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.
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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.
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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…