Last updated on: September 26, 2024
Meet Andrei Daescu! He is a former pro tennis player and now a pickleball star! He has done amazing things in his career. Let’s check out his journey and achievements.
Early Life and Background
Andrei Daescu was born on August 28, 1988, in Bucharest, Romania. He loved sports from a young age. When he was six, his dad took him to local parks to learn tennis. This early start helped him compete at high levels in both tennis and pickleball.
Education and Tennis Career
Andrei’s talent in tennis helped him get a scholarship at the University of Oklahoma. There, he excelled in both school and sports. He graduated in 2010 with a degree in Human Resources Management and was named an All-American in his senior year, showing his skill and hard work.
After college, Andrei became a professional tennis player and competed for five years. He reached a ranking of 120 in the world in doubles and played for Romania in the Davis Cup. He also took part in the famous 2015 US Open, showing off his skills on a big stage. Sadly, he had to stop playing tennis in 2015 because of shoulder surgery.
Transition to Pickleball
In 2017, while living in Florida, Andrei found pickleball at the BallenIsles Country Club. Andrei Daescu likes pickleball because it has a friendly community, is fast and fun to play, keeps him active. His tennis experience helped him a lot, and soon he started playing in tournaments to show off his skills.
Achievements in Pickleball
Andrei has an impressive list of achievements:
- 2023 MLP Atlanta Champion with the Orlando Squeeze
- 2024 PPA Silver Medalist in the Mesa Open
- Total of 27 medals including 19 golds across various competitions
Andrei also made headlines for his play at the Veolia Austin Open 2024. He and his partner Anna Bright beat the top players Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters!
Net Worth
Andrei Daescu’s net worth is about $2 million. He earned this money from his successful careers in tennis and pickleball.
Equipment and Sponsors
What paddle does Andrei Daescu use?
Andrei uses the Proton Series One-Type B 11MM paddle. This paddle is good for balance and control, helping him a lot in his games. It is made for professional players and gives good touch and power when playing.
What shoes does Andrei Daescu wear?
He wears K-Swiss Men’s Hypercourt Express 2 Tennis Shoes in black and white. These shoes are super comfortable and give him good support, which is important for fast moves in pickleball.
Sponsors
Andrei is sponsored by Proton, which shows his connection to sports gear. Because of his sponsorships, he can focus on training and competing at the highest level.
Playing Style and Strategy
As a right-handed player, he has strong forehands and good backhands, which make him tough to beat on the court. He is smart in his game, often outsmarting his opponents with quick shots and fast moves.
Personal Life
Now living in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Andrei is married to Loradana and is a proud dad of two daughters, Olivia and Sienna. In his free time, he likes go-karting, playing table tennis, and watching documentaries, especially about Formula 1.
Recent Controversies
In May 2024, Andrei Daescu faced a big challenge. He was fined $50,000 and suspended because of an issue with a paddle that had an illegal substance on it. The UPA announced this punishment after he submitted the paddle for testing at a UPA event.
Andrei said the substance was meant to make the ball go faster and that he would never cheat. His acceptance of the punishment and his dedication to the sport have started conversations about honesty in professional pickleball.
Follow Andrei Daescu
Follow him on social media to stay updated!
- Instagram: @andreidaescupkl
- Twitter: @AndreiDaescuPkl
| Category | Details |
| Name | Andrei Daescu |
| Nickname | Andrei the Giant |
| Birthdate | August 28, 1988 |
| Age | 35 years old |
| Native City | Bucharest, Romania |
| Present Address | Palm Beach Gardens, FL |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (83.9 kg) |
| Education | Degree in Human Resources Management |
| University | University of Oklahoma |
| Turned Pro | 2017 |
| Plays | Right-handed |
| Marital Status | Married to Loradana |
| Children | Olivia (4 years), Sienna (2.5 years) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2 million |
| Current Partner in Pickleball | Anna Bright (Mixed Doubles) |
| Current DUPR Ratings | Doubles: 6.97, Singles: 6.62 |
| Titles Won | 27 Medals, 19 Gold |
| Paddle | Proton Series One-Type B 11MM |
| Shoes | K-Swiss Men’s Hypercourt Express 2 |
| Sponsors | Proton |
| Hobbies | Go-karting, Table Tennis, Stand-up Comedy |
| Favorite Driver | Lewis Hamilton |
| Favorite Audiobook | Maverick: More Than A Game |
| Favorite Food | Brazilian steakhouses |
| Suspension Reason | Illegal substance on paddle |
| Children Names | Olivia, Sienna |
FAQs About Andrei Daescu
1. What is Andrei Daescu’s net worth?
Andrei Daescu’s net worth is approximately $2 million. This figure is influenced by his earnings from pickleball tournaments, sponsorships, and his previous tennis career.
2. What are some of Andrei Daescu’s notable achievements in pickleball?
He has won many medals, including gold in four APP events in 2022 and the 2023 MLP Atlanta Championship. He also won a silver medal at the 2024 PPA Mesa Open.
3. Why was Daescu suspended from pickleball?
Andrei was suspended due to an incident during the MLP Atlanta event where a foreign substance was found on one of his paddles. This substance was later confirmed to be illegal, and he said it was meant to make the ball go faster.
4. What did Daescu put on his paddle?
The suspension is because an illegal substance was found on his paddle during a test at a UPA event. The UPA has not named the substance.
5. Is Andrei Daescu married?
Yes, Andrei is married to Loradana, and they have two daughters named Olivia and Sienna.
Andrei Daescu’s move from tennis to pickleball shows his hard work and commitment. With a bright future and many achievements, he inspires new players in both sports. Fans are excited to see what he will do next in pickleball!
What do you think about his journey? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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