2025 US Open Pickleball Championships: Highlights and Recaps from Naples, Florida

A Look Back at the Exciting Matches and Medal Winners

Anna Leigh Waters and Leigh Waters Shine at 2025 US Open Pickleball Championships

NAPLES, FLORIDA – May 3, 2025 — In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, Anna Leigh Waters and her mother, Leigh Waters, clinched the gold medal in the Women’s Pro Doubles at the 2025 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships, held at East Naples Community Park. The dynamic duo triumphed over Megan Fudge and Jillian Braverman, dominating the final match with a decisive score of 0-4.

The US Open, once a highlight of the pro pickleball calendar, faced challenges this year due to exclusive contracts limiting participation from top players. For the third consecutive year, UPA-signed players were barred from competing, leading to a noticeable dip in the quality of the pro draws. Despite this, the event still managed to attract attention, particularly with the compelling storyline of Anna Leigh Waters, who was granted a special carve-out to compete.

While the absence of many top-tier players was felt, the tournament still delivered memorable moments. Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters, who previously won the title in 2023, showcased their remarkable synergy on the court, reaffirming their status as a formidable pair in the sport.

Highlights from the Championships

Men’s Pro Singles:
Top seed Christopher Haworth secured gold, defeating No. 2 seed Grayson Goldin in a rematch of their previous APP encounters. Ammar Wazir surprised many by claiming bronze, while defending champion Jack Foster withdrew early, leaving fans eager for more.

Women’s Pro Singles:
Megan Fudge made a significant comeback, claiming gold after finishing second last year. She overcame four-time US Open champion Simone Jardim in the semifinals and defeated Bobbi Oshiro in the final.

Mixed Pro Doubles:
Megan Fudge and Jack Munro had an adventurous path to gold, defeating a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, including a dramatic match against Fudge’s husband, Ryler DeHeart.

Men’s Pro Doubles:
Jack Munro, paired with Len Yang, claimed gold despite not having his usual partner. They faced off against Ryler DeHeart and Richard Livornese in the final, showcasing Munro’s exceptional skills.

A Look Ahead

As the excitement of the US Open fades, the pickleball community looks forward to the upcoming Vlasic Classic in Cincinnati next weekend, followed by the PPA’s Atlanta Grand Slam and the APP’s NYC Open later in May. With the sport continuing to grow, fans can expect thrilling competitions and emerging talents on the horizon.

For complete results and updates, visit Pickleball Den and stay tuned for more action in the world of pro pickleball!