🏆 US Open Pickleball Championships 2025: Rising Stars and Familiar Faces Shine in Naples
Thousands of pickleball enthusiasts gathered once again at East Naples Community Park for the ninth edition of the US Open Pickleball Championships, held on Saturday, May 3, 2025. This year’s event brought together the sport’s biggest names and rising stars for a championship showdown that didn’t disappoint.
From electrifying performances by newcomers to powerful displays by seasoned champions, here’s a detailed breakdown of Championship Saturday and the five pro titles awarded.
👩👧 Women’s Pro Doubles: Anna Leigh & Leigh Waters Dominate Again
At just 18 years old, Anna Leigh Waters continues to redefine greatness in the sport of pickleball. On Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the East Naples Community Park, she once again proved why she remains ranked No. 1 in the world as she claimed gold in Women’s Pro Doubles—and did so alongside her mother, Leigh Waters.
👩👧 A Dynamic Mother-Daughter Duo
The chemistry between Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters is nothing short of magical. Their seamless coordination, mutual trust, and complementary play styles were on full display during the Women’s Pro Doubles gold medal match. The pair faced off against the strong team of Jillian Braverman and Megan Fudge, but made it clear early on that they were in complete control.
In a stunning opening set, the Waters duo delivered a dominant 11-0 shutout, leaving no room for doubt about their championship intent. They followed that up with a convincing 11-4 win in the second set, closing out the match in under 29 minutes.
“We were focused, confident, and determined,” Anna Leigh said post-match. “There’s nothing like playing beside my mom and sharing this journey together.”
🧬 Legacy in the Making
This victory marked back-to-back US Open titles in Women’s Pro Doubles for Anna Leigh and Leigh, solidifying their legacy as one of the most iconic duos in the sport’s history. While many teenage athletes might buckle under pressure, Anna Leigh thrives on the big stage.
She had entered the tournament with hopes of success in multiple categories. Though she and tennis legend Andre Agassi fell short in the second round of Mixed Doubles, Anna Leigh refused to let that moment define her tournament.
Instead, she bounced back with determination and flair, putting on a clinic of agility, accuracy, and aggressive court coverage alongside her mother.
👊 Men’s Pro Doubles: Jack Munro & Len Yang Claim Gold
Jack Munro and Len Yang, a pair of 21-year-old emerging talents, defeated Ryler DeHeart and Richard Livornese in a thrilling final. The match started with a nail-biting 14-12 first set, followed by a more decisive 11-5 victory in the second.
“I owe him a lot,” said Yang, reflecting on his partnership with Munro after moving to Austin earlier this year.
The duo had to battle hard to reach the finals, surviving a tight semifinal against Armaan Bhatia and Harsh Mehta, which they won 11-6, 7-11, 12-10.
Despite the loss, DeHeart and Livornese displayed incredible resilience, coming back from a 9-3 deficit in the first set and forcing extended play.
🔄 Mixed Pro Doubles: Jack Munro & Megan Fudge Strike Gold
Jack Munro returned to the court for his second title of the day, teaming up with Megan Fudge to defeat Riley Bohnery and Richard Livornese in the Mixed Pro Doubles final.
“She’s doing everything,” Munro said humbly about Fudge’s stellar play. “I’m just here for the ride.”
The pair’s teamwork and energy helped them control the match from the first serve to the final point.
🏃♀️ Women’s Pro Singles: Megan Fudge Overcomes the Heat
Megan Fudge wasn’t done yet—after her gold in mixed doubles, she went on to defeat Bobbi Oshiro in the Women’s Pro Singles final, winning 11-4 and 11-7.
Her tactical mastery and ability to force errors kept Oshiro on the defensive for most of the match.
“I feel like I’m playing chess out there,” Fudge said. “Credit to my coach for helping me stay calm and focused.”
The double-gold performance solidified Fudge’s status as one of the premier all-around players of the tournament.
🧱 Men’s Pro Singles: Chris Hayworth Redeems Himself
After falling short in the 2024 final, Chris Hayworth returned with a mission, defeating Grayson Goldin in a dominant 11-3, 11-6 victory to claim his first US Open gold medal.
“I wasn’t going to come out and play a bad match again,” Hayworth said. “This one was for the fans.”
The win was especially impressive considering Hayworth and Goldin have met multiple times this season—and even warmed up together the morning of the match. Their familiarity brought an added edge to the final.
🎉 Final Thoughts: A Championship Full of Heart and Hustle
The 2025 US Open Pickleball Championships brought a perfect blend of youthful energy, veteran experience, and emotional victories. Newcomers like Len Yang made their mark, while stars like Megan Fudge and Anna Leigh Waters continued to cement their legacies.
Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard pickleball player, this year’s championship offered something for everyone—and the future of the sport looks brighter than ever.
