EN GAIN
The 2023 US Open was held at the wonderful public East Naples Community Park in Naples , Florida , where the Collier County administration began supporting pickleball early in the boom and continues to make improvements to the 64-court facility . The tournament is billed as “ The Biggest Pickleball Party in the World ” and acceptance is done by a lottery .
Local stars Simone Jardim , two-time US Open Triple Crown Champion , and Kyle Yates , six-time Pro Champion , were crowd favorites and pickleball always seems to have new rising stars at each tournament . Professional referee Melody Woodsum says , “ Every year the tournament is evolving , and new talent appears . The owners of the Open are always responsive to feedback and act quickly to make changes . Everyone should come to watch .”
For pickleball aficionados , there ’ s an opportunity to observe the play up close and personal . Even if you don ’ t have a ticket to the championship court , you can watch the top players on the field courts — or catch Simone Jardim at the Joola tent . The vendors play a huge role in showcasing their players and the latest equipment . Or you can have a sit-down couch chat with a pickleball specialist under the new Welcome Center highlighted by a Jumbotron showing live play .
Total Pickleball ’ s Tim Buwick was happy to give his perspective , explaining “ pickleball is here to stay . Tennis in the ’ 70s was driven by the top pros . Pickleball is driven by a grassroots movement which , in turn , gave birth to pro tours . People are getting into the sport because of their neighbors . Pickleball is so accessible . It is the soccer of racket sports . There is a low barrier to enter .”
Pro Men ’ s Singles and Pro Mixed Doubles Champion Hunter Johnson . Photo by Bruce Yeung ; IG : @ yeungphotography .
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MAY / JUNE 2023 | MAGAZINE 37