The 2025 Veolia Cape Coral Open, held from March 5 to 9 at the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center in Cape Coral, Florida, was one of the most anticipated pickleball events of the year. The tournament saw thrilling matches, major upsets, and historic achievements, with 17-year-old phenom Anna Leigh Waters securing her 31st career Triple Crown, further cementing her dominance in the sport.
Overview of the Veolia Cape Coral Open
The Veolia Cape Coral Open marked a significant milestone as Cape Coral’s inaugural major pickleball tournament. The event attracted top-tier professionals and enthusiastic amateurs, reflecting the sport’s rapid growth and widespread appeal. The Lake Kennedy Racquet Center, boasting 32 pickleball courts, served as an ideal venue for this prestigious tournament.
Tournament Highlights
- Dates: March 5-9, 2025
- Location: Lake Kennedy Racquet Center, Cape Coral, Florida
- Participants: Over 500 players, including world-renowned professionals and dedicated amateurs
- Prize Pool: $200,000 distributed among winners across different categories
- Spectator Turnout: More than 5,000 attendees over the five-day event
- Broadcast Coverage: Featured on major sports networks, increasing national exposure
- Weather Conditions: Sunny and warm, providing ideal playing conditions for competitors
Men’s Singles Recap
One of the biggest surprises of the tournament came in the Men’s Pro Singles category when 16-year-old Floridian John Lucian Goins, seeded No. 40, pulled off a stunning upset over world No. 1 Ben Johns in the quarterfinals. Goins, known for his agility and reach, showcased his potential as a future star. Despite falling in the semifinals, he secured a well-earned bronze medal.
Men’s Singles Results:
- Gold: Christian Alshon
- Silver: Jaume Martinez Vich
- Bronze: John Lucian Goins
Women’s Singles Recap
Anna Leigh Waters continued her dominant streak in women’s singles, cruising through the early rounds. In the finals, she faced Lea Jansen, who put up a spirited fight. Jansen showed resilience, mounting a late comeback attempt, but Waters’ precision and powerful baseline play proved too much to handle. With this victory, Waters secured her 31st career PPA Triple Crown.
Women’s Singles Results:
- Gold: Anna Leigh Waters
- Silver: Lea Jansen
- Bronze: Kate Fahey
Mixed Doubles Recap
After a rare defeat at the Mesa Cup, the No. 1 mixed doubles pair of Waters & Johns rebounded in Cape Coral, reclaiming their dominance. Their path to the final was met with challenges, particularly against the emerging duo of Jorja Johnson & Hayden Patriquin. However, their experience and tactical mastery secured them the title in a thrilling five-game final against Anna Bright & JW Johnson.
Mixed Doubles Results:
- Gold: Ben Johns & Anna Leigh Waters
- Silver: JW Johnson & Anna Bright
- Bronze: Christian Alshon & Catherine Parenteau
Men’s Doubles Recap
The men’s doubles draw saw unexpected team shuffles as Gabriel Tardio teamed up with his MLP partner Hayden Patriquin, instead of playing with Ben Johns. This led to a ripple effect, with players forming new pairings. In the end, Ben Johns & Andrei Daescu showcased impeccable chemistry and claimed the gold medal, overcoming a strong challenge from Alshon & Staksrud.
Men’s Doubles Results:
- Gold: Ben Johns & Andrei Daescu
- Silver: Christian Alshon & Federico Staksrud
- Bronze: JW Johnson & CJ Klinger
Women’s Doubles Recap
In women’s doubles, the rivalry between the No. 1 pair of Waters & Parenteau and the No. 2 duo of Bright & Rohrabacher continued. Waters & Parenteau extended their winning streak to nine straight PPA events, securing yet another gold medal. Their aggressive net play and Waters’ unmatched ability to generate offensive shots from defensive positions made the difference.
Women’s Doubles Results:
- Gold: Anna Leigh Waters & Catherine Parenteau
- Silver: Anna Bright & Rachel Rohrabacher
- Bronze: Irina Tereschenko & Vivienne David
Senior Open Competition Recap
The Florida location brought out many top senior pros, resulting in a competitive senior division.
Senior Pro Results:
- Men’s Senior Singles: Tonio Paternostro
- Men’s Senior Doubles: Altaf Merchant & Steve Deakin
- Women’s Senior Doubles: Karin Ptaszek-Kochis & Teresa Tarn
- Mixed Senior Doubles: Karin Ptaszek-Kochis & Mario Porcelli
The Growing Popularity of Pickleball
Pickleball has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, with millions of players nationwide. The Veolia Cape Coral Open is a testament to this surge in popularity, attracting both established professionals and passionate newcomers.
Key Factors Driving Pickleball’s Growth
- Accessibility: The sport is easy to learn and suitable for all ages.
- Community Engagement: More local clubs and tournaments are being established across the country.
- Televised Events: Increased media coverage has brought pickleball into mainstream sports.
- Sponsorships & Prize Money: Higher financial incentives are drawing top-tier athletes to the sport.
- Celebrity Endorsements: Stars from other sports and entertainment industries are joining the pickleball movement, increasing its visibility.
- International Expansion: More countries are adopting pickleball, leading to global tournaments.
Impact on the Pickleball Community
Waters’ achievements have significantly influenced the pickleball community, inspiring both current and aspiring players.
Inspiration for Aspiring Players
Her success story serves as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging young athletes to pursue excellence in pickleball. She regularly engages with fans through social media, sharing training tips and insights into her journey.
Elevating the Sport’s Profile
By consistently performing at high levels, Waters has played a pivotal role in elevating the sport’s profile, attracting media attention and new fans worldwide. Major sports networks are increasingly covering pickleball events, further solidifying its status as a mainstream sport.
Economic Boost to Local Communities
- Tourism Growth: Major pickleball events bring increased hotel bookings and restaurant traffic.
- Job Creation: More coaching, event management, and facility maintenance jobs.
- Local Business Involvement: Sponsorships from regional businesses help grow the sport.
Conclusion
Anna Leigh Waters’ 31st Triple Crown at the 2025 Veolia Cape Coral Open underscores her exceptional talent and dedication to pickleball. Her journey continues to inspire and shape the future of the sport, setting new benchmarks for excellence. With pickleball’s rapid expansion and growing audience, events like the Cape Coral Open will continue to play a crucial role in the sport’s evolution.
The impact of this event extends beyond just competition—it highlights the growth of pickleball, attracts new audiences, and strengthens the community around this dynamic sport. With players like Waters leading the charge, the future of pickleball looks brighter than ever.
Note: The information provided is based on available sources up to March 11, 2025.
