ALSO READ: ‘Let Them Build Their Own Courts’ – Martina Navratilova Opposes Pickleball Players for Taking Over Tennis Courts

In a span of just a few short years, Pickleball has become incredibly popular, with millions of Americans now playing the sport. As it has grown, we’ve seen professional tours and pickleball stars emerge. Even sports legends like LeBron James and Tom Brady have invested in pickleball amidst its growing popularity, regardless of the public opinion.

The pickleball world was both surprised and intrigued by Anna Leigh Waters’ response to her quarter-final defeat. As the top-ranked player globally, she faces immense pressures and responsibilities.

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Is it justified to call Pickleball dumb? If it is in fact ‘dumb’ then how is the popularity of the game growing rapidly? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

WATCH THIS STORY: Martina Navratilova’s epic appearance on Dancing with the stars

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