opponents and gave thanks to tournament founders Terri Graham and Chris Evon .
“ I ’ m not getting any younger . I ’ m getting older . It ’ s a privilege to play against Anna Leigh . The sky is the limit for this kid — she ’ s only going to get better . Terri and Chris , I ’ m so proud of what this tournament has become . We moved to Naples because of you , and it became our home . Naples will always be our home .”
The last point having special meaning since Jardim is soon moving to Nashville to get her country swing on .
The victorious Anna Leigh praised her mom on the stand . “ I don ’ t think you get enough credit . You ’ re an amazing player . Props to my mom .” The mutual admiration didn ’ t end there , as Leigh had plenty to say about returning to the game she loves and playing alongside her daughter .
“ The US Open is the only trophy we never had , so it is sweet to get it today . It ’ s an emotional day for me because I ’ ve been out with an ACL injury and didn ’ t know if I would ever play with Anna Leigh again ,” she said . “ But it was truly a blast to be here at the Open and play with Anna Leigh .”
Their love and support of Simone Jardim and what she has meant to the sport was evident as well . “ I didn ’ t even know what a Triple Crown was when I started coming to this event and Simone was winning them back-to-back ,” recalled Anna Leigh . “ I really looked up to her as a kid and what she was doing . One day I wanted to be just like her and here I am today .”
Anna Leigh partnered with JW Johnson in the mixed doubles final as they went up against the talented tandem of Megan Fudge and Andrei Daescu . Waters / Johnson jumped out to an early 8-1 lead in the first game and went on to win it 11-2 . More of the same in the second game , as they cruised to an 11-3 victory and the championship .
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Anna Leigh Waters hits a return volley as partner JW Johnson looks on in their Mixed Pro Doubles final against Megan
Fudge and Andrei Daescu .
PHOTO BY BELINDA DETTMAN