Sun, Sweat & Smashes: The 2025 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships Deliver High Drama in Naples
The 2025 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships once again turned East Naples Community Park into the epicenter of America’s fastest-growing sport. With thousands of fans flooding the bleachers and walkways, pickleball’s most electric event brought together seasoned legends, rising stars, and unforgettable matchups under the sweltering Florida sun. Championship Saturday, the crescendo of a weeklong celebration of grit and community, proved once again why Naples has earned its title as the Pickleball Capital of the World.
Agassi makes his pro debut with Anna Leigh Waters
In a much-anticipated debut, tennis legend Andre Agassi teamed up with 18-year-old phenom Anna Leigh Waters at the 2025 Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships. Their mixed pro division match against the youthful duo of 13-year-old Stevie Petropouleas and 16-year-old Tristan Dussault was a thrilling contest.
Agassi and Waters secured a hard-fought victory with scores of 11-8, 9-11, 11-7. Despite their initial triumph, Agassi and Waters' journey in the tournament concluded in the subsequent round. In the next round, they faced Trang Huynh-McClain and Len Yang, where their run came to an end. Nonetheless, Agassi's foray into professional pickleball was met with enthusiasm, both from fans and the broader pickleball community. His participation not only underscored the sport's growing appeal but also bridged the gap between tennis and pickleball enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Waters continued to demonstrate her dominance in the sport, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in the pickleball world.
Young Guns Take the Spotlight in Men’s Doubles
When Jack Munro and (previously mentioned) Len Yang stepped onto the court for the Men’s Pro Doubles final, it was clear the next generation of pickleball had arrived. Both just 21 years old, Munro and Yang took on the seasoned pairing of Ryler DeHeart and Richard Livornese in a matchup that felt more like a heavyweight bout than a weekend tournament.
The first game had fans gasping with every point. DeHeart and Livornese mounted a furious rally after falling behind 9-3, eventually forcing the game to a nerve-wracking 14-12 finish that Munro and Yang narrowly claimed. The second game showcased why Munro is so good,kedown to clinch gold.
“I have to thank Jack a lot,” said a visibly emotional Yang, who credited Munro not just for the win, but for giving him his start in pro pickleball. “He took a chance on me.”
For DeHeart and Livornese, the loss was bittersweet, but their rally from behind gave the crowd every ounce of drma it could ask for. “It always helps when your partner's eyes are unreal,” Livornese said of DeHeart. “I really enjoyed being here.”
Waters Rise Again in Women’s Doubles
There’s a unique magic to watching Anna Leigh Waters and her mother, Leigh, take the court together—an energy that’s both familial and ferocious. The dynamic duo defended their title in commanding fashion, breezing past Megan Fudge and Jillian Braverman in straight games: 11-0, 11-4.
At just 18, Anna Leigh already carries herself like a seasoned champion. Her poise, paired with Leigh’s strategic shot placement, created a wave that Braverman and Fudge simply couldn’t withstand.
This win was also a bit of redemption for Anna Leigh, who fell short earlier in the tournament while playing mixed doubles alongside tennis icon Andre Agassi. But Saturday was a reminder: when she’s with Mom, the Waters can’t be stopped.
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Munro and Fudge Go for Double Gold
In a tournament brimming with standout performances, few shone brighter than Jack Munro and Megan Fudge. Hours after their respective wins in other divisions, the duo came together to capture Mixed Pro Doubles gold with a steady, composed victory over Riley Bohnert and Richard Livornese.
“I'm just here for the ride,” Munro joked afterward. “I'm just serving and returning, and she's doing everything else.”
Fudge was indeed sensational all day, and this win cemented her as one of the weekend’s biggest stars. The chemistry between her and Munro was palpable—not just in their play, but in their easy smiles and appreciation for the crowd, who roared with approval throughout the match.
Queen Fudge Rules Singles Court
The day’s most complete performance may have belonged to Megan Fudge, who dismantled Bobbi Oshiro in the Women’s Pro Singles final with surgical precision. Winning 11-4, 11-7, Fudge stayed calm, composed, and utterly focused, navigating the court like a grandmaster on a chessboard.
“I just feel like I’m playing chess out there,” Fudge said, praising her coach for morning game plans that helped her adapt to each opponent.
The match’s rally sequences showed Fudge’s dominance not just in skill but in stamina—her relentless pace and ability to wear down Oshiro in the Naples heat gave her an edge that was impossible to overcome.
Haworth's Redemption in Men's Singles
For Chris Haworth, the Men’s Pro Singles final wasn’t just another match—it was personal. After losing in last year’s title match, Haworth returned with purpose and poise, defeating Grayson Goldin 11-3, 11-6 to secure his first US Open gold.
“This time, I wasn’t going to leave it to chance,” Haworth said. “I wanted to put on a show for you guys.”
And he did. Using aggressive court positioning and exploiting Goldin’s occasional net play errors, Haworth turned their deep familiarity—having played each other six times this year—into a tactical advantage.
The two, who also play as doubles partners, shared a warm moment post-match. “We warmed up together this morning,” Haworth noted. “We know each other’s games inside and out. It can always go either way.”
Pickleball’s Woodstock? Maybe Better
Beyond the medals and milestones, what makes the US Open in Naples, so special is the vibe. East Naples Community Park transforms into a vibrant festival—families grilling burgers in the parking lot, kids getting autographs from pros, live music echoing through palm-lined walkways, and thousands of spectators who are just as passionate about the sport as the players themselves.
Vendors lined the park, offering everything from the newest paddle tech to local eats and ice-cold refreshments—a necessity in the relentless Florida sun. The Pickleball Fan Village was buzzing all week, as visitors from across the U.S. and beyond soaked in the sport's infectious energy.
It’s more than just a tournament. It’s a celebration of community, athleticism, and the joyful chaos that is pickleball. If there was any lingering doubt about the sport’s staying power, this weekend in Naples squashed it with every volley.
Final Thoughts
From rising stars like Len Yang to established queens like Anna Leigh Waters and Megan Fudge, the 2025 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships offered something for everyone—a dazzling blend of competition, camaraderie, and culture.
Pickleball may still be young compared to other sports, but in Naples this week, it felt every bit like a grand slam.
