Rex Tai at 2025 US Open Pickleball Championships: Rex Tai, a 14-year-old pickleball player from Jacksonville, Florida, made a big impression at the 2025 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships powered by Margaritaville. Competing in six events across multiple divisions, Rex Tai brought home gold, bronze, and plenty of attention as a rising star in the junior pickleball scene.
Standout Performances in Junior and Adult Divisions
The 2025 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships introduced a Junior Championship in tournament history, presented by JOOLA. Rex Tai had strong results right from the start. He teamed up with Indigo Dagnel to win gold in the boys’ 16-and-under doubles division.
Rex Tai also earned a bronze medal in the 16-and-under mixed doubles and followed that up with another big win—gold in the 18-and-under singles final. His consistent performance across divisions has impressed fans and players.
“Okay, so on the first day I played men’s doubles with my partner Indigo Dagnel who triple crowned. So props to him. But we got gold together in the 16U doubles final. I got bronze in 16U mixed doubles the same day and the following day after I got gold in the 18U singles final.” – (Rex)
Competing Beyond His Age Group
Rex Tai didn’t stop with junior divisions. He stepped up to play in adult brackets too. He and Indigo Dagnel took bronze in the 5.0 men’s doubles. Tai also entered the 5.0 mixed doubles and competed in a hybrid wheelchair event for the first time—showing skill and heart.
“Okay. So yesterday I competed in the 5.0 doubles with Indie again. We got bronze in 5.0 doubles. And then tomorrow I have 5.0 mixed doubles and that’s going to be a lot of fun. And then the very last day I’m gonna be playing hybrid wheelchair. So that’ll be my first ever wheelchair event. It’ll be really, really fun.” – (rex)
From Golf to Pickleball
Rex Tai’s journey into pickleball began during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was a talented golfer but discovered pickleball through his father and quickly fell in love with it.
“During COVID time, I used to be really, really good at golf, but then I just found pickleball ’cause my dad started playing. It was just so much more fun than playing golf. It was a lot more active, so much more people to play with, and it’s just such a great sport to play.” – (rex)
Celebrating the US Open Experience
For Rex Tai, playing at the US Open has been more than just a competition—it’s been a chance to be part of pickleball history. He especially appreciated that juniors could play on center court just like the pros.
“The US Open is great. I mean, there’s been so much history. All the top pros have been able to play here on center. And the fact that all the juniors are also able to play in center makes it even better. So just the community, the historic location, all the courts just makes it fantastic and amazing.” – (rex)
Looking Ahead
Rex Tai’s talent, work ethic, and love for the game have earned him attention at one of the biggest tournaments in the sport. Competing across six events and still smiling through it all, he’s proven that he’s not just a junior standout—he’s a name to remember in the future of pickleball.
News in Brief: Rex Tai at 2025 US Open Pickleball Championships
Rex Tai, a 14-year-old from Jacksonville, Florida, earned multiple medals at the 2025 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships. He won gold in boys’ 16U doubles and 18U singles, plus bronze in 16U mixed and 5.0 men’s doubles. Tai competed in six events, including his first hybrid wheelchair match.