Anna Leigh Waters to Bring Global Pickleball Spotlight to Manila This October

 

Manila is set to become a major stop in the international pickleball calendar this October as Anna Leigh Waters, the current world No. 1, brings her skills and the latest developments in the sport to the Philippines.

Waters will begin a four-country Southeast Asian tour in Manila before continuing to Malaysia, Hong Kong and Vietnam. The regional showcase is being organized by Franklin Sports, one of the major equipment brands in global pickleball.

The Philippine leg carries particular significance as the country continues to record rapid expansion in the sport. Franklin Sports reported a 1,213% year-over-year growth rate for the Philippine pickleball market, making it the fastest-growing market in its global portfolio and placing the country among the company’s key priorities for international development.

For Filipino players and enthusiasts, Waters’ visit provides an opportunity to see one of the sport’s leading competitors in action while gaining exposure to equipment and innovations being developed for elite-level play.

Franklin Sports said the Manila showcase forms part of its broader effort to strengthen pickleball communities outside North America and connect professional players with rapidly developing markets.

The event will also put attention on Franklin’s latest paddle technology. Waters recently appeared in a viral September 2 Instagram post featuring an all-black paddle marked with a prominent white question mark in front of her Times Square billboard in New York City. The paddle is connected to an upcoming Franklin product launch and was the equipment Waters used during her Major League Pickleball finals victory.

Another centerpiece of the showcase will be the Franklin X-40 pickleball. The company identifies the X-40 as its flagship ball, with more than 75% of the North American market according to Franklin. The ball is used across major competitions and organizations, including the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour, the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, APP Tour, Pickleball Slam and USA Pickleball, as well as more than 1,000 tournaments worldwide.

Franklin has also announced plans for another addition to its ball lineup. The company is preparing to introduce the X-44, described as a faster-playing ball endorsed by Waters, with its launch expected around the end of the year.

The growing Philippine market also gives local players greater access to Franklin equipment. Its paddles, balls, bags, footwear and accessories are available through retail partners such as Decathlon, Toby’s Sports, Chris Sports and Juego PH.

Franklin Sports has positioned Waters’ Southeast Asian tour as both a competitive showcase and a platform for expanding the sport’s international reach. Her Manila appearance comes as pickleball continues to transition from a fast-growing recreational activity into an increasingly organized global sport with professional tours, major tournaments and expanding commercial markets.

Details on the Manila venue, playing schedule and opportunities for fans to interact with Waters are expected to be announced in the coming weeks through Franklin Pickleball’s official Facebook and Instagram channels.