On May 6th, 2018, a significant event took place in the world of pickleball. The first-ever US Open Pickleball Championships concluded at the East Naples Community Park in Naples, Florida. The tournament, which began on April 23rd, attracted over 1,300 players from 42 states and 15 countries, making it the largest pickleball tournament in history at the time.

The event featured both professional and amateur divisions, with players competing in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories across various age groups. The championship matches were aired on CBS Sports Network, marking a significant milestone in the sport's growing popularity and media coverage.

In the men's pro singles final, Tyson McGuffin, a 28-year-old from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, defeated Kyle Yates of Fort Myers, Florida, in a thrilling five-game match. McGuffin's victory solidified his position as one of the top pickleball players in the world and helped to further popularize the sport among younger athletes.

The women's pro singles final featured an equally exciting match between Simone Jardim of Florida and Catherine Parenteau of Michigan. Jardim, a former professional tennis player, showcased her skills and experience, ultimately clinching the title in a closely contested battle.

The 2018 US Open Pickleball Championships not only provided a platform for top players to showcase their talents but also helped to raise the profile of the sport and attract new players from around the world. The success of this event paved the way for future tournaments and contributed to the rapid growth of pickleball in the years that followed.