As the excitement builds for the upcoming Minto US Open Pickleball Championships, there’s a particularly thrilling development that all professional players and avid spectators should look out for: the introduction of the progressive draw in the professional brackets. This innovative format promises to enhance both the competitive experience for athletes and viewing experience for fans.
So, what is the Progressive Draw format?
The progressive draw is a draw format that allows professional players to play one match per day of each event type. This differs from the traditional format where all matches from a bracket are completed on the same day, apart from the medal matches. The progressive draw guarantees that there will be professional singles, doubles, and mixed play throughout the week of the event. For example, on Wednesday during the US Open, you can see a singles women’s and men’s match, a doubles women’s and men’s match, and a mixed match. Winners continue to progress to the championships on Saturday.
- In the progressive draw, the pro men’s, women’s, and mixed opening matches will play on Monday.
- Pro Round of 32 matches will play on Tuesday.
- Pro Round of 16 matches take place on Wednesday.
- The Quarter Finals occur on Thursday, the Semi Finals on Friday, and Championship matches on Saturday.
For more information on the schedule of events at the 2025 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships, visit https://www.usopenpickleball.com/event-guide/schedule.
Why the Progressive Draw?
There are a few arguments in favor of the progressive draw format in pickleball. The progressive draw allows pro players and spectators to enjoy a more reliable schedule of play. This helps pro players to better plan their days and travel more efficiently while also allowing them to strategically plan in advance of their matches.
Fans will also enjoy an enhanced viewing experience thanks to the progressive draw format. Spectators will know when matches occur so they can plan in advance and watch the events and players they most want to see. Viewers will also enjoy a variety of game play with matches from each discipline taking place each day.
Watch the video below to learn more from former US Open Women’s Doubles Champion and pickleball coach Leigh Waters about the progressive draw and its benefits.
The progressive draw promises to redefine how pro players compete and how fans experience the competition at the 2025 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships. With a focus on strategic play and thrilling matchups every day, the progressive draw format is set to make this year’s event truly unforgettable. Experience the electric atmosphere at the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships April 26-May 3 in Naples, Florida. Visit https://www.usopenpickleball.com/ to learn more.
