Pickleball, far from being just a leisure activity, is a high-tech sport. From equipment materials to advanced analysis tools, innovation is at the heart of its transformation. It allows athletes to push their limits and makes the game ever more spectacular.

Ben Johns: The "GOAT" of Men's Pickleball

Considered by many to be the "Greatest Of All Time" (GOAT) of pickleball, Ben Johns dominates the men's circuit with impressive consistency.

A Path of Unparalleled Dominance
Born in 1999, this American first excelled in tennis and table tennis before discovering pickleball in 2016. His ascent was meteoric. In just a few years, Ben Johns established himself in all three categories: singles, men's doubles, and mixed doubles. His list of achievements is studded with dozens of major titles, particularly on the prestigious PPA Tour (Professional Pickleball Association), making him the most decorated and consistent player of his generation.

What Makes Him Strong
His dominance rests on a unique combination of power, precision, and unparalleled game intelligence. Ben Johns is renowned for his ability to anticipate shots, place the ball with surgical accuracy, and execute devastating "dinks" (short shots at the net) and "speed-ups" (accelerations). His Olympian calm under pressure and his ability to adapt to all match situations make him extremely difficult to beat.

Anna Leigh Waters: The Undisputed Queen of Women's Pickleball

In women's pickleball, the reign is just as clear: Anna Leigh Waters is the dominant force.

A Young Prodigy at the Top
Also American, Anna Leigh Waters started pickleball very young and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. Born in 2007, she has become one of the youngest athletes to reach the top of the sport. She has built an impressive career in singles, but especially in mixed doubles with Ben Johns and in women's doubles, where her speed, agility, and aggressiveness are formidable.

Her Major Strengths
Anna Leigh Waters stands out with phenomenal reaction speed, powerful striking, and a keen sense of placement. Her game is aggressive, based on excellent court coverage and an ability to finish points quickly. Her youth and energy, combined with surprising maturity for her age, allow her to maintain a consistent level of performance and defeat more experienced opponents.

The Challenge of Staying at the Top in an Evolving Sport

Pickleball is evolving at high speed, making the task of remaining number 1 particularly arduous.

Increasingly Fierce Competition
The explosion of pickleball is attracting more and more high-level athletes, including former professional tennis players. This influx of new talent, combined with the constant progression of existing players, makes competition fierce at every tournament. Maintaining a number 1 position requires rigorous discipline, constant training, and the ability to adapt to new strategies and techniques.

The Importance of Consistency
In a sport where points can be long and physical intensity is high, consistency is key. Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters distinguish themselves not only by their ability to win major tournaments but also by their constant presence in the final stages, accumulating the ranking points necessary to maintain their number 1 status.

So, for now, Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters are the faces of domination in the world of professional pickleball until new talents emerge and come to dethrone them!