"Shouldn't be taken seriously as a professional sport" - Fans baffled by pickleball No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters celebrating after losing to Tyra Black

Several tennis fans were left perplexed when they witnessed World No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters celebrating following her defeat at the hands of Hurricane Tyra Black.

Pickleball is a unique paddle sport that blends elements from tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It has gained significant recognition as the fastest-growing sport in America.

Although pickleball is more popular among older adults due to its less physically demanding nature, the paddle sport has recently captivated a younger demographic too, with numerous aspiring players joining the professional tour.

The appeal of the sport lies in its accessibility and simplicity. The rules are straightforward, allowing beginners to quickly grasp the sport.

Recently at the Professional Tour of Pickleball (PPA Tour) Takeya Showcase 2023, Anna Leigh Waters faced off against Hurricane Tyra Black. During the match, Waters made a shot that landed outside the designated line, resulting in a victory for Black.

Surprisingly, despite losing, Waters continued to celebrate, leaving several fans in a state of shock and confusion. Even the commentators were left bewildered by her unexpected display of jubilation.

A number of fans took to social media to voice their astonishment and bewilderment at Anna Leigh Waters' celebration. One fan remarked that while the incident was amusing, it highlighted why pickleball should not be regarded as a serious professional sport.

Another fan expressed their opinion that the trending game is an "unserious" sport, with the Waters-Black incident serving as a prime example of that.

"How about fixing the tennis courts in the city" – Serena Williams' ex-coach Rennae Stubbs on pickleball

Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs has been vocal about her dislike of pickleball.

A significant number of tennis and basketball courts across the United States have been transformed into pickleball courts, a development that has sparked considerable discontent among sports fans.

Recently, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation made an announcement about the unveiling of five new complimentary pickleball courts at Riverside Park. However, the news has not been received favorably by Rennae Stubbs, who vehemently criticized the department for prioritizing the construction of those courts over the much-needed repair of damaged tennis courts throughout the city.

About the author

Since joining Sportskeeda as a journalist in January 2023, Sreeja has remained steadfast in delivering thorough coverage of the tennis world. Her bachelor's degree in English has proven invaluable, with over 1000 articles already under her belt for the company.

While writing, Sreeja prioritizes reliability by sourcing information from credible outlets and presenting various perspectives to her readers. She regularly keeps track of updates by closely monitoring the official websites of WTA and ATP, as well as the social media profiles of prominent journalists.

Sreeja draws inspiration from Rafael Nadal's unparalleled dominance on clay courts and Steffi Graf's remarkable career trajectory, while also holding Novak Djokovic in high esteem. Her passion for tennis reaches its peak during the Australian Open and the French Open, particularly relishing the clay court matches.

When she is not collecting information about tennis, she fills her time with reading and playing darts while also keeping her finger on the pulse of pop culture.

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