Five Champions Crowned as 2025 US Open Pickleball Championships Wrap Up Thrilling Week
What's the Score?
The 2025 US Open Pickleball Championships have concluded at East Naples Community Park in Florida, capping off a week of intense competition. The ninth annual event saw five pro-level champions crowned across the men's, women's, and mixed doubles and singles divisions. The tournament featured appearances from top-ranked players as well as breakout performances from emerging talents.
Hit it deeper!
Held at the bustling East Naples Community Park in Florida, the 2025 US Open Pickleball Championships marked its ninth edition this year. The event drew thousands of passionate fans throughout the week, culminating in Championship Saturday on May 3rd where the pro finals took place. Five champions were ultimately crowned across the professional divisions.
In the highly anticipated women's pro doubles final, the dynamic duo of Anna Leigh Waters and her mother, Leigh Waters, successfully defended their title, winning their second consecutive US Open championship. The top-ranked pair showcased a dominant performance in the final, defeating Jillian Braverman and Megan Fudge in straight sets, 11-0 and 11-4, in just 29 minutes. Earlier in the week, Anna Leigh Waters had also teamed up with tennis legend Andre Agassi in mixed doubles, but she rebounded strongly for the doubles win.
The men's pro doubles title was claimed by the promising young pair of Jack Munro and Len Yang, both 21 years old. They secured their championship with a two-set victory over Ryler DeHeart and Richard Livornese, winning 14-12 and 11-5. The final followed a demanding three-set semifinal win for Munro and Yang against Armaan Bhatia and Harsh Mehta. After the match, Len Yang expressed gratitude to his partner, stating, "I have to thank Jack a lot. I just moved to Austin in February. Jack took a chance on me in this tournament. I owe him a lot". Richard Livornese, despite the loss, praised his partner's vision on the court.
Jack Munro had a remarkable weekend, not only winning the men's doubles but also taking home the mixed pro doubles title. He teamed up with Megan Fudge to defeat Riley Bohnery and Richard Livornese. Following their win, Munro credited Fudge, saying, "I'm just here for the ride. I'm just serving and returning and she's doing everything else… This was one of the best crowds all week". Megan Fudge also showcased her prowess in singles, winning the women's pro singles gold medal. She overcame Bobbi Oshiro in two sets, 11-4 and 11-7, attributing her aggressive play and calm execution to her coach's game plan. Both Munro and Fudge were highlighted for winning multiple gold medals at the event.
The final pro title awarded was the men's pro singles championship, which went to Chris Haworth. This marked Haworth's maiden US Open singles title. He defeated Grayson Goldin in two sets, 11-3 and 11-6, focusing on moving Goldin around the court. Haworth noted it was a significant improvement from his final loss the previous year and was determined to "put on a show". He also commented on warming up with Goldin that morning, acknowledging they knew each other's games well. The tournament successfully demonstrated the strength of both established top players and the rapid emergence of new talent in professional pickleball.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The 2025 US Open Pickleball Championships reaffirmed its status as a major event in the sport, drawing significant crowds and featuring high-level play. The results demonstrate a healthy mix of established dominance, exemplified by Anna Leigh Waters' continued success, and the rise of a new generation of stars, highlighted by the multi-medal wins from Jack Munro and Megan Fudge and the men's doubles victory by the young pair of Munro and Len Yang. Chris Haworth's first US Open singles title also signifies players reaching new peaks in their careers. The tournament serves as a vital barometer for the competitive landscape, indicating that while some familiar faces remain at the top, emerging talent is rapidly challenging for titles, suggesting a bright and competitive future for professional pickleball.