In a twist no one saw coming, the world of pickleball was shaken today as Ben Johns—widely regarded as the sport’s greatest player—proposed to his longtime on-court partner and fellow champion, Anna Leigh Waters, during a live exhibition match in Palm Springs, California. The crowd gasped, the cameras zoomed in, and social media went into a frenzy. As fans scrambled to verify the moment, many were left speechless, wondering if this was real life or a brilliantly orchestrated publicity stunt.
But it was real. Very real.
Just after clinching a hard-fought mixed doubles win against their top rivals, Johns dropped to one knee near the baseline, pulling a small velvet box from his paddle bag. Anna Leigh, visibly stunned and emotional, covered her mouth with her hands as Johns smiled and asked, “Will you be my forever doubles partner?”
The crowd erupted. Fans in the stands stood to their feet in applause, some in tears, others with jaws hanging open. Anna Leigh, 18, who has taken the pickleball world by storm since her early teens, paused for a long second before nodding and embracing Johns in front of the roaring stadium.
While both athletes have shared years of championship titles, training sessions, and worldwide tours, they’ve kept their personal relationship largely under wraps—making today’s proposal all the more shocking. Rumors of a budding romance have swirled for months, but nothing had been confirmed until now.
“None of us expected this,” said fellow pro Riley Newman, who was watching from the sidelines. “They’re incredible on the court, but I guess now they’re even stronger off it.”
Social media platforms lit up instantly, with hashtags like #PickleballProposal, #BenAndAnna, and #ServeOfALifetime trending globally within minutes. Some fans expressed pure joy and admiration, calling it the “ultimate pickleball love story.” Others were surprised, especially given the pair’s strict professionalism and reserved public personas.
“This changes everything,” tweeted one fan. “From partners to life partners?! I’m in tears.”
Still, not all reactions were celebratory. A small segment of the pickleball community raised concerns about power dynamics, considering Johns’ older age and veteran status in the sport. Others questioned how the engagement might affect their on-court chemistry and tournament eligibility as a professional duo.
But for now, those concerns seem far away.
In a brief post-match interview, Anna Leigh addressed the crowd, holding back tears. “Ben and I have grown together through this sport. We’ve pushed each other, believed in each other, and now… we’re taking the biggest step yet.”
Johns added, “We’ve won titles. But this? This is the biggest win of my life.”
Whether fans approve or simply watch in awe, one thing is certain—this proposal has left a permanent mark on pickleball history. As for what comes next, one can only assume the wedding will be just as legendary as their careers.
Love, like pickleball, is about timing—and Ben Johns served his moment flawlessly.