Andre Agassi, Anna Leigh Waters team up at US Open Pickleball Championships
Tennis legend Andre Agassi and pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters describe how they formed their partnership for the US Open Pickleball Championships.
- The US Open Pickleball Championships will take place in Naples, Florida, from April 11-18.
- Tennis legend Andre Agassi made his professional pickleball debut at last year’s event.
- General admission is free, but tickets are required for the main championship court.
The US Open Pickleball Championships will celebrate its 10th anniversary in Naples this week, boasting a field of top professionals and the event’s largest-ever purse.
More than 3,500 competitors of all ages and levels are scheduled to descend on East Naples Community Park for the tournament, which is set for April 11-18. Professional and amateur athletes alike, representing all 50 states and 53 different countries. will be playing on the park’s 60-plus courts. That includes more than 500 professionals competing for a purse of more than $160,000.
In the 2025 US Open, Megan Fudge won double gold, teaming with Jack Munro to win the mixed doubles championship and capturing the women’s singles crown. Munro was also a double champion, partnering with Len Yang to take the men’s double title. In other results, Anna Leigh Waters paired with her mother, Leigh Waters, to win the women’s double championship for the second consecutive season, with Chris Hayworth winning the men’s singles title.
However, tennis legend Andre Agassi delivered the tournament’s most celebrated performance, making his professional pickleball debut at the US Open and teaming with Anna Leigh Waters in mixed doubles. The pair won their opening match against the unheralded teenage tandem of 16-year-old Tristan Dussault and 13-year-old Stevie Petrpouleas in three sets, but lost their second.
Among the pros scheduled to compete at the 2026 US Open Pickleball Championships are Anna Leigh Waters, Leigh Waters, Megan Fudge, Sofia Sewing, Casey Diamond, Louis Laville, Aidan Schenk, Mark Dancuart, Ryler DeHeart, and Spencer Lanier.
How to get tickets for the 2026 US Open Pickleball Championships
Admission is free to view both pro and amateur matches during the tournament at East Naples Community Park. Tickets are only required for matches on the Zing Zang Championship Court. Due to high demand, ticket sales opened through a lottery system in February. However, tickets may also be sold at the park if space is available.
Where to park at the 2026 US Open Pickleball Championships
Guests can park at East Naples Community Park or at the offsite lot located at Sugden Park. The fee is $10 per day and weekly passes can be purchased for $60. No cash will be accepted. Parking is limited with a complimentary shuttle service available from the lots.
What should I bring to the 2026 US Open Pickleball Championships?
- Consider bringing a portable chair. Bleacher seating is set up around the grounds.
- Coolers are allowed, but no glass bottles or alcohol are permitted. Food and beverages, including alcoholic drinks, are available for purchase.
- Bring a hat or umbrella for shade.
- Most vendors accept credit cards and cash. There will not be an ATM on site.
- Dogs are welcome at the park but must be kept on a leash. Pets are NOT allowed inside the Zing Zang Championship Court.
Will the US Open Pickleball Championships be on TV?
Daily live streaming from the Zing Zang Championship Court will be broadcast on Pickleball Channel and PickleTV, which is available on YouTube and Facebook and at pickleballchannel.com.
CBS Sports Network will broadcast the US Open Pickleball Championships from noon to 6 p.m. on April 17 and from 5 to 9 p.m. on April 18.
Contact Sports Reporter Dan DeLuca at ddeluca@usatodayco.com. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.
