On March 23, 2019, a significant event in pickleball history took place. The first-ever US Open Pickleball Championships, sanctioned by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), concluded on this day at the East Naples Community Park in Naples, Florida. The tournament, which began on March 17, attracted over 1,300 participants from 42 states and 7 countries, making it the largest pickleball tournament at the time.

The event featured competition in men's and women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles across various age and skill divisions. The championship matches were broadcasted live on the CBS Sports Network, marking a major milestone in the sport's growth and mainstream exposure.

In the highly anticipated men's pro singles final, young rising star Ben Johns defeated seasoned veteran Kyle Yates in a thrilling five-game match, with scores of 11-5, 3-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6. The women's pro singles final saw a dominant performance by Simone Jardim, who overcame Laura Kovanda in straight games, 11-4, 11-2, 11-6.

The success of the inaugural US Open Pickleball Championships showcased the rapid growth and increasing popularity of the sport. It also demonstrated the high level of competition and the emergence of young, talented players who would go on to shape the future of pickleball.

This event helped establish pickleball as a serious and organized sport, attracting sponsors, media attention, and a growing fan base. The US Open Pickleball Championships have since become an annual highlight on the pickleball calendar, drawing even larger numbers of participants and spectators each year.