Tennis Courts to Pickleball Glory: Andrei Daescu has surged to the top of pro pickleball in 2025, winning four gold medals in men’s doubles already this season. Competing with top partners Ben Johns and Christian Alshon, Daescu continues to make his case as the world’s best men’s doubles player.
Daescu credits his success to strong partnerships. He teamed with Ben Johns to win at the Cape Coral Open, and with Christian Alshon at the Tucson Open, Mesa Cup, and Red Rock Open. His rise began in mid-2024, when he earned four golds, two silvers, and a bronze, mostly in the season’s second half.
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From Bucharest to Oklahoma
Daescu was born and raised in Bucharest, Romania. He began playing tennis at age 6 and moved to the U.S. in 2007. He played college tennis at the University of Oklahoma and turned professional afterward.
A Tennis Career Cut Short
At his peak, Daescu reached No. 120 in the world in tennis. He competed on the ATP Challenger Tour, played in the Davis Cup for Romania, and took part in the 2015 U.S. Open. A shoulder injury ended his tennis career soon after.
Early Pickleball Pro in Florida
Daescu discovered pickleball in 2017 while teaching tennis in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He entered his first tournaments in 2018. In the early days, pro pickleball players were scattered across the country. Many now train in his area, which gives Daescu daily practice with other top players.
Proton Paddle Partnership
In 2023, Daescu met Proton Sports founder Charles Darling at a Major League Pickleball event. The meeting led to the creation of the Series One paddle, which Daescu used in 2024. He later switched to the Series Three, and now plays with the updated Series Three – Project Flamingo model.
“You either use the latest technology or you’re going to be behind,” Daescu says. “It’s a must have, and I’m glad my paddle sponsor is giving me a great chance to compete at the highest level.”
Family and Free Time
Off the court, Daescu enjoys time with his wife and two daughters, ages 6 and 4. While they sometimes play pickleball together, he says it’s too early to know if his kids will take up the sport.
“I think they should play a sport, but I’ll leave that up to them to pick what sport they want to play,” he said.
He also enjoys go-karting and spending time at the beach. A longtime Formula 1 fan, he has followed the sport since childhood. He also likes watching the NBA.
“I think those guys are ridiculous athletes, so I just enjoy watching the game,” he said.
Daescu’s Rising Impact on Pickleball
Daescu’s fast rise shows how talent, training, and teamwork can lead to success in pro pickleball. As he continues to win medals, he’s becoming one of the sport’s most respected and consistent players. With top partners and trusted equipment, his 2025 season could be just the beginning.
News in Brief: Tennis Courts to Pickleball Glory
Andrei Daescu is dominating 2025 pro pickleball with four men’s doubles gold medals. A former tennis pro from Romania, Daescu trains in Florida and plays with top partners like Ben Johns. His success comes from hard work, family support, and paddle tech from sponsor Proton Sports.
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