2021 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships Recap
After a year-long hiatus due to COVID-19, the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships were finally held from April 18 to April 24, 2021, in Naples, Florida. Participants and spectators alike were clearly eager to return and the event was a huge success.
This year’s event was the largest in its history, drawing more than 2,000 participants from 48 states and 13 countries. The event was made possible by upwards of 500 volunteers, who hosted about 50,000 attendees over the seven-day span. The number of matches played was record-breaking; Thursday alone saw 951 matches.
Professionals and other skilled players participated in women’s doubles and singles and men’s doubles and singles tournaments in the hopes of leaving with the gold medals. Although players came from all over the world, Naples locals had some of the best showings in the pro department.
Women’s Doubles Pro
Catherine Parenteau and Callie Smith beat out Simone Jardim and Lucy Kovalova to win gold in this category.
Women’s Singles Pro
Irina Tereschenko took home the gold in women’s pro singles, while her opponent, Lea Jansen, won the silver medal.
Men’s Doubles Pro
Brothers Ben and Collin Johns came out on top in this category, defeating Adam Stone and Dekel Bar.
Men’s Singles Pro
Ben Johns dominated in both doubles and singles, winning a match against Tyson McGuffin to take home another gold medal.
After a tumultuous year and the 2020 tournament canceled, the 2021 championship was certainly one to remember. Next year’s tournament will be held April 23-30, 2022, once again in Naples, Florida.
