Andrei Daescu's Career Ending Injury, Quitting Tennis & How Pickleball Saved His Life

Andrei Daescu was born to compete. From his early days in Bucharest, Romania, to a standout All-American tennis career at the University of Oklahoma and a pro run that saw him reach ATP #120 and represent his country in the Davis Cup, his athletic pedigree is elite.

But after a shoulder injury cut his tennis career short, pickleball gave him a "second chance" to compete.

Today, Andrei is one of the most dominant forces in the sport, sitting at #3 in the PPA men's doubles rankings. Fresh off a 2025 Major League Pickleball championship with the underdog Columbus Sliders, he joins Rick to discuss his incredible journey.

Andrei breaks down the "process over results" mindset his pro-basketball-player father instilled in him, the "chip on the shoulder" that fueled his team's underdog MLP run, and the strategic decision to step back from singles at age 37 for the sake of longevity. This is a masterclass in grit, mindset, and the fire that drives a world-class competitor.

 

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Process Over Results: Andrei credits his father, a former professional basketball player in Romania, for his healthy competitive mindset. His father demanded effort, not wins, and understood that junior sports are about development, not paychecks. This allowed Andrei to focus on the process rather than the pressure of results.

2. The Underdog MLP Champions: Andrei’s Columbus Sliders were the #15 seed going into the playoffs. He reveals that when the #2 seed (Dallas) chose to play them, it put a "chip on their shoulder" that motivated the entire team. They went on to win three dream breakers, ultimately winning the 2025 championship in Central Park.

3. The Signature Erne: Andrei breaks down his signature shot. As a 6'4" player, he says the key isn't the jump; it's the preparation. The shot before the Erne is what matters, forcing the opponent to lift the ball or dink it up the line, creating the opportunity. He says it's a shot anyone can add to their game with the right footwork.

4. A "Body Longevity" Decision: At 37, Andrei has largely stepped away from singles. He calls this a "body longevity decision," explaining that with a grueling 30-event-a-year schedule, the wear and tear is too much. He notes most top pros (outside of Federico Staksrud) are now managing their bodies the same way.

5. A Second Chance at Competing: The most significant way pickleball changed his life? It "reignited that fire" to compete. After a shoulder injury ended his pro tennis career, he felt a void. Pickleball gave him a "second chance" to have a pro-athlete career, and he's enjoying his "last ride" in professional sports.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Andrei Daescu
01:09 Early Tennis Journey in Romania
02:10 Transition to College Tennis
02:57 Parental Influence and Junior Tennis
05:56 From Tennis to Pickleball
07:17 Physical and Mental Preparation
11:22 Singles vs Doubles in Pickleball
14:46 Major League Pickleball Championship
22:25 Signature Shot and Playing Style
25:28 Future of Pickleball
29:22 Personal Life and Family
31:16 Impact of Pickleball on Life