Pickleball Magazine 2019 USA National Championships WD | Page 19

mindset that I wanted to play loose,
trust my shots, and if I did that, I was
confident I would pull out the victory.”
Away from the textbooks and
lecture halls as a Terrapin, Johns
has had the opportunity to hone his
pickleball skills and it certainly has
paid off. “While I’m not in school over
the summer, I get to play a lot more,
and this fall I was taking practice
more seriously—working out and
staying in playing shape. So, I think I
owe the recent success to those two
things,” added Johns. “I would also
say the biggest improvement for me
this year is developing my two-handed
backhand into a weapon and not a
liability. It has really been feeling good
lately and I know there’s still plenty of
room for improvement.”
Not much room for improvement
though at the venue, Indian Wells
Tennis Garden, according to
Johns: “There’s a definite
level of prestige and
seriousness associated with
the Indian Wells facility. The venue
and atmosphere are amazing. It’s
spectacular for the sport’s growth
as well as the players and fans.
I’m looking forward to what more
will come of this and what Indian
Wells has in store for next year.”
On the women’s side, it hasn’t taken
long for the mother-daughter tandem
of Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters to
stake their claim as one of the top
doubles teams in the world. Coming
off a win at the 2019 Tournament of
Champions, the Waters were ready to
take on the sport’s elite at Nationals.
And with a fairly easy run to the semi-
finals in the Women’s Doubles Open
division, they faced off against the
formidable duo of Irina Tereschenko
and Lucy Kovalova.
Lucy Kovalova takes silver in the Women’s Pro Singles and
bronze, with partner Matt Wright, in Mixed Pro Doubles.
2019 USA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS EDITION |
CONTINUED >>>>
MAGAZINE 17