The 2025-26 SDA season got off to a strong start at the $30,000 Securian Financial Minnesota Open, the first large men’s event of the year and the first men’s ranking tournament ever held in Minnesota. Hosted at a multi-racquet sport facility by Adam Bews and combined with a padel event, the tournament delivered fast-paced action and high-level doubles.
Josh Hughes and Matt Henderson captured the title, marking Hughes’ first SDA Pro Tour win. Second seeds Adam Bews and Kyle Martino faced a tough quarterfinal against tour veteran Chris Walker and his partner Eddie Charlton, advancing but ultimately falling to Hughes and Henderson in the semis. Hughes and Henderson took full advantage of a shaky performance from Bews/Martino, attacking the front of the court whenever possible. While Hughes made a few errors late in the third game, he and Henderson steadied to secure the upset.
The tournament also saw a surprise run from the wildcard team of Dave Letourneau and Kelly Shannon, who defeated fourth seeds Clinton Leeuw and Jaymie Haycocks in a tight four-game quarter final. Letourneau and Shannon eventually fell to the firepower of Ashley Davies and Cameron Pilley, who impressed with aggressive shot-making and creative play. This event marked a very welcome return to the SDA for Shannon after 18 months away from the tour.
The final was a high-octane affair. Top seeds Davies and Pilley started strong, with Pilley exploiting walls and corners and Davies delivering precise reverse corners. Davies/Pilley won the first game with a four-point streak and looked dominant going into the second game. However, Hughes and Henderson responded with increased pace and intensity, closing the second game as Henderson picked up an impressive number of balls. Hughes’ power down the left wall contained Davies and provide less opportunity for Pilley. The fourth game was looked like it was possibly heading to a fifth at 11-11, but three decisive winners in the closing stages pushed them to 14-11 and ultimately a 15-13 victory, capping a thrilling finale.
The Securian Financial Minnesota Open was an outstanding first Pro event for the state. Next, the tour heads to Maryland for the Maryland Club Open, featuring both men’s and women’s draws.