Highlights: Anna Leigh Waters Gets Real on ESPN's SportsCenter

Waters sat down with host Christine Williamson onsite from the MLP Mid-Season Tournament to address the pickleball haters, the pressure she feels as the world no. 1, and her Olympic dreams.

The interview was a much-hyped appearance as part of ESPN's "50 States in 50 Days" tour.

Waters is competing to defend her team’s title at the Major League Pickleball Mid-Season Tournament in Grand Rapids, MI, and remains focused but optimistic: “I’m just taking it kind of match by match, but I know we’ve won it before, so we can win it again,” she told host Christine Williamson.

Despite her dominance, Waters admitted she was once a skeptic: “Before I started playing, I was honestly one of those doubters. Once I got on the court, I was like, 'I get the hype.'”

Waters fielded the question everyone expected: What do you say to those people who question whether pickleball is a real sport?

She credited pickleball’s rapid rise to its accessibility and community: “Any age, any gender can play. When I was 10 years old I was playing with my 70-year-old grandfather.”

As for the pro tournament vibes: "Immaculate," she said, encouraging anyone who hasn't already to get out and experience the sport in person for themselves.

Waters also dreams of an Olympic debut for the sport: “Selfishly, it would mean a lot to me because I would love to compete and represent the US … but for pickleball, I think it would be huge. It would add another level.”

Finally, despite the constant pressure of being world no. 1, Anna Leigh credited pickleball with growing as a person.

"I'm just having a blast and enjoying every moment of it," she said.

Watch the full interview below: