Anna Bright and Andrei Daescu claimed The Dink Award's "Upset of the Year" with 26.5% of the vote, a remarkable achievement considering the highly competitive category. Their victory over the dominant Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns, who hadn’t lost a match in nearly a year, was one of the most shocking moments of the season. It wasn’t just about the win itself but how Bright and Daescu handled the pressure in one of the toughest finals, making their triumph even more memorable.

‍

Their ”Upset of the Year” win resonated with fans, who saw it as a refreshing change in a sport often dominated by top teams like Waters and Johns. Bright and Daescu’s upset was more than just a victory over the favorites; it was a moment that captured the excitement and unpredictability of pickleball.

‍

“The fact that so many people took the time to vote and that we received so much support is incredibly exciting,” Bright said. “What resonated with fans was probably the fact that we were the only team to beat Ben and Anna Leigh in 2024. It was a special moment for everyone, and I think people enjoy seeing a bit of variety in the results. They’re so good, so it made our win that much more meaningful.”

‍

The Match That Shocked the Pickleball World

When the mixed doubles final kicked off at the PPA Austin Open, it was clear that the match would be no ordinary competition. With both Bright and Daescu feeling calm and collected, they stepped onto the court ready for what would become an unforgettable clash. Despite playing in their first PPA event together, their chemistry, honed over the past year through the Orlando Squeeze at MLP, proved to be a powerful asset.

‍

“We were staying at the same host’s house in Austin, and we actually drove to the venue together,” Bright explained. “We’d watched some film the night before and were feeling calm going into the match. Andrei said, ‘They’re not going to outcompete us,’ and that really set the tone. I personally find that I play my best against Anna Leigh when I go into matches with a calm, 'whatever happens, happens' mindset.”

‍

Bright and Daescu would go on to win in three straight games, 11-3, 11-9, 11-3, a feat that seemed improbable against the dominant Waters and Johns. The result was especially remarkable because beating a team like Waters and Johns, who had rarely lost a match in the past year, was an immense challenge. Bright admits that starting strong in each game was critical to securing the win.

‍

“Beating any team in three games in a final is difficult, but sweeping Ben and Anna Leigh is absolutely insane,” Bright noted. “I definitely owe them a few more sweeps, but I don’t think I’ll get them. The key for us was a strong start in every game. Anna Leigh tends to get hot in game two, so it was essential that we did everything we could to stop that momentum and keep them from running away with it.”

‍

The wind and difficult conditions during the match added another layer of complexity. However, these challenges seemed to play in Bright and Daescu’s favor, allowing them to stay scrappy and composed while Waters and Johns struggled to adapt.

‍

“The weather definitely helped us,” Bright admitted. “Windy conditions are often a good opportunity for underdogs, and we definitely handled the adversity better than they did. The most important thing in those conditions is to be scrappy and get the balls in play. We didn’t give up many free points, which really helped us out.”

‍

A Crucial Turning Point

The match reached a pivotal moment in game two when Bright and Daescu, after trailing 8-4, managed to fight back and win the game. This turn of events seemed to shake Waters and Johns, giving Bright and Daescu the confidence they needed to finish the job in game three.

‍

“When we won game two and stopped Anna Leigh from getting hot, I thought we had a very good chance,” Bright said. “I felt like they started to crumble a bit in game three, and that’s when we knew we could really take control of the match.”

‍

Bright and Daescu’s shared competitive spirit and the bond they had built off the court were vital components of their success. Both are known for their no-nonsense approach to competition, and their drive to win is clear.

‍

“The prior experience definitely helped,” Bright shared. “Andrei and I really like each other, and we compete well together. We have very similar dispositions on the court. We’re both extremely competitive, hate missing shots, and we don’t joke around too much. That focused mentality really worked in our favor.”

‍

Waters and Johns clearly faced their struggles in the final. Bright also believes their approach to the match played a role in their loss.

‍

“I think they might have taken us a bit for granted,” Bright said. “They came out a bit casual, and the weather conditions affected them more than they expected. We really took advantage of those circumstances.”

‍

Bright’s Tennis Background: A Key Factor

Bright’s background in tennis, where she played on the UC Berkeley women’s varsity team and earned a career-high national ranking of #13, gave her a solid foundation in the sport. Her proficiency with a racket and understanding of footwork gave her an edge in pickleball, but she quickly realized there was much more to the game.

‍

“A tennis background definitely gives you a huge leg up in pickleball,” Bright explained. “The main thing is already having racket skills and footwork down, but there’s still so much to learn about pickleball-specific skills. It’s a different game, but it definitely helped me adjust quickly.”

‍

Her journey from tennis to pickleball has shaped her into a formidable competitor, and she is now focusing on achieving even more in her pickleball career.

‍

Looking Ahead: Bright’s Goals for 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, Bright has set her sights on new challenges and goals. She hopes to make a mark in the upcoming MLP season and is particularly focused on growing her mixed doubles and women’s doubles game.

‍

“I’d love to win this year’s MLP season,” Bright said. “My partner Rachel and I would love to unseat Anna Leigh and Catherine as the consensus number one women’s doubles team. I don’t expect we’ll beat them 100% of the time, but I’d like to see us win more often than not. I also hope to top the mountain and secure more wins against Anna Leigh and Ben in mixed doubles.”

‍

As Bright continues her rise in the pickleball world, her determination to improve is clear. With more wins in sight, 2025 promises to be another exciting year for this talented athlete.

‍

Grateful for the Support

Bright expressed her appreciation for the fans who supported her and Daescu throughout their journey to victory. She acknowledged how much their votes meant to her and Daescu, especially in such a competitive field.

‍

“I’m so grateful to everyone who voted for us! Your support really means a lot,” Bright said.

‍

It’s clear that the recognition from fans is something Bright deeply values as she continues her journey in pickleball. The connection with her fans remains a significant part of her drive to keep pushing for new achievements.

‍