2026 Franklin US Open Championships Preview

The self proclaimed “Biggest Pickleball Party in the World” is back in action this week in Naples, Florida. 2026 marks the ten year anniversary of the inaugural US Open Championships, and each year they seem to get bigger and better.

Last year marked Andre Agassi’s first foray into professional pickleball, some upset winners, and a lot of sunshine. 

Weather Outlook

With lows in the mid to upper 60s and highs in the mid 80s, Naples is going to have picturesque weather throughout the week. The wind shouldn’t play a huge factor either, with sustained winds around 10mph. The Franklin X-40 ball will definitely play faster in the morning, and slow down throughout the day as the sun and heat increase.

Prize Money

Taking a look at the prize money, over $185,000 is on the line this week in Naples. 

This means if someone were to triple crown in the pro division, they are looking at a total of $22,000 plus the $3,000 triple crown bonus, for a total of $25,000 in payouts.

Schedule of Pro Events and How to Watch the US Open Championships

Tuesday, April 14 - Women’s and Men’s Singles to the semis - Pickleball Channel on YouTube

Wednesday, April 15 - Women’s and Men’s Doubles to the semis - Pickleball Channel on YouTube

Thursday, April 16 - Mixed Doubles to the semis - Pickleball Channel on YouTube

Friday, April 17 - Semifinals in all five Pro Divisions - CBS Sports Network

Saturday, April 18 - Championship Saturday - CBS Sports Network

How to Follow Along

The US Open uses Pickleball Den to house the brackets and for registration.

Top Storylines of the Pro Divisions at the 2026 US Open

• Anna Leigh Waters is once again back in action, playing doubles with her mother Leigh, and mixed doubles with Jay Devilliers
• Chris Haworth won singles last year in this event and is not back to defend his title
• Megan Fudge won double gold last year in singles and mixed doubles - how many gold medals will she take home in 2026?

A quick look at the Brackets

*Pickleball Den doesn’t list brackets before they start, so instead of looking at a bracket, I am just going to give my favorites in each event*

Women’s Singles

Tice’s Top Seeds: 

• Sofia Sewing
• Kat Stewart
• Seone Mendez
• Bobbi Oshiro
• Amanda Hendry
• Shannon Pretorius

Prediction: I think Seone Mendez takes home her first title at the US Open in singles

Men’s Singles

Tice’s Top Seeds: 

• Ronan Camron
• Jay Devilliers
• Max Green
• Dusty Boyer
• Ryler DeHeart

Prediction: This is by far the most wide open field at the US Open this year, which causes me to have the least confidence in this pick - Dusty Boyer wins gold

Women’s Doubles

Tice’s Top Seeds: 

• Anna Leigh Waters/Leigh Waters
• Megan Fudge/Sofia Sewing
• Roos Van Reek/Shelby Bates
• Amanda Hendry/Simone Jardim
• Kat Stewart/Bobbi Oshiro

Prediction: This one will most likely come down to Fudge/Sewing against the Waters’ - I think Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters pull off another US Open gold

Men’s Doubles

Tice’s Top Seeds: 

• Richard Livornese/Jack Munro
• Thomas Yu/Max Manthou
• Ryler DeHeart/Kyle Koszuta
• Ryan Fu/Jay Devilliers

Prediction: Ryan Fu and Jay Devilliers win gold on Saturday

 Mixed Doubles

Tice’s Top Seeds: 

• Anna Leigh Waters/Jay Devilliers
• Allison Harris/Kyle Koszuta
• Megan Fudge/Richard Livornese
• Jack Munro/Roos Van Reek
• Casey Diamond/Sofia Sewing
• Bobbi Oshiro/Randy Blanco
• Brandon Lane/Susannah Barr
• Vivian Glozman/Ryan Fu

Prediction: This is the deepest draw in the entire tournament, with my 8 top seeds listed above, the quarters and semis are going to be electric. I just don’t see anyone beating Waters and Devilliers.