On September 27th in Pickleball History, a momentous event took place in 2019 that would forever change the landscape of the sport. It was the day when the first-ever US Open Pickleball Championships were held at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida.

The event attracted over 1,200 players from across the United States and beyond, all vying for the coveted title in their respective divisions. The atmosphere was electric as players and spectators alike were thrilled to be part of this historic occasion.

One of the highlights of the day was the intense Men's Pro Singles final between Ben Johns and Kyle Yates. The match was a thrilling display of skill, athleticism, and mental fortitude as both players battled it out on the court. In the end, it was Ben Johns who emerged victorious, claiming the first-ever US Open Pickleball Championships Men's Pro Singles title with a score of 11-8, 11-9.

The Women's Pro Singles final was equally impressive, with Simone Jardim taking on Irina Tereschenko. Jardim, known for her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive play style, proved too strong for Tereschenko, winning the match 11-5, 11-9 and becoming the inaugural Women's Pro Singles champion.

The event also featured exciting doubles competitions, with players teaming up to showcase their skills and teamwork. The Men's Pro Doubles final saw the powerhouse duo of Ben Johns and Collin Johns face off against the formidable team of Matt Wright and Riley Newman. In a closely contested match, the Johns brothers came out on top, securing the title with a score of 11-9, 11-9.

As the sun set on the USTA National Campus that day, the pickleball community celebrated not only the winners but also the incredible growth and recognition the sport had achieved. The first US Open Pickleball Championships set the stage for future tournaments and solidified pickleball's position as one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.

Today, as we look back on that memorable day in September, we can appreciate how far pickleball has come and the excitement it continues to generate among players and fans alike.