
Exciting Highlights from the Orange County Cup
The 2025 Select Medical Orange County Cup held in stunning San Clemente, California, showcased a thrilling Championship Sunday filled with remarkable statistics and moments that are sure to be memorable for all pickleball enthusiasts.
Waters and Johns: A Dynamic Duo
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns not only made headlines by winning the Mixed Doubles Final but also celebrated their 50th title together. Their victory against Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson (11-4, 11-9, 11-5) included a stunning sequence of eleven unanswered points in Game Three, reflecting their resilience and skill. Notably, Waters' flawless performance had her making no errors, while Johns hit a match-high of 14 Clean Winners. A standout moment was the longest rally of 73 shots, which marks the second-longest rally in this season's finals.
Men's Doubles: A Test of Skill
In the Men's Doubles Final, Ben Johns partnered with Gabe Tardio to claim victory over Hayden Patriquin and Federico Staksrud in a gripping match that ended with a score of 10-12, 11-7, 11-8, 4-11, 11-3. This match highlighted the intensity of competitive pickleball, featuring 23 rallies of 30+ shots - impressive in any context. Johns made a remarkable contribution with 49 career Men's Doubles Titles now under his belt, as both competitors displayed mastery in minimizing errors and capitalizing on their opponent's mistakes.
Dominant Performances in Singles Competitions
Anna Leigh Waters continued her dominance in the Women's Singles Final against Catherine Parenteau, winning decisively with scores of 11-6, 11-1. Having maintained a staggering 52-3 career record in Singles finals, Waters has not lost a final since June 2022 and remains unstoppable. Equally impressive was Hunter Johnson's win over Federico Staksrud in the Men's Singles Final, showcasing skill with a score of 11-2, 11-5, solidifying Johnson as a leading player this season.
The Impact of Championship Sunday on the Pickleball Community
The Select Medical Orange County Cup not only celebrated the sport's finest athletes but also highlighted the increasing popularity of pickleball across various demographics, especially among players over the age of 50. This event is a testament to the sport's accessibility and the fitness-oriented lifestyle it promotes among participants, making it a valuable activity for health and social engagement.
For everyone involved in the pickleball community, whether you are a player, a fan, or a vendor catering to this vibrant crowd, the Orange County Cup serves to inspire continued participation and passion for the sport. As we gear up for the next set of tournaments, expect to see more engaging matches that bring players and communities together.
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